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Best Diesel Cars in India

By - Patrick Nazareth
January 16, 2024

Why are diesel cars sought after and in demand even today? If you are an individual who loves responsive, powerful cars, drives a lot on a regular basis or needs to transport a lot of cargo regularly, you will appreciate a diesel car. That is because diesel cars offer higher levels of torque compared to their counterparts while celebrating the virtues of fuel efficiency. The icing on the cake is the relatively low price of diesel fuel which makes trips to the fuel pumps less painful on your wallet. When you factor in the lower maintenance diesel requires as compared to their petrol counterparts, we understand their attractiveness in people’s eyes. The deep throaty growl of diesel cars when you ask them to deliver a surge in power is a seductive sound and is part of the charm of owning one. If you’re in the market for a capable modern diesel car, our list of the best diesel cars in India should help you narrow down your options.

Cars

Fuel Type

ARAI

Price

Tata Altroz

1.5 Ltr Turbo Diesel

23.64 kmpl

Rs. 6.59 - 10.73 Lakh

Kia Sonet

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel MT

24.10 kmpl

Rs. 7.79 - 14.89 Lakh

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel AT

19 kmpl

Tata Nexon

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel MT

23.23 kmpl

Rs. 8.09 - 15.49 Lakh

1.5 Ltr diesel AT

24.08 kmpl

Mahindra Bolero Neo

1.5 Ltr diesel MT

17.29 kmpl

Rs. 9.62 - 12.14 Lakh

Hyundai Creta

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel MT

21.35 kmpl

Rs. 10.87 - 19.20 Lakh

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel TC

18.46 kmpl

Kia Seltos

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel ACMT

20.7 kmpl

Rs. 10.89 - 20.29 Lakh

1.5 Ltr turbo diesel TC

19.10 kmpl

Mahindra Scorpio-N

2.2 Ltr turbo diesel MT

18.5 kmpl

Rs. 13.25 - 17.05 Lakh

Tata Harrier

2.6 Ltr turbo diesel MT

17 kmpl

Rs. 15.19 - 24.26 Lakh

Toyota Innova Crysta

2.4 Ltr diesel

15.1 kmpl

Rs. 19.99 - 26.05 Lakh

Toyota Fortuner

2.8 Ltr turbo Diesel

14.6 kmpl

Rs. 32.99 - 50.74 Lakh

2.8 Ltr turbo Diesel TC

14.4 kmpl

Tata Altroz

best-mileage-cars
Spinny assured Tata Altroz

The Tata Altroz is a standout hatchback that brings a refreshing blend of style, safety, and practicality to the segment. The Altroz diesel cars excel in safety, with a strong build quality and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Altroz is powered by a 1.5 L Revotorq four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, shared with the Nexon, but slightly detuned for this application. It produces 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. The diesel engine provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The level of control on offer and the comfortable ride will bring a smile to your face. The reduced power enhances efficiency and matches the five-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to its tall gearing and wide powerband, you won’t need to shift gears frequently. Also, the light clutch, responsive brakes, and the stability of the vehicle’s platform ensure that you will enjoy the experience of driving the car whether in the city or on the highways.

Tata Altroz Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5 Ltr Diesel
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Mileage: 23.64 kmpl
  • Airbags: 2
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Body Type: Hatchback

Kia Sonet

Spinny Assured Kia Sonet
Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet offers the things Kia is known for: great style, smart design, and a good driving experience, but at a more budget-friendly price. The Sonet diesel cars have the signature Tiger Nose grille, giving it a sporty look. The Sonet handles well, with precise steering and comfortable ride quality, though it can get a bit noisy on rough roads.

Kia provides two versions of its 1.5-liter diesel engine, one with 100 PS and 240 Nm paired with a smooth six-speed manual gearbox, and the other with 115 PS and 250 Nm, available with a six-speed torque-converter automatic. The manual has a short throw and a light clutch though we would recommend the automatic for its higher state of tune.

Kia Sonet Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5 Ltr turbo diesel 
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 24.10 kmpl/ 19 kmpl
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Body Type: SUV

Tata Nexon

Spinny Assured Tata Nexon
Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon has received a facelift that has transformed it into one of the most eye-catching compact SUVs on the road. A 5 star GNCAP rating only enhances its appeal. 

The 1.5-liter diesel engine, with 110 PS and 260 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual, provides a laid-back driving experience, with noticeable lag below 1500 RPM. Push it past that point, and the surge of power that comes in due to the torque makes your highway runs a delight. The manual transmission is user-friendly, and the clutch is light, making it very manageable in traffic. The Eco mode in the automatic is a little sluggish as it prioritises fuel efficiency. The City mode sees the Nexon diesel cars get more responsive and the engine revs nicely. The response time and the engine pull gets a lot more responsive in the Sport mode which is guaranteed to leave you smiling.

Tata Nexon Specifications

  • Engine:  1.5 Ltr turbo diesel MT/ 1.5 Ltr diesel AT
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 23.23 kmpl/ 24.08 kmpl
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Body Type: SUV

Mahindra Bolero Neo

Mahindra Bolero Neo
Mahindra Bolero Neo

The Bolero Neo sports a more sophisticated and stylish exterior design that aligns with the classic Bolero’s aesthetics. It handles rough roads and challenging terrain with ease, thanks to its third-generation body-on-frame construction and robust suspension system.

Under the hood, the Bolero Neo diesel cars are powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It produces 100 PS, while torque has increased to 260 Nm. The engine’s performance may seem restrained in terms of revving, and the power band is relatively narrow by modern standards. However, it offers a substantial amount of usable torque right from idle. This characteristic not only enhances its load-carrying capacity but also makes the SUV feel responsive in various driving situations. The gearing is well-matched to maximise the torque band on offer, and the light clutch action minimises the need for frequent gear changes.

Mahindra Bolero Neo Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5 Ltr diesel 
  • Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
  • Mileage: 17.29 kmpl
  • Airbags: 2
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Body Type: SUV

Hyundai Creta

Spinny Assured Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta took the market by storm when first launched in the midsize SUV category and has remained a serious contender ever since. It’s powerful road presence, extensive feature list, range of transmissions and fuel efficient engines make it a winner whether on the highways or city commutes.

The Creta diesel cars come with a 1.5-liter diesel engine delivering 117 PS and 250 Nm. While its output is slightly lower than the previous BS4-compliant 1.6-liter diesel, it offers a smooth and refined driving experience, with a light clutch and gear-shift action, along with minimal noise levels, making it a desirable choice for many.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5 Ltr turbo diesel
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 21.35 kmpl/ 18.46 kmpl
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Body Type: SUV

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos has undergone a significant facelift, resulting in a more striking appearance. Safety is enhanced by the addition of an ADAS suite. The Seltos’ ride quality remains its strong suit, offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Under the hood, the Seltos diesel cars are equipped with a 117 PS/250 Nm 1.5-liter diesel engine known for its refinement and commendable performance. The engine delivers power in a linear and user-friendly manner, and its tractability allows the driver the ability to drive without downshifting much. It is married to a smooth 6-speed gearbox and well-weighted clutch. The diesel-automatic drivetrain provides smooth and hassle-free driving, also allowing a large distance to be covered without refuelling thanks to the large tank capacity.

Kia Seltos Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5 Ltr turbo diesel ACMT/ 1.5 Ltr turbo diesel TC
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Body Type: SUV

Mahindra Scorpio-N

Mahindra Scorpio-N front
Mahindra Scorpio-N front

The new Scorpio-N is a premium SUV loaded with a plethora of features that enhance its overall appeal and bring sophistication to its design. Built on the same platform as the Thar, the Scorpio-N surprises with its agile handling, more in line with a small car than an SUV. It comes with a five star GNCAP rating.

The Scorpio-N diesel cars are equipped with the new line of mHawk diesel engines, available in various configurations, including manual and automatic transmissions as well as 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. The 2.2-liter diesel engine produces 177 PS and 400 Nm, with slightly lower torque outputs in the manual versions. The diesel engine is well-suited to the Scorpio-N, offering a gentle throttle response off the line and a substantial mid-range torque reserve.

Mahindra Scorpio-N Specifications

  • Engine: 2.2 Ltr turbo diesel
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 18.5 kmpl
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Body Type: SUV

Tata Harrier

Spinny Assured Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier

The new Tata Harrier has an imposing road presence. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof which makes the interior more airy and spacious. 

The Harrier diesel cars have upgraded their 2.0-liter Fiat-sourced 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine to meet BS VI emission standards. The power output of the engine has been increased to 170 PS, while the torque output remains at 350 Nm. 

The automatic gearbox is a delight, smoothly upshifting and yet quickly downshifting to deliver power while overtaking other vehicles. It’s particularly suitable for city driving and effortless highway cruising.

With the manual gearbox, the Harrier feels livelier, benefiting from the substantial low-end torque that allows it to handle most city conditions in second gear. The powerband is wide, making overtaking and highway driving a breeze. Tata has worked on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels, resulting in a quieter cabin.

Tata Harrier Specifications

  • Engine: 2.0 Ltr diesel
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 14.6 kmpl (AT)/ 16.35 kmpl (MT)
  • Airbags: 6
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Body Type: SUV

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Innova Crysta
Toyota Innova Crysta

The 2023 Toyota Innova Crysta exhibits a more SUV-like posture with minor alterations to the front fascia, including a smaller grille and revised fog lamp housing.

Toyota Innova Crysta diesel cars have a 2.4-liter engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, produces 152 PS and 343 Nm of torque. However, when paired with the automatic gearbox, Toyota has managed to increase the torque on offer to 360 Nm. The 2.4-liter engine gives improved refinement at low revs, raising the comfort levels in the cabin, particularly during cruising. The 2.4 AT variant also offers a generous amount of power at lower and medium engine speeds which makes handling in traffic so much easier. NVH levels on offer have reduced to a significant degree, thanks to Toyota’s new BS6 engines and efficient insulation. This in turn contributes to a comfortable and peaceful  driving experience. The automatic variant performs better during cruising, making it suitable for both city and highway driving within its operational limits. The Toyota Innova Crysta handles beautifully and processes power in a smooth, linear and stress free manner that raises the comfort levels of the cabin even more.

Toyota Innova Crysta Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4 Ltr diesel
  • Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
  • Mileage: 15.1 kmpl
  • Airbags: 7
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 7-8
  • Body Type: MUV

Toyota Fortuner

Spinny Assured Toyota Fortuner silver
Toyota Fortuner

The new Toyota Fortuner has undergone updates both inside and out, enhancing its classic off-road feel and handling.  

One of the most significant mechanical changes to the diesel cars is the updated 207 PS engine, now generating 500 Nm of torque. This boost in power is achieved through a more potent variable nozzle turbo controlled by an electric motor. The engine now delivers a substantial surge of torque from as low as 1,600 RPM. Like the Innova, the new BS6 engines feel more refined, with reduced NVH levels and a smooth feel while cruising. The engine does begin to make itself heard during high speeds but again, is far less noisier than its previous iteration.

Moreover, the engine is more responsive, and Toyota has introduced an additional drive mode, bringing the total to three – Eco, Normal, and Sport. These modes contribute to a more modern and dynamic driving experience, further enhancing the Fortuner’s appeal.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications

  • Engine: 2.4 Ltr Diesel
  • Transmission: 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
  • Mileage: 8 kmpl
  • Airbags: 7
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Seating Capacity: 7
  • Body Type: SUV

Summary

Diesel cars will always retain their importance in the automotive industry. This is because they are fuel efficient, yet economical whether in the city or on the highways. The high torque on offer is irresistible to the commercial and industrial segments in particular, since heavy loads need to be transported over long distances. For the normal consumer, the torque of diesel cars enables them to enjoy the acceleration and pull of a powerful engine at their disposal. The diesel cars tend to be well built, rugged vehicles ensuring their longevity and reliability. If power, dependability and fuel efficiency is on your wishlist, we would firmly encourage you to take a test drive of a diesel car. Any one of the diesel cars listed above will prove to be a great addition to your garage and will drive you well in years to come.

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