Power and efficiency are the two most salient attributes that have carried diesel cars through the course of decades making them as popular as petrol cars. If not power, efficiency is something immensely important for the price-sensitive people of India. Automakers have delivered many impressive diesel cars over the years while evolving them when needed. If you plan to own a diesel car anytime soon, here are the best options before you.
Hatchbacks
Tata Altroz

Tata Altroz is widely popular for its powerful diesel engine and the luxury it offers for an affordable price. The 1.5L diesel engine of the hatchback is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox and produces a lucrative mileage of 25 km/l.
Tata Altroz Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L Revotroq Diesel Engine |
Power | 88.77 bhp |
Torque | 200 Nm |
Mileage | 25 km/l |
Features of Tata Altroz
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Ambient lighting
- Cruise control
- Dual front airbags
- Rear parking sensors
Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20 is one of the strongest diesel-powered contenders in the hatchback segment. The 1.5L diesel engine of this snazzy hatchback is mated with 6-speed manual transmission and delivers an appealing mileage of 25 km/l.
Hyundai i20 Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L U2 Diesel Engine |
Power | 98.63 bhp |
Torque | 240.26 Nm |
Mileage | 25 km/l |
Features of Hyundai i20
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Air purifier
- Sunroof
- LED headlamps
- Up to six airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- Electronic stability control
Hyundai i20 | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹6.91 lakhs - ₹11.40 lakhs | ₹2.84 lakhs |
Ford Figo

For years the diesel-powered Ford Figo has maintained a unique legacy and is still as dominant. The 1.5L diesel engine powers the hatchback through 5-Speed manual transmission while producing a commendable mileage of 24 km/l.
Ford Figo Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L TDCi Diesel Engine |
Power | 98.96 bhp |
Torque | 215 Nm |
Mileage | 24 km/l |
Features of Ford Figo
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Automatic headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming IRVM
- Push-button start/stop
- Up to six airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
Ford Figo | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹5.82 lakhs – ₹8.37 lakhs | ₹2.69 lakhs |
Sedans
Hyundai Verna

Hyundai’s stylish and feature-rich sedan Hyundai Verna is highly popular for its diesel engine. The 1.5L diesel engine of the compact sedan is paired with either a 6-Speed manual transmission or a 6-Speed automatic transmission and delivers a lucrative mileage of 25 km/l.
Hyundai Verna Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine |
Power | 113.42 bhp |
Torque | 250.06 Nm |
Mileage | 25 km/l |
Features of Hyundai Verna
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- Hands-free boot opening
- Sunroof
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Front parking sensors
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed alert
Hyundai Verna | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹9.28 lakhs – ₹15.25 lakhs | ₹3.50 lakhs |
Honda City

Honda’s long-standing champion Honda City is also equipped with a powerful diesel engine. The 1.5L diesel engine of Honda City is mated with 6-Speed manual transmission and delivers a pocket-friendly mileage of 24.1 km/l.
Honda City Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L i-DTEC DOHC Diesel Engine |
Power | 97.90 bhp |
Torque | 200 Nm |
Mileage | 24.1 km/l |
Features of Honda City
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Sunroof
- Ambient lighting
- Projector headlamps
- Amazon Alexa remote control
- Leatherette upholstery
- Automatic Climate Control with rear AC vents
- Cruise control
- Traction control
- ABS with EBD, and ESC
- Hill-start assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Up to 6 airbags
Honda City | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹11.16 lakhs – ₹15.11 lakhs | ₹3.58 lakhs |
Ford Aspire

Ford Aspire is a widely known diesel car for its performance, robustness, and efficiency. The 1.5L diesel engine of Ford Aspire is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and delivers an admirable mileage of 24.4 km/l.
Ford Aspire Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L TDCi Diesel Engine |
Power | 98.96 bhp |
Torque | 215 Nm |
Mileage | 24.4 km/l |
Features of Ford Aspire
- 7-inch infotainment system
- Automatic headlamps
- Auto-dimming IRVMs
- Rain sensing wipers
- Push start/stop
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
Ford Aspire | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹7.28 lakhs – ₹8.73 lakhs | ₹4.61 lakhs |
SUV
Tata Nexon

The gamechanger from the Indian automaker, Tata Nexon is revered for its powerful and efficient diesel performance. The 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine of Tata Nexon is mated with a 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed automatic transmission and delivers a mileage of 22 km/l.
Tata Nexon Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L Revotorq Turbocharged Diesel Engine |
Power | 108.50 bhp |
Torque | 260 Nm |
Mileage | 22 km/l |
Features of Tata Nexon
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Cruise control
- Digital instrument cluster
- Automatic AC with rear vents
- Rain sensing wipers
- Dual front airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- ABS with EBD and ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Tata Nexon | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹7.28 lakhs – ₹13.23 lakhs | ₹5.54 lakhs |
Hyundai Creta

The diesel powered-Hyundai Creta is one of the top-selling cars in India. The 1.5L diesel engine of Hyundai Creta is offered with either 6-Speed manual transmission or a 6-Speed torque converter automatic. The compact SUV delivers a mileage of 21 km/l.
Hyundai Creta Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L CRDi Diesel Engine |
Power | 113.42 bhp |
Torque | 250 Nm |
Mileage | 21 km/l |
Features of Hyundai Creta
- 10.25-inch infotainment system
- Power-adjustable driver seat
- Panoramic Sunroof
- 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD and ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Hyundai Creta | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹10.16 lakhs – ₹17.87 lakhs | ₹7.37 lakhs |
Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet is a strong rival for other SUVs in the segment due to its diesel engine’s performance. The 1.5L diesel engine of Kia Sonet is paired with either a 6-Speed manual transmission or 6-Speed automatic transmission. Diesel-powered Kia Sonet delivers a commendable mileage of 24.1 km/l.
Kia Sonet Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine |
Power | 113.42 bhp |
Torque | 250 Nm |
Mileage | 24.1 km/l |
Features of Kia Sonet
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Sunroof
- Automatic LED headlamps
- Cruise control
- Leatherette upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Tyre pressure monitor
- Voice commands
- ABS with EBD, and ESC·
- Up to 6 airbags
MUV
Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival, the premium MUV with its sole diesel engine has earned massive popularity in India. The 2.2L diesel engine of Kia Carnival is coupled with an 8-Speed automatic gearbox and produces a mileage of 14 km/l.
Kia Carnival Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 2.2L VGT Diesel Engine |
Power | 197.2 bhp |
Torque | 440 Nm |
Mileage | 14 km/l |
Features of Kia carnival
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Three-zone climate control
- Dual-panel sunroof
- 10.1-inch touchscreen display in the middle row
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Cornering brake control
- Hill assist
Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra Marazzo is a commendable diesel-powered MUV that offers all the needed and desired convenience. The 1.5L diesel engine of Mahindra Marazzo is paired with a 6-Speed manual transmission and produces 17.33 km/l of mileage.
Mahindra Marazzo Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | D15 1.5 Litre Diesel Engine |
Power | 120.96 bhp |
Torque | 300 Nm |
Mileage | 17.33 km/l |
Features of Mahindra Marazzo
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Automatic climate control
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
Mahindra Marazzo | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹12.30 lakhs – ₹14.43 lakhs | ₹7.79 lakhs |
Toyota Innova

The long-standing ruler of the roost Toyota Innova holds an unmatchable legacy of its powerful diesel engine performance. The 2.4L diesel engine of Toyota Innova is paired with either a 5-Speed Manual Transmission or a 6-Speed Torque converter automatic and delivers a mileage of 16 km/l.
Toyota Innova Diesel Specifications | |
Engine | 2.4L Diesel Engine |
Power | 148 bhp |
Torque | 343 Nm |
Mileage | 16 km/l |
Features of Toyota Innova
- 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Powered driver seat
- Ambient lighting
- Automatic LED headlamps
- Cruise control
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Up to 7 airbags
- Vehicle stability control
Toyota Innova | New car price (Ex Showroom) | Used car price (starting) |
₹16.82 lakhs – ₹24.99 lakhs | ₹6.90 lakhs |
Diesel cars have a huge fanbase in India. The first and foremost reason is mileage, especially on the long routes and many prefer them for their ruggedness. Most of the off-roaders you know are usually diesel-fuelled for the power and especially the torque diesel engines offer. Carmakers have delivered many revered diesel cars so far and many are in the pipeline. The above-mentioned information will help you find the best diesel car suitable for your needs.
FAQs Best Diesel Cars in India
Q. How powerful is Toyota Innova’s diesel engine?
A. The 2.4L diesel engine of Toyota Innova churns out 150 PS of power and 360 Nm of peak torque.
Q. Which are Tata’s diesel cars?
A. The diesel cars from Tata are: Altroz, Nexon, Harrier, and Safari.
Q. Which are diesel sedans in India?
A. Diesel sedans in India
- Hyundai: Verna, Aura, and Elantra
- Honda: Amaze and City
- Ford: Aspire
Q. What is the mileage of diesel Hyundai Aura?
A. The mileage of the diesel-powered Hyundai Aura is 25 km/l.
Q. Which are diesel hatchbacks in India?
A. Diesel hatchbacks in India are Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, Ford Freestyle, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
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