The affordable diesel vehicle segment has taken a hit over the last five years, with several popular models being discontinued due to tightening emissions norms. Even so, Tata, Mahindra, Kia and Hyundai still offer a mix of body styles that make it to the list of the 10 most affordable diesel cars in India; in descending order.
10. Tata Curvv
Price: Rs 11.10 lakh-18.85 lakh
First on our list of most affordable diesel cars in India is the Tata Curvv. Under the hood sits a 1.5-litre diesel motor that develops 118hp and 260Nm. The oil burner is paired to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT automatic. What is unique to the Curvv, however, is its coupe-SUV body style and a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with the diesel engine. However, the diesel engine does tend to sound a little gravelly when pushed hard.
9. Kia Syros
Rs 10.13 lakh-15.94 lakh
The Kia Syros’ relatively premium positioning in the compact SUV segment explains its lofty price. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 116hp and 250Nm on tap. The motor can be mated to a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT. This tried-and-tested mill also does duty in the Kia Sonet and the Hyundai Venue. The Syros’ USP is its rear seats, which not only offer generous space but also get segment-only ventilation (squab only) and recline functions.
8. Mahindra Thar
Price: Rs 9.99 lakh-16.99 lakh
The three-door Mahindra Thar is available with two diesel engines. The base diesel engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 118hp and 300Nm on offer, while the second is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder with 132hp and 300Nm. Where the former is RWD only, the latter also gets 4WD. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, though the Thar 4WD version can be optioned with a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The Thar is a very focused off-roader, but despite its niche positioning, it doesn’t compromise on everyday usability too much. Features like a modern 10.25-inch touchscreen, a reverse parking camera and rear AC vents help its case.
7. Hyundai Venue
Price: Rs 9.70 lakh-15.51 lakh
The Hyundai Venue sits between the Exter and the popular Creta in Hyundai’s SUV line-up. Its diesel variant is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 116hp and 250Nm. While this motor is familiar, Hyundai has paired it with a 6-speed manual and, for the first time, an automatic gearbox option with the second-gen Venue. Performance is smooth and refined at city speeds, but the engine feels strained higher up the rev range and starts to run out of breath beyond 3,300rpm.
6. Tata Nexon
Price: Rs 9.01 lakh-14.05 lakh
The Nexon is the second Tata vehicle in this list, and it uses the same 1.5-litre diesel engine as its larger sibling, the Curvv; it produces slightly lesser power, though. In the Nexon, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill puts out 115hp and 260Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AMT. The diesel engine, with its strong mid-range torque, is in fact the best powertrain in the Nexon line-up.
5. Kia Sonet
Price: Rs 8.98 lakh-14.00 lakh
Slotted below the Syros in Kia’s SUV line-up, the Kia Sonet is the brand's other sub-four-metre SUV offering. While the engine and gearbox pairings are identical to the Syros, the Sonet’s relatively more accessible price band could soften the deal for many buyers. The Sonet’s diesel-AT combo is one of the best diesel powertrains in the sub-compact SUV space, offering a good balance of refinement and powertrain.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Price: Rs 8.95 lakh-13.43 lakh
The Mahindra XUV 3XO gets a 1.5-litre diesel motor that generates 117hp and class-best 300Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed MT or an AMT. The latter, with a starting price of Rs 10.71 lakh (ex-showroom), happens to be the most affordable diesel automatic variant in the country. The diesel engine is a very likeable unit with decent refinement, well-contained turbo lag at low speed and a nice and linear spread of power.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo
Price: Rs 8.49 lakh-10.49 lakh
Next up on our list of the most affordable diesel cars is the 7-seater Bolero Neo. A couple of aspects that set the Bolero Neo apart from its more modern sub-4-metre competitors include its ladder-frame construction and rear-wheel-drive configuration. Speaking of which, the engine in charge is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 100hp and 260Nm, tied to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Bolero Neo’s torquey three-pot helps it get off the line reasonably well, albeit at the cost of overall refinement. While not premium in any regard, it’s also not completely agrarian. It is also just one of the two vehicle on this list to offer a 7-seat configuration.
2. Tata Altroz
Price: Rs 8.10 lakh-10.17 lakh
The Tata Altroz is the only hatchback in India to offer a diesel powertrain. It is powered by a 1.5-litre oil burner that produces 90hp and 200Nm. At present, the Altroz diesel is only available with a 5-speed MT. The engine offers a good spread of power and torque, but it remains quite noisy throughout the rev band.
1. Mahindra Bolero
Rs 7.99 lakh-9.69 lakh
The venerable Mahindra Bolero is the cheapest diesel car on sale in India currently. Primarily aimed at the rural buyer, the Bolero rides atop a robust ladder-frame platform that’s built to weather almost any road condition. However, like the Bolero Neo, refinement levels aren’t as impressive and leave a lot to be desired.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre three-cylinder mill that manages a maximum output of 76hp and 210Nm, driving the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The Bolero is not offered with an automatic transmission.
PRICES MENTIONED ABOVE ARE EX-SHOWROOM.
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