Most Affordable Diesel Cars
The era of diesel cars in India has shrunk dramatically since the introduction of BS6 Phase II emission norms. Major brands, including Maruti Suzuki, shuts off there fiat sourced 1.3 litre diesel engines back in 2020 itself due to the high cost of upgrading them. But here’s the thing that not every automobile manufacturer gave up. Few manufacturers like Tata, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra have kept their diesel alive which are catering to those buyers who are still in love with the strong torque and high fuel efficiency that only the diesel engines can deliver.
So, if you are planning to buy one without having a hole in your pocket, here we found top 5 most affordable diesel cars which are currently on sale in India.
1. Mahindra Bolero – The Most Affordable 7-Seater Diesel SUV
Recently facelifted, The OG Mahindra Bolero continues to dominate the entry-level diesel SUV segment. Bolero is priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom) and it delivers a solid reliability and the rugged charm that most of the rural and urban buyers both appreciates.
Key highlights:
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75 bhp, 210 Nm mHAWK75 diesel engine which is paired with 5-speed manual gearbox
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Features such as front fog lamps, 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, beige colored leatherette seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
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Practical and no-nonsense SUV who have a proven track record of durability
The Bolero might not be a fancy SUV, but it is tough enough, simple to maintain, and will always continue to be India’s go-to diesel workhorse.
2. Tata Altroz – The Only Diesel Hatchback of India
Tata has still managed to keep diesel alive even after the strict compliances of BS6 Phase-II in their premium hatchback segment with their Tata Altroz, which stands the only hatchback in India with a diesel engine option till date.
Altroz is available in Pure, Creative, and Accomplished S trims which is priced between ₹8.10 lakh and ₹10.17 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Altroz is powered by the 1.5L turbocharged Revotorq engine which produces 89 bhp of Power and 200 Nm of Torque being paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Feature highlights:
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LED headlamps and fog lamps
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16-inch alloy wheels
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Ambient-lighting, wireless-charger, and voice-assisted sunroof
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360-degree camera, automatic climate control AC, and 10.25-inch Harman Kardon touchscreen infotainment
It is considered as most fuel-efficient, refined, and offers the kind of equipment you would have expected in a most affordable diesel cars list.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo – Premium Touch to the OG Bolero.
Bolero Neo can be considered as the OG Bolero’s more urban, much more feature-loaded sibling. Bolero Neo has been priced between ₹8.49 lakh and ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and it blends a perfect mix of ruggedness with most modern comforts.
Engine and performance:
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1.5L mHAWK100 diesel engine producing 98.6 bhp of Power and 260 Nm of Torque
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5-speed manual gearbox
Key features:
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16-inch dark metallic alloy wheels in Top trims
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Leatherette Beige upholstery, rear-view camera, USB Type-C charging port in front
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Cruise-control, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
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Mahindra’s Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) available in N10(O) trim for better traction on tricky surfaces
If you want any diesel SUV that is city-friendly and still tough enough for bad roads, the Bolero Neo will definately fit in your needs.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO – Sub Compact SUV with Premium Technology
Mahindra’s XUV 3XO is the most feature-packed diesel SUV among all available options in this list. Starting from ₹8.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the MX2 variant it brings up the segment-leading features with great performance.
Engine and performance:
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1.5L turbocharged TGDI diesel engine
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115 bhp Power with 300 Nm of Torque
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6-speed manual transmission
Top features:
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ADAS Level 2 (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
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Google/Alexa connectivity, live navigation, automatic climate control
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Voice-assisted Panoromic Sunroof, Adaptive Cruise-Control, and Rear AC vents
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10 inch Touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
It is one of the most powerful and technology rich diesel compact SUVs in the country, offering a strong value for money composition.
5. Kia Sonet – Premium Diesel Sub Compact SUV
We have the Kia Sonet in the list which is the only foreign brand among this list that is still offering a diesel engine in the affordable SUV segment. It’s sister company’s Hyundai Venue is also there but the facelift of the Venue is coming in the month of November. So we haven’t considered it in the list.
Kia Sonet is priced between ₹8.98 lakh and ₹14.09 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia Sonet’s 1.5L diesel engine (shared with the Hyundai Venue) produces combined 114 bhp of Power and 250 Nm of Torque and is available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Key features:
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Level 1 ADAS and 360-degree camera with blind view monitor
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10.25-inch dual-screen setup (digital cluster + infotainment)
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Kia Connect with 70+ connected car features
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Ventilated driver and co-driver seats, 4-way powered driver’s seat, and electric sunroof
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16-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels and LED connected tail lamps
Kia Sonet combines diesel efficiency with the premium appeal which is perfect for the buyers who want comfort, style, and performance in one compact package. Kia Sonet is the SUV that every youth wishes to have.
Final Thoughts
Diesel engines have faded away from most of the lineups but these five models prove there is still a strong demand for torque-heavy and fuel-efficient cars. From the rugged Mahindra’s OG Bolero to the tech-loaded Kia’s Sonet, diesel buyers are still having some solid options under ₹15 lakh.
If you are someone who use to drive long distances, needs fuel economy, and prefers that torquey diesel pull, these cars still makes a lot of sense in 2025.