Tata Nexon price, Mahindra Thar, Bolero, diesel, BS6 norms

We bring you a list of 10 most affordable diesel-powered cars you can buy.

The updated Bharat Stage 6 Phase 2 emissions norms, also known as Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms, came into effect from April 1. Many manufacturers ditched diesel engines in the process as modifying them to comply with the latest emissions norms is expensive. However, there are many diesel cars and SUVs that soldier on in the market.

Diesel engines remain one of the most frugal powertrains in the market and are great for buyers who cover long distances regularly. We have compiled a list of the most affordable diesel cars and SUVs that are still on sale in India:

1. Tata Altroz

Price: Rs 8 lakh-Rs 10.40 lakh

Starting with the most affordable option and the only hatchback on this list, the Tata Altroz gets a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It produces 90hp and 200Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Altroz has an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 23.64kpl, and is a good-looking hatchback with a practical and feature-laden cabin. Furthermore, it is the only diesel-powered hatchback remaining in the country. 

2. Mahindra Bolero Neo

Price: Rs 9.62 lakh-Rs 12.14 lakh

Moving on to SUVs, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is possibly the closest option in the market to a non 4×4 yet quintessential SUV. Powering it is a 100hp, 260Nm, 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox that delivers power to the rear wheels. The fuel efficiency figure of the Bolero Neo post its BS6 Phase 2 update is not available as of now. While the Bolero Neo doesn’t offer the sophistication of a conventional urban SUV, it does have a toughness that others don’t offer at this price point. 

3. Mahindra Bolero

Price: Rs 9.78 lakh-Rs 10.79 lakh

Pegged as one of India’s bestselling utility vehicles, the rugged Mahindra Bolero has been on sale for more than two decades. Under the hood, it gets a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-diesel developing just 76hp and 210Nm of torque. Like the Bolero Neo, it is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. The Bolero’s updated fuel efficiency figures are not available currently.

4. Mahindra XUV300

Price: Rs 9.90 lakh-Rs 14.60 lakh

Moving on to the XUV300 – the third Mahindra on this list – that gets a 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual or an AMT gearbox, and like other Mahindra models in this list, the updated fuel efficiency figure of the XUV300 diesel is not available yet. The compact SUV’s diesel engine may not be the quietest of the lot, but it is smooth and delivers power in a linear manner. It is also only one of the two compact SUVs in the market with a 5-star Global NCAP rating.

5. Kia Sonet 

Price: Rs 9.95 lakh-Rs 14.89 lakh

The Kia Sonet is one of the most popular models in the compact SUV space and is offered with a choice of three engines – a petrol, a turbo-petrol and a turbo-diesel. Despite being pricey, the pick of the range would be the 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel coupled with the 6-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel can also be paired with a 6-speed iMT gearbox. Like most other vehicles on this list, the updated fuel efficiency figure of the Sonet diesel is currently unavailable. While the Sonet is a great buy, one of its biggest caveats is the lack of space for rear passengers. Also, it is the only compact SUV with a diesel automatic powertrain. 

6. Tata Nexon

Price: Rs 10 lakh-Rs 13.70 lakh

Like the Sonet, the Tata Nexon is also a popular choice in its segment, so much so that it was India’s bestselling SUV in 2022. One of the reasons for the Nexon’s popularity could be its 5-star Global NCAP rating, albeit according to the older protocol. In addition to a turbo-petrol engine, the Nexon also gets a 115hp, 260Nm, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The manual Nexon diesel returns a fuel efficiency of 23.22kpl, while the diesel AMT returns 24.07kpl (ARAI-certified). Like the XUV300, it also gets a choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT gearbox. The Nexon diesel is adequate for average town use, but can be a bit jerky with on-off throttle applications.

7. Hyundai Venue 

Price: Rs 10.46 lakh-Rs 13.14 lakh

A cousin of the Sonet, the Hyundai Venue shares the same underpinnings and powertrains, with its own distinctive styling. The Venue caters to a broad spectrum of buyers with multiple powertrain options. The 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine churns out 116hp and 250Nm of torque, however, unlike the Sonet, it is only mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The updated fuel efficiency figure of the Venue is also currently unavailable. The Venue diesel engine is smooth and refined at idle speeds with power delivery concentrated lower down in the rev range. 

8. Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs 11.96 lakh-Rs 19.20 lakh

The lack of diesel engines is more apparent in midsize SUVs. The Creta, along with the Kia Seltos, are the only two models that offer a diesel powertrain. The Creta uses the same 116hp, 250Nm 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the Venue, Sonet and Seltos, and gets the option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Like all its siblings, the updated fuel efficiency figure of the Creta have not yet been revealed. The Creta diesel may not be the most exciting to drive, but it does deliver a smooth and refined drive along with a feature-laden interior.

9. Mahindra Thar

Price: Rs 12.04 lakh-Rs 14.49 lakh

The only true-blue off-roader in this list, the Thar is available with a choice of two diesel engines – a 118hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 132hp, 300Nm, 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. While both are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the latter also gets a choice of a 6-speed automatic. The Thar 1.5 comes with rear-wheel drive and the Thar 2.2 comes with four-wheel drive. Like most other models on this list, the updated fuel efficiency of the Thar is currently unavailable. The Thar is not as easy to drive, practical or comfortable as a similarly priced compact or midsize SUV, thus making it a committed choice as a lifestyle vehicle.

10. Kia Seltos

Price: Rs 12.39 lakh-Rs 19.65 lakh

Like its Hyundai sibling, the Seltos also gets a choice of multiple powertrains. It shares the same 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, but unlike the Creta, it gets two gearbox choices – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed iMT. The Seltos’ diesel engine is remarkably refined and has low noise, harshness and vibrations (NVH) levels. Needless to mention, the updated fuel efficiency figures of the Seltos are yet to be announced.

Also see:

10 most affordable SUVs on sale in India

Top 10 EVs with the longest claimed range in India