In India, diesel cars have a special place due to their fuel efficiency, powerful engine performance, and better torque, making them ideal for long-distance driving, especially in rural areas and for families who travel frequently. But finding a cheap diesel car that offers great value for money, performance, and features can be a challenge. If you’re looking for an affordable diesel car but don’t want to compromise on quality or features, then this guide is for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the cheapest diesel cars in India, breaking down their features, prices, and benefits to help you make an informed choice. Whether you are a first-time car buyer or someone looking to switch to a diesel car, this guide will provide all the information you need to make the best decision.
Why Choose a Diesel Car in India?
Fuel Efficiency
Diesel engines are renowned for their fuel efficiency. Diesel cars provide better mileage compared to petrol cars, which is especially beneficial for people who drive long distances regularly. Given the rising petrol prices in India, diesel cars are a more economical choice for daily commuters.
Low Running Costs
Though diesel cars tend to be more expensive than petrol cars at the time of purchase, they usually have lower running costs. This is because diesel engines are more fuel-efficient, offering better mileage, which translates into lower fuel expenses over time.
Higher Torque and Better Performance
Diesel engines produce more torque than petrol engines, which means they have a higher pulling power. This makes them ideal for those who often drive on highways or need to carry heavy loads. The added torque also helps in driving through rough terrains and hilly areas with ease.
Durability
Diesel engines are built to last longer than petrol engines, often offering a higher engine lifespan. For long-term use, this durability means fewer repairs and longer periods between maintenance schedules.
Top 10 Cheapest Diesel Cars in India
Let’s take a deep dive into the top 10 cheapest diesel cars available in India, providing you with all the details about their price, features, mileage, and much more.
1. Kia Seltos Diesel
The Kia Seltos is one of the top-selling SUVs in India. Known for its stylish design and feature-rich interior, the Seltos offers a diesel engine that combines performance with fuel efficiency.
- Price Range: ₹11.59 Lakh to ₹16.99 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L CRDi diesel engine
- Mileage: 17-21 kmpl
Features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless charging
- Multiple airbags and ABS
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Smart parking assist and sunroof
The Kia Seltos Diesel is ideal for those who want a stylish, feature-loaded SUV that offers great mileage without compromising on safety and technology.
2. Mahindra Bolero Neo+
For those looking for a rugged and affordable SUV, the Mahindra Bolero Neo+ offers great value. This SUV is perfect for both urban and off-road driving due to its strong build and powerful diesel engine.
- Price Range: ₹9.63 Lakh to ₹11.45 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L mHawk diesel engine
- Mileage: 16-18 kmpl
Features:
- High ground clearance
- 7-inch infotainment screen
- Tough design suitable for off-road terrains
- Rear parking sensors and reverse camera
Tip: The Mahindra Bolero Neo+ is great for buyers who need a durable, no-nonsense SUV that can handle both city roads and rough terrains.
3. Mahindra Thar Diesel
If you're into adventure and off-roading, the Mahindra Thar diesel is the perfect fit for you. It's a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle with powerful off-road capabilities.
- Price Range: ₹10.54 Lakh to ₹14.34 Lakh
- Engine: 2.2L mHawk diesel engine
- Mileage: 13-15 kmpl
Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- All-wheel-drive capability
- Powerful engine with 130 BHP
- Roof options – soft top, hard top
- Multiple off-road driving modes
Quote: "For those who dream of exploring the wild, the Mahindra Thar is an affordable way to start your adventure."
4. Hyundai Venue Diesel
The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV with a diesel engine that provides excellent fuel efficiency and great tech features. Its sleek design and small footprint make it an ideal car for urban drivers.
- Price Range: ₹9.99 Lakh to ₹12.75 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L CRDi diesel engine
- Mileage: 17-19 kmpl
Features:
- Wireless charging
- Sunroof and LED headlights
- Advanced safety features
- Touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Note: The Hyundai Venue Diesel is perfect for city dwellers who want a compact SUV with good mileage and modern features.
5. Tata Nexon Diesel
The Tata Nexon is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India. Known for its robust build, excellent safety features, and fuel efficiency, the Nexon is a great value-for-money option.
- Price Range: ₹9.99 Lakh to ₹13.49 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L Revotorq diesel engine
- Mileage: 20-22 kmpl
Features:
- 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Cruise control
- Automatic climate control
The Tata Nexon Diesel offers a perfect blend of safety, performance, and low running costs.
6. Mahindra XUV300 Diesel
The Mahindra XUV300 offers a high-performance diesel engine with a premium interior and top-notch safety features. It’s perfect for those who want a compact SUV with a stylish design and powerful engine.
- Price Range: ₹9.99 Lakh to ₹13.75 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L diesel engine
- Mileage: 17-19 kmpl
Features:
- Dual-zone climate control
- 7 airbags
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Rearview camera and front parking sensors
7. Mahindra Bolero Diesel
The Mahindra Bolero is a well-established name in India’s SUV market. Known for its tough, utilitarian build, the Bolero Diesel continues to be a popular choice among buyers looking for an affordable and durable vehicle.
- Price Range: ₹9.03 Lakh to ₹9.89 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L diesel engine
- Mileage: 14-16 kmpl
Features:
- Excellent ground clearance
- Simple and easy-to-maintain design
- Spacious cabin and good boot space
Tip: The Mahindra Bolero Diesel is perfect for those who need a reliable workhorse for both rural and urban driving.
8. Kia Sonet Diesel
The Kia Sonet is another affordable diesel-powered compact SUV that combines a stylish design with modern tech and features.
- Price Range: ₹9.49 Lakh to ₹14.39 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L CRDi diesel engine
- Mileage: 19-21 kmpl
Features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Sunroof and LED headlights
- Connected car technology
- Multiple driving modes
9. Tata Altroz Diesel
The Tata Altroz is a premium hatchback with a diesel engine, offering a perfect combination of style, space, and performance.
- Price Range: ₹7.29 Lakh to ₹9.29 Lakh
- Engine: 1.5L Revotorq diesel engine
- Mileage: 23-25 kmpl
Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP
- Spacious cabin and premium interior
Remember: The Tata Altroz Diesel is one of the most fuel-efficient diesel hatchbacks in India.
10. Maruti Suzuki Dzire Diesel
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a popular compact sedan that offers a diesel engine option. Known for its comfort, efficiency, and affordable pricing, it’s a great choice for sedan lovers on a budget.
- Price Range: ₹8.15 Lakh to ₹9.83 Lakh
- Engine: 1.3L diesel engine
- Mileage: 23-24 kmpl
Features:
- Spacious boot
- Advanced infotainment system
- Great fuel economy
Also Read - 10 Benefits of Buying a Used Car
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Diesel Car for Your Budget
When you're shopping for a cheap diesel car, it’s not just about looking for the lowest price. It’s also about getting the best value for your money. Diesel cars, while cost-effective in the long run, come with a variety of factors that must be considered before making a purchase. Let’s go over these factors to help you choose the best car that fits your needs.
1. Understanding Your Daily Driving Needs
Before choosing a low-budget diesel car, consider your daily driving needs. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
- Do you drive long distances regularly? Diesel cars are ideal for long-distance commuting because of their higher mileage.
- Is your drive mostly on highways or within the city? Diesel engines perform better on highways, as they maintain consistent high-speed driving. If you’re mostly in the city with short trips, a petrol engine may suit you better.
- Do you need a car for city commutes or off-road adventures? If you need a car for off-roading or rural areas, then SUVs like Mahindra Thar or Bolero may be the right option for you.
2. Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of diesel cars is their fuel efficiency. Diesel engines are built to deliver more power per liter of fuel, which means better mileage. When comparing different cheapest diesel cars in India, it’s essential to check their official mileage ratings and real-world figures. Here’s a quick comparison of the mileage offered by some popular cars:
- Tata Nexon Diesel: Offers 20-22 kmpl, making it a great choice for long-distance travelers.
- Hyundai Venue Diesel: Delivers around 17-19 kmpl, providing an optimal balance between power and fuel savings.
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire Diesel: This sedan offers 23-24 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options for city commuters.
For drivers looking to save on fuel costs, diesel cars like these are the perfect option.
3. Engine Power and Performance
Another critical factor is the engine performance of the car. Diesel engines typically offer higher torque, which means they perform better under load and at lower RPMs, making them great for highway cruising and heavy lifting.
- Mahindra Thar Diesel offers 130 BHP with its 2.2L engine, giving you a lot of pulling power, especially for off-road adventures.
- Kia Seltos Diesel provides a solid 115 BHP, giving you a perfect mix of power and smooth driving for city and highway use.
- Tata Nexon Diesel provides 110 BHP, ensuring excellent acceleration and torque while still offering great fuel economy.
If you're someone who drives on highways or needs a car for long-distance trips, a more powerful engine may be the better choice for you.
4. Maintenance and Service Costs
Another important aspect to consider when buying a diesel car in India is maintenance costs. Diesel engines are generally more durable and offer better longevity, but they can sometimes have higher maintenance costs than petrol engines. For example:
- Oil changes and other regular maintenance for diesel engines may be costlier.
- Diesel engines tend to develop carbon deposits, so it's crucial to ensure proper servicing at authorized centers to avoid unnecessary repairs.
Look for cars that have low maintenance and servicing costs and that are supported by a wide network of service centers. Brands like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are known for their low-cost maintenance, so consider them if long-term service costs are a concern.
5. Safety Features
Safety is a priority for every car buyer, especially when considering a low-budget diesel car. Luckily, many affordable diesel cars in India come with excellent safety features. Look for cars that offer features like:
- Multiple airbags: These provide enhanced protection in case of accidents.
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Helps in maintaining control of the car during emergency braking.
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control): Prevents skidding or sliding on slippery surfaces.
- Rearview cameras and parking sensors: Useful for easier parking and avoiding minor accidents.
For example, the Tata Nexon Diesel and Mahindra XUV300 are equipped with advanced safety features and have a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
Choosing the Right Variant of Your Diesel Car
When selecting your cheapest diesel car, keep in mind that many of these cars come in multiple variants. While the base variants are more affordable, they might not come with certain features that could be essential for you. Here are some tips for choosing the right variant:
Basic or Top-End Variant?
- If you are on a tight budget, the base variant may be the best option for you. However, this might lack features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, or alloy wheels.
- If you can stretch your budget a bit more, consider a mid-range variant that offers a good balance of features like a better infotainment system, alloy wheels, and automatic climate control.
Automatic vs. Manual Transmission
Diesel cars are available in both manual and automatic transmissions. The manual transmission is more fuel-efficient and cheaper to maintain, making it a great choice for drivers who prefer more control over the vehicle. On the other hand, automatic transmission makes driving easier, especially in heavy traffic.
For example, the Kia Seltos Diesel is available in both manual and automatic versions, and the Hyundai Venue Diesel also offers both options.
Government Regulations and Diesel Vehicle Restrictions
It's important to consider that there are specific government regulations surrounding diesel vehicles, especially in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Many of these cities have implemented BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission standards, which means that older diesel vehicles (BS4) might be phased out in the future.
Delhi-NCR Diesel Vehicle Ban
In places like Delhi-NCR, where pollution levels are high, the government has implemented policies to restrict older diesel cars (particularly BS4) from entering specific zones. So, when purchasing a diesel car, make sure to check if the car is compliant with the BS6 emission norms to ensure it remains future-proof.
Pros and Cons of Buying Diesel Cars in India
Pros:
- Better Mileage: Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient, which is a huge benefit with rising fuel prices.
- Longer Engine Life: Diesel engines generally last longer than petrol engines, especially when maintained well.
- High Torque: Diesel engines provide better performance, especially in hilly areas and for carrying heavy loads.
- Better Resale Value: Diesel cars often maintain a better resale value than their petrol counterparts.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: Diesel cars are typically more expensive than petrol cars.
- Higher Maintenance Costs: Diesel engines require more maintenance and tend to have higher repair costs compared to petrol engines.
- Environmental Concerns: Diesel cars emit more CO2 and other pollutants than petrol cars, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Government Regulations: In some cities, diesel cars face restrictions, which may impact their usability in the future.
FAQS
1. What are the cheapest diesel cars in India?
The cheapest diesel cars in India include options like:
- Tata Altroz Diesel
- Mahindra Bolero Neo+
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire Diesel
- Kia Sonet Diesel
- Hyundai Venue Diesel
These cars are affordable and offer good mileage and performance at a low price.
2. Why should I buy a diesel car instead of a petrol car?
Diesel cars are great for long trips because they:
- Save fuel: Diesel engines give better mileage than petrol engines, so you can drive longer without needing to fill up.
- Are powerful: Diesel engines provide more strength and are better for hilly or rough areas.
- Are cheaper to maintain in the long run: Diesel engines tend to last longer and require less maintenance over time.
3. Are diesel cars cheaper to maintain?
Diesel cars can be cheaper in the long run but might have higher maintenance costs in the beginning compared to petrol cars. The main reason is that diesel engines last longer, but parts like the exhaust system might need extra care. However, their fuel efficiency helps you save money over time.
4. How much mileage can I expect from a cheap diesel car?
On average, you can expect these cheap diesel cars to give:
- Tata Nexon Diesel: 20-22 kmpl
- Hyundai Venue Diesel: 17-19 kmpl
- Kia Sonet Diesel: 19-21 kmpl
The mileage depends on factors like driving conditions and car maintenance.
5. Are diesel cars good for city driving?
Diesel cars are best for long drives or highways due to their higher torque and mileage. But you can still drive them in the city. Some cars like the Tata Nexon Diesel and Hyundai Venue Diesel work well for city driving too because they offer a comfortable ride with good fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
When it comes to the cheapest diesel cars in India, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering its own set of advantages. Whether you're looking for an SUV like the Mahindra Bolero Neo+, a stylish compact like the Hyundai Venue, or a fuel-efficient hatchback like the Tata Altroz, there’s something for every budget. Be sure to consider factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and long-term value when making your choice.
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