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10 Best Diesel Cars in India in 2024
Indians have always favoured diesel cars due to their high mileage and power. Given the new BS-VI compliances, diesel engines have also evolved. We have made a comprehensive list of cars to help you choose your new diesel-driven ride.
Also, it is crucial to know that having car insurance is mandatory if you plan to buy a car in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It offers financial protection against accidents, theft, traffic fines, and damage, thus safeguarding your investment.
List of the Best Diesel Cars in India in 2024
| Name of the Model | Mileage (kmpl) | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | 16.23 | Starting ₹ 13.60 Lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | 15.2 | Starting ₹ 11.25 Lakh |
| Hyundai Creta | 21.8 | Starting ₹ 10.99 Lakh |
| Kia Seltos | 20.7 | Starting ₹ 10.89 Lakh |
| Mahindra Bolero Neo Prime | 17.92 | Starting ₹ 9.98 Lakh |
| Kia Sonet | 24.08 | Starting ₹ 9.09 Lakh |
| Tata Nexon | 24.08 | Starting ₹ 8.44 Lakh |
| Hyundai i20 | 25.00 | Starting ₹ 8.05 Lakh |
| Hyundai Venue | 16.0 | Starting ₹ 7.53 Lakh |
| Tata Altroz | 23.03 | Starting ₹ 6.30 Lakh |
Top 10 Diesel Cars in India in 2024
Let’s take a look at a few options when it comes to the best diesel cars in India.
1. Mahindra Scorpio N | Starting ₹13.60 Lakh
Although the 175 PS diesel engine has an optional 4WD system, the SUV is normally driven through its rear wheels. The Scorpio N boasts an 8-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker Sony 3D surround sound system, wireless charging, cruise control, an electric sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and built-in Alexa connectivity.
It has features such as hill-hold assist, ESC, and front and back vision cameras with parking sensors.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 16.23 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 2198cc
- Seating Capacity: 7 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, Sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels.
2. Mahindra Thar | Starting ₹11.25 Lakh
Two body types are available for the off-road SUV: a fixed hard top and a convertible soft top. The AX model with gasoline power only comes with a convertible top; the other variants are available with both options.
The Thar has impressive 650mm water-wading capabilities, a 41.8-degree approach angle, a 36.8-degree departure angle, and a 27-degree rampover angle. It rests on independent double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link coil springs at the back, all supported by a ladder frame chassis.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 15.2 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 2184cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 2
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels.
3. Hyundai Creta | Starting ₹10.99 Lakh
Just a few months after its debut, the 2024 Hyundai Creta has already garnered over 80,000 reservations countrywide. The Hyundai Creta is one of the best-selling Hyundai vehicles in India after reaching the amazing milestone of selling over 10 lakh units since its launch in 2015.
Speaking of choices, you can also get one for the mode of transmission, manual or automatic.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 21.8 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1498cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, ADAS, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, 6 airbags, automatic climate control, front fog lights, alloy wheels, and a panoramic Sunroof.
4. Kia Seltos | Starting ₹10.89 Lakh
As part of their 2024 model year upgrade, Kia India has released a number of updates for the Seltos. A completely digital driver's display linked to a 10.25-inch infotainment system is a highlight of the redesigned Seltos.
New amenities like a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control have been introduced, as have toys like a Bose sound system, automated climate control, an air purifier, and ambient lighting.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 20.7 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1497cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, Sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels, and a 360-degree camera.
5. Mahindra Bolero Neo Prime | Starting ₹9.98 Lakh
The SUV competes against the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon. The Bolero Neo boasts a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, and Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 17.92 kmpl
- Ex-Showroom Price:
- Engine Displacement: 1493cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 2
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system with EBD, air conditioner, fog lights – front, and alloy wheels.
6. Kia Sonet | Starting ₹9.09 Lakh
The 2024 Kia Sonet was introduced in India on April 3, 2024. The upgraded Sonet comes with LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital instrument cluster.
The new Sonet continues its rivalry with the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger, and Nissan Magnite.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 24.08 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1497cc
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, Sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels, and a 360-degree camera.
7. TATA Nexon | Starting ₹8.44 Lakhs
The Nexon is a compact SUV from Tata Motors, one of India's most trustworthy car brands. This 5-seater SUV has a staggering 36 variants and is BS-VI compliant. It has petrol and diesel engines to choose from and two transmission modes, manual and automatic.
The Nexon also has a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display.
This is one of the best mileage diesel SUVs in India by Tata and comes in 5 color options.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 24.08 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1497cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, Sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lights front, alloy wheels, and a 360-degree camera.
8. Hyundai i20 | Starting ₹8.05 Lakh
Since its launch, this premium hatchback has been one of Indians' favourite cars. Its exterior features modern elements, such as LED projector headlamps and an electric sunroof. Additionally, the engine can produce 118 BHP and 172 Nm of torque.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 25.0 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1493cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, power windows, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels.
9. Hyundai Venue | Starting ₹7.53 Lakh
Hyundai Venue, one of the premier diesel hatchback cars in India, is available in 19 variants. It has 3 engine options and is also BS-VI compliant. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available. This SUV has a compact structure and a boot capacity of 350 litres.
There are seven available colours for you to choose from in this model.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 16.0 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 998cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Airbags: 6
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, driver airbag, passenger airbag, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels.
10. TATA Altroz | Starting ₹6.64 Lakh
This 5-seater hatchback from Tata comes with two engine options, petrol and diesel. Both these engines are BS-VI compliant and offer one mode of transmission- manual. The car offers a boot space of 345 litres. It is one of the best mileage diesel cars in India.
This vehicle is available in five distinct colour options.
Key Specifications:
- Mileage: 23.03 kmpl
- Engine Displacement: 1497cc
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Transmission: Automatic/ Manual
- Airbags: 6
- Key Features: Power steering, power windows front, anti-lock braking system, air conditioner, automatic climate control, fog lights – front, alloy wheels.
Although the options are limited, there are still plenty of diesel car options in India. So whether you are looking for better mileage or more boot space, these diesel cars have them all, making them ideal purchases for car enthusiasts.
Also, obtaining at least third-party car insurance coverage is advisable to ensure financial security in case of any unforeseen catastrophe.
FAQs about the Best Diesel Cars in India in 2024
How do diesel cars perform in terms of fuel consumption compared to petrol cars?
Therefore, diesel cars normally have higher fuel efficiency compared to petrol cars, which helps them gain popularity among frequent long-distance travelers. The high torque of diesel engines, combined with their higher mileage and highway driving performance, makes them suitable for these purposes and heavy loads.
Are diesel vehicles equipped with innovative safety tools?
Certainly, there are a number of diesel vehicles on the market in India that sport advanced safety features like ABS (anti-lock braking system), multiple airbags, ESC (electronic stability control), hill-hold assist, parking sensors at the back, etc. Safety is one of the major factors for these manufacturers, and this feature adds to the overall safety of the vehicles.
How about the acceleration and power of diesel cars? Can I expect good performance from them?
Diesel engines, without a doubt, have engine low-end torque. These characteristics give diesel cars good acceleration and power delivery irrespective of the type of driving, thus making them suitable for urban areas and highway cruising. The listed models generally have admirable power out and torque figures as these features make the drive all the more exciting.
Are diesel cars more costly to maintain?
However, diesel cars have slightly higher maintenance than petrol cars because of factors such as the complexity of diesel engines and longer service intervals which are longer. By adhering to the maintenance schedule and the due date for servicing, diesel cars can offer reliable performance and longevity.
What are the things that I should ponder over while choosing a diesel car in India?
Indian car buyers will have to consider factors like mileage, performance, seating capacity, features, safety ratings, service support, and resale value while opting for a diesel vehicle. Not only it's important to consider your driving needs, budget, and preferences to choose the diesel car that best meets your requirements and lifestyle.