Top diesel cars in India: Check out all the options

Long drives are best enjoyed when you are behind the wheel of a capable and efficient car. When we say long drive, it means good top-end performance for highway cruising. And that’s one of the main advantages of a diesel vehicle. They offer excellent top-end performance and also return good fuel economy. They are the perfect choice if you are looking for a car for long-distance driving. Read ahead as we bring you the list of the best diesel cars in India.

Top diesel cars in India

Diesel cars are popular in India as they return a better fuel efficiency than their petrol counterparts. Moreover, diesel vehicles are also ideal for long-distance driving. They offer better high-end performance, which is required if you are cruising on an expressway.

Below are some of the top diesel cars in India based on price, performance and mileage.

*Automotive Research Association of India

Below are more details and specifications of the best diesel cars available in India.

1. Tata Altroz

Price: Rs. 7.19 lakhs to Rs. 9.69 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the diesel engine-powered Tata Altroz.

Reasons to buy a Tata Altroz

• Tata Altroz is a premium hatchback from the stable of Tata Motors.

• The hatchback features a premium exterior design based on the Impact 2.0 design philosophy.

• The cockpit-inspired interior gets all the bells and whistles.

• It is also one of the safest cars in India, with a 5-star Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety rating.

• The diesel engine delivers a peppy performance and returns an excellent fuel economy.

2. Hyundai i20

Price: Rs. 8.28 lakhs to Rs. 10.83 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the Hyundai i20 diesel.

Reasons to buy a Hyundai i20

• Hyundai i20 is a premium hatchback loaded with features.

• One of the prominent highlights of the hatchback is its sporty exterior design.

• The i20 gets a premium interior with all the creature comfort features, including an electric sunroof, connected tech, etc.

• The hatchback gets all the essential safety features.

• The diesel engine is powerful for a hatchback and comes mated to a manual gearbox.

3. Kia Sonet

Price: Rs. 8.65 lakhs to Rs. 13.69 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the diesel variant of the Kia Sonet.

Reasons to buy a Kia Sonet

• The Kia Sonet is a feature-loaded compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

• It features an elegant exterior design with signature Kia design elements such as the tiger-nose grille.

• The compact SUV gets a premium dual-tone interior loaded to the brim in terms of features.

• The Sonet comes with advanced safety features.

• The diesel engine offers adequate performance and decent fuel economy.

4. Hyundai Venue

Price: Rs. 9.56 lakhs to Rs. 11.84 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of Hyundai Venue diesel.

Reasons to buy a Hyundai Venue

• Hyundai Venue is one of the most popular compact SUVs in India.

• It features Hyundai's new design language with sporty design elements.

• The cabin offers ample space for the rear passengers and comes loaded with creature comfort and tech features.

• The Venue gets all the necessary safety equipment to keep you safe on the road.

• The diesel engine comes mated to a manual gearbox.

5. Tata Nexon

Price: Rs. 9.69 lakhs to Rs. 13.34 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of Tata Nexon.

Reasons to buy a Tata Nexon

• Tata Nexon is Tata Motors’ offering in the compact SUV segment.

• It sports a unique exterior design with a coupe-inspired aerodynamic shape.

• The interior gets a three-tone finish and comes loaded with premium features.

• The Nexon is one of the safest compact SUVs in India and comes with all the essential safety equipment.

• The diesel engine offers peppy performance and comes mated to a manual or an AMT gearbox.

6. Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs. 10.70 lakhs to Rs. 17.85 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the diesel version of the Hyundai Creta.

Reasons to buy a Hyundai Creta

• The Hyundai Creta is one of the best-selling mid-size SUVs in India.

• It features Hyundai’s signature design elements such as the cascading front grille, unique headlamp design, etc.

• The Creta gets an elegant, premium and sophisticated interior loaded with a ton of creature comfort and connectivity features.

• On the safety front, the SUV gets all the required safety features.

• The diesel engine is available with a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox.

7. Kia Seltos

Price: Rs. 10.75 lakhs to Rs. 18.19 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the Kia Seltos diesel.

Reasons to buy a Kia Seltos

• The Kia Seltos is one of the feature-rich mid-size SUVs in India.

• It features an aggressive and sharp exterior with premium design elements.

• It gets a modern and sophisticated interior loaded with creature comfort features and connected car technology.

• It also comes with advanced safety features such as Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

• The diesel variant is available in both manual and automatic trims.

8. Hyundai Verna

Price: Rs. 10.92 lakhs to Rs. 15.36 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the diesel version of the Hyundai Verna.

Reasons to buy a Hyundai Verna

• The Hyundai Verna is a mid-size sedan that sells in good numbers in the Indian market.

• The sedan's exterior features a bold and modern design with chrome treatment on the front end.

• The Verna features a dual-one interior with all the creature comfort features, connected car technology and other premium features.

• The sedan comes with all the necessary safety equipment, including Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

• The diesel engine is fuel-efficient and delivers good performance.

9. Honda City

Price: Rs. 12.83 lakhs to Rs. 15.18 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the Honda City.

Reasons to buy a Honda City

• The Honda City is one of the best-selling cars in the mid-size sedan segment.

• The City features a sporty exterior design with sleek headlamps, chrome grille, etc.

• The interior is premium and comes with leather seat upholstery and other creature comfort features.

• The sedan also gets advanced driver assistance features.

• The diesel engine comes mated to a manual transmission.

10. Mahindra Scorpio

Price: Rs. 13.18 lakhs to Rs. 18.14 lakhs

Key specifications

Refer to the below table for the specifications of the Mahindra Scorpio.

Reasons to buy a Mahindra Scorpio

• The Mahindra Scorpio is one of the most popular SUVs in India.

• It sports a rugged and muscular exterior with premium design elements such as a chrome grille, LED DRLs, etc.

• The interior is spacious enough to accommodate 7 to 9 people and has all the essential features.

• The SUV also gets the mandatory safety equipment.

• The prominent highlight of the Scorpio is its capable diesel engine.

11. Mahindra XUV700

Price: Rs. 13.47 lakhs to Rs. 23.79 lakhs

Key specifications

The below table denotes the specifications of the Mahindra XUV700.

Reasons to buy a Mahindra XUV700

• The XUV700 is a mid-size SUV that replaces the popular XUV500.

• The exterior features an all-new design with a bold front grille, LED DRLs, etc.

• It comes with a luxurious interior loaded with all the bells and whistles required for a comfortable drive.

• The XUV700 also gets advanced driver assistance features.

• The powerful diesel engine makes highway cruising a breeze.

12. Tata Harrier

Price: Rs. 14.49 lakhs to Rs. 21.34 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the Tata Harrier.

Reasons to buy a Tata Harrier

• The Harrier is a mid-size SUV from Tata Motors.

• It features a striking exterior design with sharp lines and a unique front end design.

• The interior layout is elegant with soft-touch materials and a host of premium features.

• Tata Harrier is loaded with all the safety features for a worry-free drive.

• The diesel engine packs a punch and also returns decent fuel economy.

13. MG Hector

Price: Rs. 15.48 lakhs to Rs. 19.90 lakhs

Key specifications

You can find the key specifications of the MG Hector in the table below.

Reasons to buy a MG Hector

• The Hector is a 5-seater mid-size SUV from the stable of MG Motor.

• The Hector is one of the most technologically advanced mid-size SUVs in India.

• It features bulbous body proportions and has a commendable road presence.

• The interior is all about luxury and technology with its tablet-like infotainment system and connected car technology.

• It also comes with advanced safety features such as TPMS, etc.

• The capable diesel engine makes for an enjoyable driving experience.

14. Hyundai Alcazar

Price: Rs. 16.75 lakhs to Rs. 20.14 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the specifications of the Hyundai Alcazar.

Reasons to buy a Hyundai Alcazar

• The Alcazar is a mid-size 6/7-seater SUV from Hyundai.

• The exterior sports premium design elements like cascading grille, sporty alloy wheels, etc.

• The interior is spacious and luxurious, with a host of premium features.

• The SUV comes with essential safety equipment, including a Blind View Monitor.

• It is available with a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox.

15. Toyota Innova Crysta

Price: Rs. 18.18 lakhs to Rs. 25.32 lakhs

Key specifications

You can refer to the table below for the key specifications of the Toyota Innova Crysta.

Reasons to buy a Toyota Innova Crysta

• The Toyota Innova Crysta is one of the popular MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) in India.

• It sports a bold exterior with a dominant front grille, sleek headlamps and sporty alloy wheels.

• It comes with a spacious and luxurious cabin with captain second-row seats for the 7-seater model.

• The Innova Crysta is a safe MPV with advanced safety features.

• The diesel engine has enough grunt to keep you engaged behind the wheel.

16. Toyota Fortuner

Price: Rs. 33.89 lakhs to Rs. 43.43 lakhs

Key specifications

Below are the key specifications of the Toyota Fortuner.

Reasons to buy a Toyota Fortuner

• The Fortuner is one of the most popular full-size SUVs in India.

• It features a sporty exterior design despite being a large SUV.

• The cabin offers a high driving position and is loaded with creature comfort features.

• The party trick of the SUV is its off-road performance, especially on the 4WD variants.

• The powerful diesel engine makes cruising and off-roading a piece of cake.

Note:

• All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi) subject to changes.

• The prices mentioned in this article are of diesel variants.

• Fuel efficiency figures are as of ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) rating.

Best diesel SUVs in India

Below is the list of best diesel SUVs available in India.

• Hyundai Venue

• Tata Nexon

• Hyundai Creta

• Kia Seltos

• Tata Harrier

• Mahindra XUV700

• Hyundai Alcazar

• MG Hector

• Toyota Fortuner

Diesel sedan cars in India

Here are the best diesel sedan cars available in the Indian market.

• Hyundai Aura

• Honda Amaze

• Hyundai Verna

• Honda City

• Hyundai Elantra

Diesel hatchback cars in India

Below are some of the best diesel hatchback cars in India.

• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

• Tata Altroz

• Hyundai i20

7 Seater diesel cars in India

Below is a list of the best 7-seater diesel cars in India.

• Mahindra Scorpio

• Tata Safari

• Mahindra XUV700

• MG Hector Plus

• Hyundai Alcazar

• Toyota Fortuner

• Toyota Innova Crysta

Also, read: 7-seater cars in India below Rs. 5 lakhs: Check all options

Upcoming diesel cars in India

Here’s the list of upcoming diesel cars in India.

• Kia Carens

• Jeep 7-seater SUV

• 2022 Kia Carnival

• Toyota Hilux

• 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

• 2022 Mahindra Scorpio

• Hyundai Palisade

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about diesel cars in India.

Which diesel cars in India require maintenance?

Generally, diesel cars require more maintenance than their petrol counterparts. Some of India's low maintenance diesel cars are Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura.

Which engine is more powerful, petrol or diesel?

The overall engine power output depends on various factors such as the displacement, air induction method, etc. However, petrol engines deliver good initial acceleration. They are ideal for daily short commutes. On the contrary, diesel engines offer good top-end performance. Hence, they are suitable for high-speed highway cruising.

Is a diesel car expensive to maintain?

A diesel engine is more complex than a petrol engine. Hence, it requires more maintenance, and the overall maintenance cost may bump up. But it depends on the make/model of the car.

Which is the most reliable diesel car in India?

Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra Scorpio, Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Fortuner are some of the reliable diesel cars available in India.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making a decision. ACKO Drive is not responsible for any action taken based on the information mentioned here.

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