Diesel cars have always been a popular choice for Indian car buyers due to their fuel efficiency, low-end torque, and durability. With numerous diesel cars available in the Indian market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore the best diesel cars in India, considering their features, performance, and value for money to help you decide when buying your next diesel vehicle.
Best Diesel Cars in India 2023
Tata Altroz:
The Tata Altroz is a hatchback that has gained popularity in the competitive "premium" hatchback segment in the Indian market. It is equipped with Tata's 1.5-litre diesel engine, which may not be the most powerful but offers sufficient power throughout the speed range. The Altroz provides impressive fuel economy with an ARAI-rated mileage of 25.2 kmpl. The engine delivers power smoothly, allowing easy highway overtaking and a torquey driving experience in cities. The Altroz also features a spacious and well-appointed cabin with comfort and convenience features like a sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and auto climate control.
Kia Sonet:
The Kia Sonet is known for its advanced features and creature comforts. It is available with a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine that delivers maximum power of 100 PS and a peak torque of 240 Nm. The diesel engine is mated to a manual or a smooth torque converter automatic transmission. The Sonet offers good low-end power and linear power delivery. It also has a sport drive mode allowing more revs and acceleration.
Tata Nexon:
The Tata Nexon is one of India's most popular compact SUVs, thanks to its practicality, safety features, and contemporary design. It is powered by a 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engine that produces 108 PS and 260 Nm of torque. The Nexon can be paired with an AMT or a six-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine performs well mid-range, providing solid momentum for most driving situations. It offers ample power for highway cruising and effortless overtakes, although it can be noisy when pushed to its limit.
Mahindra XUV300:
The Mahindra XUV300 is a subcompact SUV that stands out for its excellent mileage of 20.1 kmpl and versatility on various terrains. It features a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an electronic variable geometry turbocharger. The engine produces a class-leading 117 PS and 300 Nm of torque, providing sufficient power for city driving and high-speed travel. The XUV300's diesel engine performs best in the mid-range, offering a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The car is agile and nimble, making it easy to manoeuvre.
Mahindra Thar:
The Mahindra Thar is a modern and practical off-road SUV. It has a second-gen mHawk diesel engine that delivers 130 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The diesel engine provides impressive performance on both paved and off-road surfaces. The machine is refined and smooth, with minimal diesel rattle and coarseness. The Thar offers versatility and power, making it suitable for various driving scenarios.
Hyundai Creta:
The Hyundai Creta has been popular with SUV buyers in India for many years. It features a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 113 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The Creta diesel offers ample capacity for highway overtaking and provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The relatively quiet engine delivers impressive fuel efficiency, allowing for longer journeys without frequent refuelling.
Mahindra Scorpio:
The Mahindra Scorpio is a rugged and powerful SUV that has been a popular choice for those seeking a capable off-road vehicle. It is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that produces 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The Scorpio's diesel engine delivers robust low-end torque, making it suitable for city driving and off-road adventures. It offers a comfortable ride and good highway stability, making long journeys enjoyable.
Ford EcoSport:
The Ford EcoSport is a compact SUV known for its sporty design and enjoyable driving experience. It has a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine generates 100 PS of power and 215 Nm of torque. The EcoSport's diesel engine provides good low-end torque and responsive acceleration. It offers a balanced power and fuel efficiency combination, making it a practical choice for city and highway driving.
Volkswagen Polo:
The Volkswagen Polo is a premium hatchback that offers a refined driving experience and solid build quality. It has a 1.5-litre TDI diesel engine produces power and 230 Nm of torque. The Polo's diesel engine delivers smooth power and good mid-range, making driving a pleasure on highways and in city traffic. It offers excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions, making it eco-friendly.
These are some of the best diesel cars available in India in 2023. It's essential to consider your specific requirements, such as budget, features, and driving preferences, before deciding. Additionally, it's advisable to test drive the cars and research customer reviews to understand their performance and ownership experience better.
Best Diesel Cars Priced Around 8 Lakhs
Ford EcoSport:
Price Range: The Ford EcoSport is available in the price range of INR 8 lakh to INR 14 lakh (approximate, ex-showroom).
Mileage: The EcoSport delivers a mileage of around 17 kmpl in city conditions and up to 23 kmpl on highways.
Performance, Driving Experience: The EcoSport offers a sporty and engaging driving experience. Its diesel engine provides good low-end torque and responsive acceleration, making it a practical choice for city commuting and highway cruising. The SUV has precise steering and well-tuned suspension, resulting in confident handling and a comfortable ride.
Exterior: The Ford EcoSport features a compact and muscular design. It has a bold front grille, sleek projector headlamps, and stylish alloy wheels, giving it a dynamic and contemporary appeal. The SUV has roof rails and body cladding, enhancing its rugged character.
Interior: Inside the EcoSport, you'll find a well-designed and ergonomically laid-out cabin. The SUV offers comfortable seating with ample headroom and legroom. It has features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, push-button start, and leather upholstery options, providing a premium feel.
Volkswagen Polo:
Price Range: The Volkswagen Polo is priced between INR 8 lakh to INR 11 lakh (approximate, ex-showroom).
Mileage: The Polo delivers a mileage of around 20 kmpl in city conditions and up to 24 kmpl on highways.
Performance, Driving Experience: The Polo offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Its diesel engine delivers smooth power delivery and good mid-range performance, making it suitable for both city commuting and highway cruising. The car has responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension, providing a balanced and composed ride.
Exterior: The Volkswagen Polo boasts a timeless and elegant design. It features clean lines, a sleek front grille, and stylish alloy wheels, giving it a sophisticated and premium appears compact size, makinmanoeuvrey to manoeuvre in city traffic.
Interior: Inside the Polo, you'll find a well-crafted, premium-looking cabin. The car offers comfortable seating with good support. It comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and premium upholstery options, adding to the overall refinement of the interior.
Tata Nexon:
Price Range: The Tata Nexon is available in the price range of INR 8.5 lakh to INR 14 lakh (approximate, ex-showroom).
Mileage: The Nexon delivers a mileage of around 18 kmpl in city conditions and up to 22 kmpl on highways.
Performance, Driving Experience: The Nexon offers a balanced combination of performance and comfort. Its diesel engine provides sufficient power and torque for city driving and occasional highway trips. The car offers stability, smooth handling, and a comfortable ride, making it suitable for daily commutes and long drives.
Exterior: The Tata Nexon features a modern and contemporary design. It has a bold front grille, sleek projector headlamps with LED DRLs, and a coupe-like roofline, giving it a distinctive and stylish appeal. The SUV also comes with body cladding and alloy wheels, adding to its sporty look.
Interior: Inside the Nexon is a well-designed and feature-packed cabin. The SUV offers comfortable seating with good legroom and headroom. It has a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, push-button start, and premium upholstery options, providing a pleasant and convenient driving experience.
Hyundai Venue:
Price Range: The Hyundai Venue is priced between INR 8 lakh to INR 13 lakh (approximate, ex-showroom).
Mileage: The Venue delivers a mileage of around 18 kmpl in city conditions and up to 23 kmpl on highways.
Performance, Driving Experience: The Venue offers a refined and elegant driving experience. Its diesel engine provides decent power and torque for urban commuting and highway drives. The car offers precise steering, good manoeuvrability, and a comfortable suspension setup, ensuring a pleasant and composed ride.
Exterior: The Hyundai Venue features a modern and eye-catching design. It has a cascading front grille, sleek headlamps, and bold character lines, giving it a youthful and dynamic appearance. The compact SUV has stylish alloy wheels and roof rails, enhancing its sporty appeal.
Interior: Inside the Venue, you'll find a well-built and feature-rich cabin. The SUV offers comfortable seating with good support. It has a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and premium upholstery options, providing a tech-savvy and comfortable driving environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are diesel cars more fuel-efficient than petrol cars?
Diesel cars generally offer better fuel efficiency, making them economical for long-distance driving.
Do diesel cars require more maintenance compared to petrol cars?
Diesel cars may require frequent servicing and maintenance due to their specific engine requirements.
Are diesel cars more expensive to purchase than petrol cars?
Diesel cars are often priced slightly higher than their petrol counterparts due to the cost of diesel engine technology.
Are diesel cars noisier than petrol cars?
Diesel engines tend to produce more noise and vibration than petrol engines, although modern diesel engines have significantly improved.
Are diesel cars suitable for city driving?
Diesel cars can be suitable for city driving, especially if you drive long distances or require higher torque for towing or carrying heavy loads.
Are diesel cars more environmentally friendly than petrol cars?
Diesel cars generally emit lower carbon dioxide (CO2) levels but produce higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels than petrol cars.
Can I use biodiesel fuel in a diesel car?
Many diesel cars can run on biodiesel, but it's essential to check the vehicle's compatibility and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines.
How often should I change the diesel fuel filter in my car?
Changing the diesel fuel filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (or as specified by the manufacturer) is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Do diesel cars have better towing capabilities than petrol cars?
Diesel engines generally offer higher torque, making them well-suited for towing heavy loads or trailers.
Are diesel cars losing popularity due to stricter emissions regulations?
Stricter emissions regulations have impacted the diesel car market, but diesel vehicles still have a significant presence, especially in larger and commercial vehicles.