For years, diesel cars were the top choice for fuel efficiency and low running costs. They gave great mileage, better torque, and cheaper long-distance travel. But times are changing. Stricter emission norms, rising diesel prices, and a shift to petrol & EVs have made them rarer.
Still, if you drive long distances or want a car with strong highway performance, diesel is still a smart choice. It’s just that the options are fewer now.
So, which cheapest diesel car in India should you buy? We’ve done the investigation. Here are India’s top 10 cheapest diesel cars in India that won’t break your FD.
Diesel Cars: Smart or Dense Choice?
Petrol or Diesel? A long Rivalry indeed. While petrol cars are cheaper upfront, diesel cars make more sense in the long run if:
- You drive a lot – Diesel cars save fuel and money over long distances.
- You want more power – Diesel engines have better torque, great for highways.
- You need a strong, long-lasting engine – Diesel engines generally last longer.
Now, let’s dive in and learn about the cheapest diesel cars in India in detail. Shall we?
A List Of Top 10 Cheapest Diesel Cars in India
| Car Models | Price Range(₹ Lakh) |
| Tata Altroz | ₹6.65 – ₹9.99 |
| Kia Sonet | Starting at ₹7.99 |
| Mahindra Bolero Neo | ₹9.95 – ₹12.15 |
| Mahindra Bolero | ₹9.79 – ₹10.91 |
| Mahindra XUV300 | ₹7.99 – ₹15.56 |
| Hyundai Venue | ₹7.99 – ₹13.48 |
| Tata Nexon | ₹8.10 – ₹14.60 |
| Kia Seltos | ₹10.89 – ₹19.65 |
| Mahindra Thar | ₹11.50 – ₹17.60 |
| Hyundai Creta | ₹10.87 – ₹19.20 |
Detailed Breakdown – Top 10 Lowest-Priced Diesel Cars in India
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Tata Altroz
With a strong 5-star safety rating, Altroz is among the safest diesel cars in its class. It provides a balance of Performance, safety, and comfort along with being one of the cheapest diesel car in India. It’s an excellent choice for highway and city trips. With its spacious cabin and suave design. The lack of an automatic transmission option, however, can be a drawback for certain buyers.
What Altroz Offers?
- Semi-digital instrument cluster with a sporty design
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Hinglish voice commands
- Cruise Control
- 8-speaker sound system with the best sound quality
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged Revotorq |
| Capacity | 1497 cc |
| Max Power | 90 PS @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 200 Nm @ 1250 – 3000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 Speed MT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23.64 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3990 x 1755 x 1523 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2501 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 165 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 345 |
Smart, feature-packed compact SUV. Sonet is among the most fuel-efficient SUVs powered by diesel. However, families seeking a more roomy cabin may find its back seat capacity to be a touch constrained.
What Sonet Offers:
- Digital driver’s display
- 360-degree camera
- 4-way powered driver seat
- Anti Braking System
- ADAS with front collision avoidance assist, front collision warning, lane keep assist and lane departure warning
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | D1.5 CRDi VGT |
| Capacity | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 116 PS @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm 1500 – 2750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6MT/ 6AT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18.4 – 24.1 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description | ||
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1790 x 1642 | ||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2500 | ||
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 205 | ||
| Boot Space (litres) | 385 | ||
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Mahindra Bolero Neo
The Bolero Neo may be a good choice for anyone who requires a strong, durable SUV that can easily navigate rough terrain. It prioritizes dependability and usefulness above luxury amenities found in more recent SUVs.
What Bolero Neo Offers:
- Locking rear differential
- Rear wheel drive
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Dual airbags
- Anti-lock braking system
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | mHAWK100 1493 cm3 BSVI |
| Capacity | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 100 PS @ 3,750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 260 Nm @ 1750 – 2250 r/min |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 17.29 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1795 x 1817 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2680 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 180 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 384 |
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Mahindra Bolero
Regarding longevity and reliability, the Mahindra Bolero is a reputable brand. Despite its remarkable lifespan and low maintenance costs, it appears old when compared to the competition since it lacks modern improvements.
What Mahindra Bolero Offers:
- Power windows
- Digital instrument cluster
- 7 seats
- Wheel Covers
- Power Steering
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | mHAWK75 BSVI |
| Capacity | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 76 PS @ 3,600 rpm |
| Max Torque | 210 Nm @ 1,600-2,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1745 x 1880 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2680 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 180 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 384 |
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Mahindra XUV300
The Mahindra XUV300 is a small SUV with a 5-star Global NCAP rating along with one of the lowest-priced diesel cars in India. Its 259L boot space is smaller than competitors, despite its remarkable 20 km/l fuel efficiency.
What XUV300 Offers:
- Rear Disc Brakes: Only SUV in the segment to offer these.
- Steering modes let drivers pick the right setting for them.
- Dual-zone climate control allows two different temperature settings
- Multi-Functional Steering Wheels
- Seven airbags
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | Turbo Diesel with CRDi |
| Capacity | 1497 cc |
| Max Power | 116.5 PS @ 3750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1821 x 1627 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2600 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 180 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 259 |
Hyundai Venue is a compact yet powerful SUV equipped. While it’s great for city and highway driving, the rear seat space is slightly chummy, which might be a concern for taller passengers.
What Venue Offers:
- On-board Voice Commands
- Powered Driver Seat
- Reclining Rear Seats
- Automatic Climate Control
- Cooled Glovebox
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | U2 1.5 l CRDi VGT |
| Capacity | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 116 PS @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500 – 2750 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 24.2 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1770 x 1605 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2500 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 195 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 350 |
With 5-star safety rating acts and modern technology, Tata Nexon is one of the best-selling diesel SUVs in India. The only downside is that the AMT gearbox could be smoother for those preferring automatic transmission.
What Nexon Offers:
- 10.25” Digital Driver’s Display
- 360° Camera
- Front Seat Ventilation
- Height Adjustable Driver Seat
- Drive Modes
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged Revotorq |
| Capacity | 1497 cc |
| Max Power | 115 PS @ 3,750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 260 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / AMT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 23.23 – 24.08 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3995 x 1804 x 1620 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2498 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 209 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 382 |
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Kia Seltos
A high-end diesel SUV is the Kia Seltos. The interior is perfect for lengthy rides because it seems opulent and technologically advanced. The base diesel vehicles are still reasonably priced, however, the more premium models can become more costly when compared to competitors.
What Seltos Offers:
- Panoramic sunroof
- ADAS
- Dual-zone Climate Control
- Heads-up Display
- Powered Window Front
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | 1.5l CRDi VGT |
| Capacity | 1493 |
| Max Power | 116 PS @ 4,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 20.8 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 4365 x 1800 x 1645 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2610 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 190 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 433 |
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Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is an SUV designed for adventure, available in both 4WD and RWD versions. If you are someone you love off-roading then go for it beast. With its immense power, features, and size this SUV was made to thrive in rough conditions, which it does perfectly.
What Tiago Offers:
- 3 types of roofs to choose from – Hardtop, soft-top, or convertible
- Touchscreen with roll, pitch, steering angle, compass, G monitor displays
- Cruise Control
- Parking Sensors
- Anti Braking System
Technical Specification:
| Specifications | Description | |
| Engine Type | D117 CRDe | mHawk 130 CRDe |
| Capacity | 1497 cc | 2184 cc |
| Max Power | 118.55 PS @ 3500 rpm | 131.8 PS @ 3750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 – 2500 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8 kmpl – 9 kmpl | 8 kmpl – 9 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 3985 x 1820 x (1844 / 1850 / 1855) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2450 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 226 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 600 |
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Hyundai Creta
Creta is one of the best-selling vehicles in India, a feature-rich and useful diesel SUV. While being a well-rounded package, the top-end models are more costly, making them slightly more costly than competitors.
What Creta Offers:
- ADAS
- 360-degree camera
- Dual-zone climate control
- 360 Degree Camera
- Ventilated Seats
Technical Specification
| Specifications | Description |
| Engine Type | 1.5l U2 CRDi diesel |
| Capacity | 1493 cc |
| Max Power | 116 PS @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ @ 1500-2750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 17.4 kmpl – 21.8 kmpl |
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | Description |
| Length x Width x Height (mm) | 4330 x 1790 x 1635 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2 610 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 190 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 433 |
Which Diesel Car Should You Buy?
| If You Want… | Best Diesel Car |
| Cheapest Diesel car in India | Tata Altroz |
| Best fuel efficiency | Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon |
| Most feature-packed SUV | Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta |
| Safest diesel car | Mahindra XUV300 |
| Best off-roader | Mahindra Thar |
| Most spacious diesel SUV | Mahindra Bolero |
| Best resale value | Tata Nexon, Hyundai Creta |
Others Read – Delhi Pollution Leads to GRAP-IV: BS-III Petrol, BS-IV Diesel Cars Temporarily Banned
Final Thoughts: Is Diesel Still Worth It?
With this, our blog on lowest-priced diesel cars in India comes to an end. If you drive long distances regularly, a diesel car remains a smart choice. Diesel engines offer better torque, fuel efficiency, and longevity compared to petrol cars.
However, if your usage is mostly within the city, a petrol or hybrid car might be a better fit due to lower maintenance and initial costs.
With BS6 diesel engines becoming cleaner and more efficient, they are still a great buy for highway commuters. So, which one are you driving home?
You might find this interesting – Petrol Vs Diesel Cars: The Complete Guide for the Indian Car Buyer
FAQs
Q1. Which is the most affordable diesel car in India?
Tata Altroz Diesel is the cheapest diesel car, starting at ₹8 lakh.
Q2. Which diesel car has the best mileage?
Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon offer the best mileage (24 kmpl+).
Q3. Which diesel car is best for off-road driving?
The Mahindra Thar is the best budget-friendly off-road diesel SUV.
