The affordable diesel vehicle segment has taken a hit over the past half decade, with several popular models discontinued due to tightening emission norms. Even so, the Tata, Mahindra, Kia and Hyundai quartet still offer a mix of body styles that make it to the list of the 10 most affordable diesel-run four-wheelers. Continue reading to learn about their prices, as well as powertrain specs.
10. Mahindra Thar
Rs 11.50 lakh-17.62 lakh
The Mahindra Thar stands out on this list for 3 main reasons: its three-door layout, off-road-focused 4WD system and 2 diesel motors. Speaking of the latter, Mahindra offers 118hp, 300Nm 1.5-litre (RWD), and 130hp, 300Nm 2.2-litre (4WD) engine options. A 6-speed manual transmission (MT) is standard, while the Thar 4WD can be optioned with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT).
9. Tata Curvv
Rs 11.50 lakh-19.52 lakh
In addition to having the joint most expensive base model with the Thar, unique to the Tata Curvv are the coupe SUV body style and a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Under the hood is a 118hp, 260Nm 1.5-litre motor, paired to either a 6MT or 7DCT automatic.
8. Kia Syros
Rs 11.30 lakh-17.80 lakh
The more premium positioning of the Kia Syros explains its highest price range in the compact SUV space. It comes with a 116hp, 250Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine, which can be mated to a 6MT or a 6AT. This tried-and-tested mill also does duty in its Kia sibling, the Sonet, as well as the Hyundai Venue.
7. Hyundai Venue
Rs 10.80 lakh-13.53 lakh
The Hyundai Venue is the Korean brand’s first under-four-metre SUV in India, slotting below the popular Creta in the stable. We already know about its 116hp block, but it should be noted that Hyundai only offers the 6MT here. Interestingly, the South Korean carmaker has not offered an automatic gearbox option with the Venue yet.
6. Tata Nexon
Rs 10 lakh-15.60 lakh
Only two models here provide an automated manual transmission (AMT) option, with the Tata Nexon diesel evidently being the more affordable one. Powering this Tata is a 115hp, 260Nm 1.5-litre engine, coupled to a 6MT or a 6AMT.
5. Kia Sonet
Rs 10 lakh-15.74 lakh
Ranked below the Syros, the Kia Sonet is the brand’s another sub-four-metre SUV offering in the country. While the engine and gearbox pairings are identical to the former Kia, the Sonet’s relatively more accessible price band could be a deal-breaker for many.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Rs 9.99 lakh-14.99 lakh
After the Nexon, it is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel that is sold with an AMT. This has also allowed the Indian car company to aggressively price the 3XO. In fact, it happens to be the most affordable diesel automatic SUV that is under 4 metres in length. Coming to the powerplant, it gets a 117hp, 300Nm 1.5-litre motor with Nexon-like 6MT and 6AMT choices.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo/ Neo+
Rs 9.97 lakh-12.18 lakh/ Rs 11.41 lakh-12.51 lakh
Mahindra Bolero Neo.
Next up are the Bolero Neo and its 9-seater sibling, the Neo+, which adds two extra seats in the third row. They also differ in their diesel powertrains, as the Neo is run by a 100hp, 260Nm 1.5-litre engine, while at the heart of the Neo+ is a 120hp, 280Nm 2.2-litre motor. Transmission duties in the corresponding SUVs are handled by 5MT and 6MT units.
2. Mahindra Bolero
Rs 9.81 lakh-10.93 lakh
The venerable Mahindra Bolero nameplate has been in production for the longest time in this set. It has been fitted with a 76hp, 210Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine, paired with a 5MT. Like the Neo duo above it, no automatic transmission is offered with the Bolero either.
1. Tata Altroz
Rs 8.99 lakh-11.29 lakh
Not only is the Tata Altroz the most affordable diesel car in India right now, but it’s also the only hatchback to offer the powertrain. The Altroz is powered by a 90hp, 200Nm 1.5-litre engine, which can only be had with a 5MT. Neither an AMT nor a DCT is made available with the Altroz diesel.
PRICES MENTIONED ABOVE ARE EX-SHOWROOM.
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