The diesel powertrain segment is highly desired by motorheads, there have been many options in the market to go for. Here are the top five cars with diesel powertrains to look at.
Mahindra Bolero:
The new Mahindra Bolero offers a combination of rugged design, practical features, and improved comfort suitable for both rural and urban use, powered by a 1.5-liter mHawk diesel engine known for its efficiency and reliability; it includes a modern digital instrument cluster, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a high ground clearance for rough terrains, while the sturdy body-on-frame structure ensures durability; inside, the cabin features upgraded upholstery, a simplified infotainment system, and power windows for convenience, along with ample headroom and storage space; the bold front fascia, revised bumpers, and signature grille enhance its classic yet robust stance, making the new Bolero a dependable utility vehicle designed for families, business owners, and rural commuters seeking long-term usage and reliability.
Read about The new Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo.
Tata Altroz:
The new Tata Altroz offers a premium blend of style, technology, and safety features designed to appeal to modern car buyers. It comes with multiple powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and CNG variants, paired with manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The cabin features ambient lighting, a floating touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, a digital driver display, and premium upholstery for enhanced comfort. Safety is prioritized through dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and a sturdy ALFA architecture. The Altroz also offers automatic climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, push-button start, and rain-sensing wipers, combining practicality with refinement, making it a versatile premium hatchback suited for both city and long-distance driving.
Mahindra Bolero Neo:

The new Mahindra Bolero Neo offers a strong combination of rugged performance and modern comfort, making it suitable for both city driving and rural conditions; it is powered by a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine with a five-speed manual gearbox, equipped with Micro-Hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency, and features a tough body-on-frame construction for durability; the cabin includes fabric upholstery, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted controls, height-adjustable driver seat, and rear parking sensors; safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, and ISOFIX mounts; the high ground clearance, multi-terrain technology, stylish alloy wheels, and signature front grille complete its bold appearance, blending traditional SUV toughness with convenience and practicality for Indian road conditions.
Look at All the cars offered by Mahindra on the official Mahindra website.
Mahindra XUV 3XO:
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is offered with a range of powerful and efficient powertrains, including a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, both tuned to deliver strong mid-range performance and impressive fuel efficiency. The petrol variant is available with manual and automatic transmissions, while the diesel gets smooth torque delivery for long drives. The SUV packs a host of advanced features such as a panoramic sunroof, dual 10.25-inch digital displays for infotainment and instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and a premium sound system. Safety is enhanced with six airbags, 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, and ADAS functionalities, making the Mahindra XUV 3XO one of the most feature-rich and performance-oriented compact SUVs in its class.
Kia Sonet:
The Mahindra Kia Sonet offers a versatile range of powertrains and premium features designed to suit diverse driving needs. It comes with multiple engine options, including a refined petrol unit and a torquey diesel engine, both paired with manual, iMT, or automatic transmission choices for added convenience and performance flexibility. The SUV emphasizes efficiency and responsiveness, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising. Inside, the Mahindra Kia Sonet boasts a feature-rich cabin with a large touchscreen infotainment system, wireless connectivity, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a premium sound setup. Safety is well-catered with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance technologies, making the Mahindra Kia Sonet a well-rounded compact SUV.
Summary: most affordable diesel cars in India
All the models mentioned above some of the best affordable options one can currently buy. Do check out all the models on the official websites of the manufacturers.
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