Top 10 Most Affordable Diesel Cars to Buy in 2025

Top 10 Most Affordable Diesel Cars in India 2025 – Best Budget SUVs & Hatchbacks

Diesel cars continue to offer strong power, high torque, and good fuel efficiency which makes them a preferred choice for long-distance driving. However, due to strict emission rules, many car makers have stopped selling smaller diesel models in India. Despite this, a few manufacturers still offer diesel cars at affordable prices. If you are looking to buy a diesel car in 2025, here are ten of the most affordable options available.

Mahindra Bolero Leads the List

The Mahindra Bolero is currently the most affordable diesel car and SUV you can buy. It starts at Rs 7.99 lakh ex-showroom. The Bolero has received recent updates, including a 7-inch touchscreen and a more detailed driver display. It is powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine that makes 76 PS and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Tata Altroz is the next most affordable option, starting at Rs 8.10 lakh. It is the only premium hatchback in India that still offers a diesel engine. The Altroz uses a 1.5-liter diesel engine that produces 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. It comes with modern features like dual 10.25-inch screens and six airbags for safety.

Another Mahindra on the list is the Bolero Neo, a more modern version of the Bolero. It starts at Rs 8.49 lakh. The Bolero Neo uses the same engine as the Bolero but tuned to a higher 100 PS and 260 Nm. It also features a new 9-inch touchscreen and cruise control.

Feature-Rich Compact SUVs

The list includes several subcompact SUVs that offer a diesel engine. The Mahindra XUV 3XO starts at Rs 8.95 lakh. It is one of the most feature-loaded cars in its segment. It offers dual 10.25-inch screens, dual-zone AC, and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Its 1.5-liter diesel engine makes 117 PS.

The Kia Sonet is available from Rs 8.98 lakh. It uses a 1.5-liter diesel engine that delivers 116 PS and 250 Nm. The Sonet offers both manual and automatic transmission options. Features include dual 10.25-inch screens and ventilated front seats.

The Tata Nexon, one of the top-selling sub-4 meter SUVs, starts at Rs 9.01 lakh for the diesel variant. It is powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 118 PS. The Nexon is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 9-speaker JBL sound system.

The Hyundai Venue, which shares its 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS) with the Kia Sonet, is priced from Rs 9.73 lakh. Unlike the Sonet, the Venue diesel is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Venue is also set to receive a new-generation update soon.

Off-Road and Premium Options

For buyers looking for an affordable off-road diesel SUV, the Mahindra Thar starts at Rs 9.99 lakh. The entry-level diesel variant has a smaller 1.5-liter engine and comes with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup. A larger 2.2-liter diesel engine is available with a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) option.

The Kia Syros is a feature-rich sub-4 meter SUV starting at Rs 10.14 lakh. It offers premium features like dual 12.3-inch screens and ventilated front and rear seats. The Syros also comes with Level 2 ADAS.

Finally, the Tata Curvv, a compact SUV, starts at Rs 11.10 lakh. It is the only diesel car on this list to offer a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) option. The Curvv is powered by the same 1.5-liter diesel engine as the Nexon. It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Level 2 ADAS.

Top 10 Most Affordable Diesel Cars in 2025