Following the implementation of the BS6 emission norms in 2020, the availability of diesel vehicles has decreased significantly. However, the demand for diesel remains quite high, especially across various SUV segments. If you’re also a diesel fanatic and are looking for a new model under Rs 10 lakh, fret not; we are here to help you.
Tata Altroz
- Price Range: Rs 8.30 lakh to Rs 10.45 lakh
With prices ranging between Rs 8.30 lakh and Rs 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Altroz is the most affordable diesel car and the only diesel hatchback you can buy in the Indian market. This Baleno-rivalling premium hatch is known for its stylish appearance, feature-loaded cabin and a good rear seat experience.
Powering it is a 90PS 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 200Nm of peak torque. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it has a decent amount of low-end torque for effortless city driving. The power delivery is smooth, and the progressive delivery allows you to accelerate quickly. However, during hard acceleration, the engine becomes quite noisy at high speeds.
Mahindra Bolero
- Price Range: Rs 8.57 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh
The Mahindra Bolero is an old-school, ladder-frame SUV that is known for its rugged appearance and tough character. Highly popular in rural areas, the Bolero comes with a rear-wheel-drive system and can handle rough, uneven roads. At its heart is a 1.5-litre diesel engine (76PS/210Nm), which is quite torquey; however, the long, hard clutch pedal travel can make driving tiring, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The Bolero features a 7-seater layout, featuring side-facing jump seats in the back. In terms of features, it only gets essential amenities, with no fancy features on offer.
Also Read: Mahindra Bolero Bold Edition Revealed
Mahindra Bolero Neo
- Price Range: Rs 9.06 lakh to Rs 10 lakh
Like the Bolero, the Bolero Neo also focuses on durability and abuse-friendly nature, albeit with a modern design, a more powerful engine, and additional comfort & convenience features to enhance the overall experience. That said, its 1.5-litre mill produces a healthy 100PS and 260Nm of output, and delivers punchy performance right from low RPMs.
While the standard Bolero Neo comes in a 7-seater layout with jump seats in the last row, it can also be had in a 9-seater configuration (Bolero Neo Plus), but that is beyond the Rs 10 lakh mark.
Tata Nexon
- Price Range: Rs 9.27 lakh to Rs 14.52 lakh
Tata’s highly popular SUV, the Nexon, comes equipped with the same 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Altroz, albeit in a higher state of tune (115PS and 260Nm). It is available with both manual and AMT automatic transmission options; however, trims which are priced under Rs 10 lakh are manual only. However, they strike a good balance between essential features, creature comforts, modern tech and safety equipment.
This motor loves the open stretches and offers great performance in city conditions too. However, the long clutch pedal travel might be slightly problematic, especially in heavy city usage.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG vs Tata Nexon CNG vs Maruti Brezza CNG: Which SUV Should You Buy?
Kia Sonet
Price Range: Rs 9.29 lakh to Rs 14.36 lakh
Kia Sonet is another sub-4m SUV that offers a diesel engine under the Rs 10 lakh mark. Like the other cars on this list, the Sonet gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces 115.5PS and 250Nm. In fact, it is the only model on the list to offer a proper automatic transmission option (torque converter) in a variant priced under Rs 10 lakh. However, we recommend buying its manual version over the automatic if outright performance and fuel efficiency are your requirements. It also offers a relaxed driving experience even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
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