11 Best Low Budget Diesel Cars in India in 2025

With the advent of CNG and electric vehicles, car buyers today have more options than ever before. However, petroleum and diesel vehicles still manage to rule the markets. A section of Indian consumers swears by diesel engines even today.

If you prefer such cars, prepare a list of cheap diesel cars in India. Although most of these cars tend to be priced above Rs.5 lakh, we have also enlisted an option for you if you cannot stretch your budget beyond this figure.

Also, when buying a car in India, securing car insurance is crucial as it is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and damage, safeguarding your investment. 

Having car insurance saves you from hefty traffic fines, licence suspension, and even legal trouble.

Take your pick from the ones listed below without hassle!

1. Tata Tiago | Starting ₹4.32 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

A stylish and affordable masterpiece, Tata Tiago is a modern car with LED DRLs and cool exteriors. The perfect finishes to its interior are an excellent choice if you are looking for a spacious and safe car. The latest model boasts amazing technological features, having an 8-speaker setup.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹4.32 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1199cc
• Mileage: 19.0 to 20.09 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual and automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol, electric, or CNG
• Body type: Hatchback
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Seatbelt warning, rear parking camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD, rear wash wiper with defogger, and speed-sensitive auto door locking 

2. Tata Altroz | Starting ₹6.29 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

Tata Altroz is one of the most affordable cars with a smooth and never-experienced-before performance. Its automatic transmission gives you a hassle-free driving experience. This premium look car has an enormous power of 72.41 - 108.48 bhp. The car ranks in the list of the safest four-wheelers with a safety rating of 5 stars. 

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹6.29 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1497cc
• Mileage: 23.64 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual and automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol, electric, or CNG
• Body type: Hatchback
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Reverse parking sensors, rearview camera, ABS with EBD, and auto park lock

3. Honda Amaze | Starting ₹6.63 Lakh

Source: hondacarindia.com

Honda Amaze sports a 4-cylinder, I-DTEC, DOHC engine with the latest BS-VI emission standard. This engine is responsible for generating a peak power of 99bhp and a maximum torque of 200Nm.

Additionally, at 420 litres, its boot space is impressive as well. The manual transmission variant sports a 5-speed gearbox.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹6.63 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1498cc
• Mileage: 24.7 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Anti-theft system, Automatic Headlight Control, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, ABs with EBD, engine immobilizer, rear windshield, defogger, and rear parking sensor

4. Kia Sonet | Starting ₹7.49 Lakh

Source: kia.com

This is a sub-4m SUV with a seating capacity of 5. Additionally, this vehicle has a boot capacity of 392 litres. In this regard, the diesel engine comes with 6-speed MT and AT options. Moreover, it comes with safety features such as six airbags, electronic stability control, and ABS with EBD.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹7.49 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1493cc
• Mileage: 19.0 to 24.1 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual and automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol or diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, tyre press monitor, ABS with EBD, and impact-sensing door locks

5. Hyundai Venue | Starting ₹7.53 Lakh

Source: hyundai.com

Hyundai Venue is one of the best cheap diesel cars in India, and this also comes with a non-hefty price tag. This has a BHP of 118.41 with a seating capacity of 5. The venue also has airbags and comes in five variants, so you will also have different options to choose from.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹7.53 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1493cc
• Mileage: 17.5 to 23.4 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual and automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol or diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Blind-spot collision warning, cornering lamps, parking assist rear camera, automatic headlamps, vehicle stability management, Hill Assist Control, Electronic Stability Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

6. Tata Nexon | Starting ₹7.60 Lakh

Source: cars.tatamotors.com

The Tata Nexon is one of the most economical options if you are seeking a diesel SUV. It is also one of India's best diesel cars under Rs.10 lakhs; the Nexon features a 1.5 turbocharged Revotorq Engine.

Moreover, it is equipped with the latest BS-VI emission rating, leading to reduced emissions. Maximum power is 108bhp, while peak torque is 260Nm. The 350-litre boot space is a fine addition as well.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹7.60 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1496cc
• Mileage: 22.07 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic and manual
• Fuel type: Petrol, electric, or diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX anchorages, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS with EBD, and central locking

7. Mahindra XUV300 | Starting ₹8.41 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

Mahindra has launched its competitor in the diesel car segment as XUV300 with a seating capacity of 5. This vehicle is also offering 3 types of engine, which are a new 1.2-litre TGDI turbo-petrol engine, a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit. Additionally, it has a BHP of 115.0 with 259 litres of boot space.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price:  Starting ₹8.41 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1497cc
• Mileage: 20 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic and manual
• Fuel type: Petrol or diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 7
• Safety features: Anchor points for child seating, overspeed warning, speed sensing door lock, seat belt warning, hill-hold assist, ABS, and ASR

8. Hyundai i20 | Starting ₹9.20 Lakh

Another Hyundai offering, the i20, features the same engine as the Grandi10 Nios under its hood. Nevertheless, due to its frame and structure, this engine is capable of delivering increased power and torque in the i20 at 89bhp and 220Nm, respectively.

It also sports an electronic power steering feature. Moreover, the car has an impressive pickup, reaching from 0 to 100kmph in just under 12 seconds.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹9.20 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1396 cc
• Mileage: 22.54 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual and automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Hatchback
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, traction control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, door ajar warning, EBD, central locking, child lock, engine immobiliser, emergency brake light flashing. 

9. Mahindra Bolero Neo | Starting ₹9.48 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

Mahindra Bolero Neo is one of the best 7-seater SUVs on this list. It offers a single-digit unit with a 1.5-litre unit. This is further coupled with a 5-speed manual with an output of 100PS and 260Nm. Furthermore, Bolero Neo is offered in three variants, namely N4, N8, N10 and N10(O). Also, it has a boot space of 384 and a BHP of 100.0.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹9.48 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1493cc
• Mileage: 17.29 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 7
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Child lock, seat belt warning, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors

10. Mahindra Bolero | Starting ₹9.53 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

If you are looking for affordable diesel cars, Bolero is certainly one of the best options out there. Presently, this SUV comes in three variants: B4, B6, and B6(O). It has a 1.5-litre diesel engine with a five-speed manual transmission. Moreover, this vehicle is equipped with a Bluetooth-enabled music system, manual AC, power windows, power steering, etc.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹9.53 Lakh
• Engine Displacement: 1498 cc
• Mileage: 16 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 7
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, engine immobiliser, and child safety locks

11. Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus | Starting ₹11.39 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is an extended version of the popular Bolero model. This car provides three colour options: Majestic Silver, Napoli Black, and Diamond White. This car is perfect for large families or groups, and it has an efficient engine and comfort.

It is equipped with a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine (120 PS/280 Nm) and advanced features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 6-speaker sound system, steering-mounted audio controls, manual AC, and a seatbelt reminder for front seat passengers. 

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹11.39 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 2184 cc
• Mileage: 17.29 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 9
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Anti-Lock Braking System, Central Locking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Seat Belt Warning, Child Safety Locks, 2 Airbags (including Driver and Passenger Airbags), Door Ajar Warning, and an Engine Immobiliser.

The options listed above represent some of the best and cheap diesel cars in India. However, make sure that you consider all features and specs of a vehicle before deciding on the model you want to purchase.

Do not base your decision solely on the price of a diesel car, as other factors can play a significant role in determining your ride experience as well.

To ensure the protection of your car in the long run, opting for third-party car insurance will be the perfect choice. In case of any unforeseen mishap due to a third-party property or person damaging your vehicle, you will get complete coverage with this insurance.