Best Diesel Cars in India Under 10 Lakh – Top 5 Picks in 2025
Diesel cars may not dominate Indian roads like they once did, but they still hold a strong position for buyers looking for torque, efficiency, and long-distance reliability. With BS6 Phase II norms in place, many brands discontinued diesel engines, yet a few manufacturers continue to offer compelling options. If you’re shopping for the best diesel cars in India under 10 lakh, the market still has some solid choices ranging from hatchbacks to compact SUVs. Let’s look at the top five models currently available.
1. Mahindra Bolero – The Most Affordable Diesel SUV
The Mahindra Bolero has been a household name for years and continues to be the most affordable diesel SUV in the country. Priced between ₹7.99 lakh – ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bolero is rugged, practical, and trusted across rural as well as urban India.
It comes powered by the mHAWK75 diesel engine, producing 75 bhp and 210 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, fog lamps, and diamond-cut alloy wheels. For buyers who want durability and simplicity, the Bolero remains unmatched.
2. Tata Altroz – The Only Diesel Hatchback in India
If you want a hatchback with a diesel heart, the Tata Altroz is your only choice in 2025. Available in Pure, Creative, and Accomplished S variants, prices start from ₹8.10 lakh and go up to ₹10.17 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Altroz uses a 1.5L Revotorq turbo diesel engine making 89 bhp and 200 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual. Beyond efficiency, the Altroz impresses with features like a 360-degree camera, voice-assisted sunroof, wireless charger, and 10.25-inch touchscreen. With its 5-star safety rating, it’s also one of the safest hatchbacks in the country.
3. Mahindra Bolero Neo – A Premium Twist on the Classic
For those who love the Bolero’s rugged DNA but want a more premium experience, the Mahindra Bolero Neo fits the bill. Priced between ₹8.49 lakh – ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers a refined package with urban-friendly features.
The Neo runs on the mHAWK100 diesel engine, delivering 98.6 bhp and 260 Nm torque. It gets a larger 9-inch infotainment screen, cruise control, leatherette upholstery, and Mahindra’s Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT). Essentially, it combines the Bolero’s toughness with modern creature comforts.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO – A Feature-Packed Compact SUV
The Mahindra XUV 3XO has quickly become one of the most sought-after compact SUVs in India. With prices starting at ₹8.95 lakh (ex-showroom), it is loaded with features you rarely see in this price band.
It is powered by a 1.5L turbo diesel engine producing 115 bhp and 300 Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual. Features include ADAS tech, voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, live traffic navigation, rear AC vents, and a digital driver’s display. For buyers who want diesel power without compromising on technology, the 3XO is one of the strongest contenders.
5. Kia Sonet – The Only Foreign Brand Offering Diesel Under 10 Lakh
Kia is the only international carmaker still offering a budget-friendly diesel SUV in India. The Kia Sonet starts at ₹8.98 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up depending on trims.
It comes with a 1.5L diesel engine producing 114 bhp and 250 Nm, available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. Features include a dual 10.25-inch screen setup, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, ADAS (Level 1), and connected car technology. The Sonet combines premium design with practicality, making it one of the most polished options in this list.
Best Diesel Cars in India Under 10 Lakh-Conclusion
Despite many brands discontinuing diesel engines, buyers still have solid choices when looking for the best diesel cars in India under 10 lakh. From the rugged Mahindra Bolero to the premium Kia Sonet, these models continue to prove that diesel is far from dead in the Indian market.
Whether you need a hatchback like the Altroz, an affordable people’s SUV like the Bolero, or a tech-loaded option like the XUV 3XO, there’s still a diesel car that fits your budget. With rising fuel prices and stricter norms, these could very well be the last few years we see such variety in the under-10 lakh diesel space.
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