If you love the mid-range surge of an engine, a diesel cars engine is for you. The low-end torque and pulling power through the middle of the rev range is a typical characteristic of a diesel engine. India is a country with a rapid growth of high fuel efficiency turbo petrol engines. Most top-selling petrol engines have Inline Three Cylinder engines with a displacement of less than 1000 cubic centimeters. These engines lack that linear surge of torque pull throughout the rev range.
Diesel engine cars are known for their frugal nature, torque, and good fuel efficiency even with a big engine. Petrol engines are getting close to fuel efficiency but the mile-munching ability of a diesel car is unparalleled. Long-distance touring and high-mileage of daily commutes are best done in a car with a diesel engine.
However, strict government norms and policies have made it difficult for brands to produce diesel-engine cars. Still, a few car manufacturers do care to build some solid diesel cars.
TATA
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Altroz
Price: 8,89,900 (XM+) – 10,94,900 (XZ+ S LUX)
After the departure of Hyundai’s 1.5Liter engine, Altroz is the sole hatchback in India with a diesel engine. It has a 1.5L Turbocharged Revotorq Diesel BS6 Engine with 200 Nm of torque. This car has all the modern-day features and comfort. It is probably the best mileage car with a diesel powertrain.
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Safari
Price:
The Safari has an utterly pliant ride quality. The suspensions are made to tackle the worst of conditions that Indian roads throw at them. The car drives flat on broken roads. The engine in this car is a 2.0-liter, Fiat-sourced, diesel engine that has enough grunt to help the SUV hit three-digit speeds very effortlessly. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Torque convertor gearbox. This complete setup makes this diesel car one of the best long-distance tourers.
Apart from a good and reliable engine, Safari comes factory-fitted with all the tech and features. The key highlight is the option of having captain chairs in the middle row with a ‘Boss mode’. Another first-in-segment feature is Seat Ventilation for the front and middle-row occupants.
Mahindra
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Bolero/Bolero Neo:
Price: 9,79,400 (Bolero B4) – 13,12,600 (Bolero Neo N8 optional)
Bolero has been a consistent performer for Mahindra in terms of sales. This SUV has a 1.5-liter diesel engine in two stages of tune, 76hp, 210Nm in Bolero and 100hp, 260Nm in Bolero Neo. A very robust chassis and suspension setup along with a reliable engine makes Bolero a very good no-nonsense people mover. Bolero and Bolero Neo have good cushiony seats and the flexibility to seat seven. A standout feature in Bolero Neo which attracts a lot of off-roading enthusiasts is the option of a Mechanical Locking Differential (MLD).
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Scorpio N:
Price: 14,24,700 (Z2) – 24,54,100 (Z8L Automatic 4WD)
In the era where SUVs are getting more and more and more car-like, Mahindra is making some good old-school true SUVs. The Scorpio N is based on a solid ladder frame chassis. It has bells and whistles to attract tech-loving new-age buyers. The 2.0-liter diesel engine in Scorpio N is very reliable in the Mahindra’s stable. It has all the credentials of a true SUV with a proper mechanical four-wheel drive system and a low-range transfer case.
Hyundai
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Creta
Price: 12,55,700 (U2 CRDi DSL E) – 20,14,900 (Automatic DSL SX optional)
The top 10 sales chart every month includes the name Creta. It has a very trusted and potent diesel engine that does the duties in some other cars from Hyundai’s lineup. The car is a great option for people looking for a comfortable, reliable, and feature-rich car. Since its launch, this car has had many first-in-class features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bose surround sound system.
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Tucson
Price: 31,54,800 (DSL Platinum AT) – 35,94,200 (Signature 4WD AT Dual tone)
Tucson is probably one of the few CBU import cars in India that has been present since its global launch in 2004-2005. The latest Tucson is now assembled in India. This car has a very European feel to it. The suspension setup, ride quality, engine performance, level 2 ADAS, looks, and premium interiors are comparable to some luxury German cars. This car has a 2.0-liter diesel engine with 186 Ps of power and 416 Nm of torque. The 8-speed Torque convertor automatic gearbox is very smooth and comes mated to a sophisticated All-Wheel-Drive system.
Kia
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Carens
Price: 12,60,900 (Premium 7-seater) – 19,66,900 (X-Line 6-seater)
The 1.5-liter diesel unit in Carens produces 116 Ps of peak power and a healthy 250 Nm of torque, which makes it a brilliant family touring diesel car. Coming from the house of Koreans, this car has nothing missing in terms of modern-standard quirks and features. The flexibility to seat 7 is also a bonus point for the car.
Toyota
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Innova
Price: 19,99,000 (GX 7-seater) – 26,55,00 (ZX 7-seater)
Reliability and longevity are what Toyota is known for. Innova has been carrying Toyota’s legacy in India for the last two decades. The current generation of Innova Crysta is no different. It is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine which makes 150 Ps of power and 343 Nm of torque at a very low RPM of 2300. This engine is extremely reliable and can do 80-100 Km/h all day long. The ride quality is one of the best in the market. Interior is made timeless and built to last long. All these factors add up to make it a great value-for-money long-distance touring car.
Conclusion
With the growing number of wanderers in India, diesel cars are still the best option for the sheer long-distance traveling capabilities. Many brands like Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota have been working on keeping their diesel lineup intact. With their high fuel efficiency and torquey nature, diesel engines should be the first choice for individuals with heavy daily running and frequent inter-city traveling.
