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Diesel cars under 15 lakh in India

The best diesel car under 15 lakhs is the one that delivers performance, efficiency and day-to-day usability in one package. This budget segment opens up options beyond simple diesel hatchbacks. Buyers can now choose from well-equipped compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, rugged lifestyle vehicles and even spacious people-movers. Diesel cars under 15 lakhs in India offer strong torque, a better highway drive and good efficiency, which makes them suitable for households that often drive long distances.

  • Tata Nexon

    ₹7.32L - 13.87LEx-showroom
    Front three-quarter view of a Tata Nexon
    Glovebox interior of a Tata Nexon
    Wheel close-up of a Tata Nexon
    front three-quarter of a Tata Nexon in
    rear three-quarter of a Tata Nexon
    260 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Feature-packed & safe
    • Spacious interior
    • Compact SUV
  • Mahindra Scorpio-N

    ₹13.20L - 24.17LEx-showroom
    Front three-quarter view of a Deep Forest Mahindra Scorpio-N
    A-pillar grab handle and dashboard of a Mahindra Scorpio-N
    side view of a Deep Forest Mahindra Scorpio-N
    Front three-quarter view of a Mahindra Scorpio-N
    Front wheel and fog lamp area of a Mahindra Scorpio-N
    5 Safety Rating
    400 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    • Rugged SUV
    • Off-road capability
    • Advanced features & tech
  • Hyundai Creta

    ₹10.73L - 20.20LEx-showroom
    front view of a Hyundai Creta
    Front view of a Abyss Black Hyundai Creta
    front view of a Hyundai Creta
    rear three-quarter of a Hyundai Creta SX
    Side view of a Hyundai Creta parked in a driveway at night
    250 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Feature-rich compact SUV
    • Sunroof & ventilated seats
    • Powerful turbo engine
  • Hyundai Venue

    ₹7.26L - 15.69LEx-showroom
    front three-quarter of a Hyundai Venue
    Rear seats and interior upholstery of a Hyundai Venue
    digital instrument cluster of a Hyundai Venue
    close-up of seat adjustment controls of a Hyundai Venue
    interior dashboard of a Hyundai Venue
    250 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Compact SUV
    • Connected car features
    • Tech-loaded interior
  • Mahindra XUV 3XO

    ₹7.28L - 14.40LEx-showroom
    Front three-quarter view of a Citrine Yellow Mahindra XUV 3XO
    interior dashboard of a Mahindra XUV 3XO
    Alloy wheel close-up of a Mahindra XUV 3XO
    rear view of a Citrine Yellow Mahindra XUV 3XO
    headlight close-up of a Citrine Yellow Mahindra XUV 3XO
    300 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Rugged capability
    • Modern features
    • Affordable & fuel efficient
  • Kia Sonet

    ₹7.30L - 15.77LEx-showroom
    front three-quarter view of a Kia Sonet
    front three-quarter of a Kia Sonet
    front view of a Intense Red Kia Sonet
    Front view of three Kia Sonet cars parked side by side
    front view of a Kia Sonet
    250 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Feature-rich compact SUV
    • Stylish design
    • Value-packed choice
  • Mahindra Thar

    ₹9.99L - 16.99LEx-showroom
    front three-quarter view of a Napoli Black Mahindra Thar
    Front view of a Mahindra Thar emerging from a cave
    Rear three-quarter view of a tango-red Mahindra Thar
    Side view of a galaxy grey Mahindra Thar in a mountain river
    Front three-quarter view of a tango-red Mahindra Thar
    4 Safety Rating
    320 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    • Off-road SUV
    • Powerful engine
    • Convertible hard top or soft top
  • Kia Seltos

    ₹10.79L - 19.81LEx-showroom
    front three-quarter view of a Pewter Olive Kia Seltos
    Close-up of wheels and lower side view of a Kia Seltos
    rear view of a Kia Seltos
    rear bumper view of a Kia Seltos
    Side view of a Aurora Black Pearl Kia Seltos
    253 NmMax Torque
    SUV Body Type
    5 Seating Capacity
    • Feature-rich mid-size SUV
    • Tech-loaded interior
    • Several engine & drivetrain options
  • Kia Carens

    ₹10.99L - 12.77LEx-showroom
    Front three-quarter view of a Kia Carens on a beach
    interior dashboard view of a Kia Carens
    Rear seats interior view of a Kia Carens
    interior dashboard of a Kia Carens
    Rear seat entertainment control panel view of a Kia Carens
    3 Safety Rating
    250 NmMax Torque
    MUV Body Type
    • Feature rich MPV
    • Three row seating
    • Focus on family functionality
  • Tata Altroz

    ₹6.89L - 11.49LEx-showroom
    front view of a Tata Altroz
    wireless charging pad with smartphone in a Tata Altroz
    Instrument cluster display of a Tata Altroz
    infotainment display showing 360-degree camera view of a Tata Altroz interior dashboard
    interior dashboard and seats with deployed airbags of a Tata Altroz
    5 Safety Rating
    113 NmMax Torque
    Hatchback Body Type
    • Standard 6 airbags for safety
    • 26.03 cm floating touchscreen
    • Bold R16 diamond-cut alloys

Diesel Cars under 15 Lakhs - Built for Long Runs

This price range is where the value of ownership begins to feel complete instead of compromised. One can choose from the best diesel cars under 15 Lakhs that have refined engines, good sound insulation and advanced safety packages compared to the lower segments. You also get access to newer platforms as well as improved ride quality and better rear seat comfort. While petrol engines have improved significantly, diesel still has an edge among buyers who travel long distances, carry full loads or want to overtake easily on highways.
 

<p>This table discusses some of the most relevant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/search-by/diesel-cars/">diesel cars</a> and SUVs that fall under or near the mark of 15 lakh ex-showroom.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Model</strong></td><td><strong>ARAI Mileage</strong></td><td><strong>Engine</strong></td><td><strong>Ex-Showroom Price</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tata Nexon</strong></td><td>Upto 24.08 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹9.01–14.15 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mahindra XUV 3XO</strong></td><td>Upto 21.2 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹8.95–13.43 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Hyundai Creta</strong></td><td>Upto 21.8 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹12.25–14.48 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Kia Seltos</strong></td><td>Upto 20.7 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹12.32–14.07 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mahindra Thar</strong></td><td>Upto 15.2 kmpl</td><td>1.5L / 2.2L Diesel</td><td>₹9.99–12.19 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Kia Carens</strong></td><td>Upto 19.54 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹11.99–14.50 lakh</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Tata Altroz</strong></td><td>Upto 23.34 kmpl</td><td>1.5L Diesel</td><td>₹8.10–10.51 lakh</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>Different diesel cars excel at different things; however, the&nbsp;best Diesel car under 15 lakhs depends on how you intend to use the car.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Best Diesel Cars for Safety and Balance</strong></p><p><strong>Tata Nexon, Tata Altroz</strong></p><p>Both have a focus on good build quality and safety credentials. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/tata/nexon/">Nexon</a> caters to families who want an SUV stance, while the Altroz offers similar confidence in a lower, more efficient hatchback form.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Best Diesel Cars for Space and Comfort</strong></p><p><strong>Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos</strong></p><p>These&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/search-by/suv-cars/">mid-size SUVs</a> feature better rear-seat comfort, bigger boots and refined diesel engines. They suit families for mixed-city and highway use.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Best Diesel Cars for Performance and Torque</strong></p><p><strong>Mahindra XUV 3XO</strong></p><p>With powerful low-end pull, a 5-star safety rating and contemporary features like ADAS, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/mahindra/xuv-3xo/">XUV 3XO</a> is attractive among buyers seeking responsive performance without having to shift to a larger SUV.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Best Diesel Cars for Utility and Lifestyle Use</strong></p><p><strong>Mahindra Thar, Kia Carens</strong></p><p>The Thar is for buyers who want off-road capability and ruggedness. At the same time, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/kia/carens/">Carens</a> is an ideal city and highway vehicle, which is suited for those who need three-row seating along with diesel efficiency.</p>

<p>Diesel ownership in this segment comes with some obvious benefits, but also some things to consider.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Pros</strong></td><td><strong>Cons</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Strong torque and relaxed highway driving</td><td>Higher initial cost than petrol</td></tr><tr><td>Better efficiency for high mileage</td><td>Diesel variants are limited in some models</td></tr><tr><td>Suitable for full-load driving</td><td>City-only use may reduce value</td></tr><tr><td>Wide choice of SUVs and body styles</td><td>Maintenance costs are slightly higher</td></tr><tr><td>Proven long-distance reliability</td><td>Some trims cross 15 lakh easily</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

<p>The&nbsp;best diesel car under 15 lakhs is the one that matches your needs and lifestyle. This segment provides a mature combination of safety, performance and comfort that is simply not available at lower budgets. Buyers who frequently drive on highways, use their cars for commuting or keep their cars for many years, appreciate the easy-going nature of modern diesel engines.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The thing that makes this category particularly appealing is choice. Compact SUVs such as the Nexon and XUV 3XO offer value and safety, mid-size SUVs such as the Creta and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cars24.com/new-cars/kia/seltos/">Seltos</a> provide comfort and space, while options such as the Thar and Carens address unique lifestyle needs. The best&nbsp;diesel cars under 15 lakhs in India for your needs will deliver a dependable, capable and financially sensible ownership experience.&nbsp;</p>