Best Diesel Cars in India Under Rupees 13 Lakhs

There was a time when diesel cars were regarded as crude and had black-smoke belching motors that none wanted on their driveway. But the times have changed. Modern diesel cars are cleaner, quieter and consume far less fuel than their petrol equivalents, making them an excellent choice for fuel-conscious and eco-conscious customers, as a result of which they have become the heart-beat of middle class Indians.

Here is a list of the best diesel cars in India that are prized below 13 lakhs, as reported on Carmate Club.

1. Ford Fiesta (Rs 6.97 lakh):

This car is a compact luxury sedan that is manufactured indigenously in our country. Ford Fiesta is more spacious than any other car in its segment and provides ample seating space for five adults. The styling has its own intrinsic appeal and would most probably find its place among a more mature segment of car buyers. It is a car that intuitively and sensitively gets your measure, and handles like dynamite on the road. Comfortable and reassuring, the car displays class and style.

The estimated fuel-economy of Ford Fiesta is 14 km/L in the city and 19 km/L on the highway, as per ARAI. The price of diesel variants starts from Rs 6.97 lakh at showrooms in Delhi.

2. Tata Indica V2 (Rs 2.6 lakh):

It is one of the best selling models of all time from the small car segment. It has comfortable backseats and provides a decent ride quality without compromise on power, safety, and convenience. Tata Indica V2 is available in two base variants (DLE, DLS), 2 Dicor variants (DLG, DLS) and 3 turbo variants (DLG, DLX, and DLS). All the models are powered by 1.4 liter Inline-4 engine that outputs 53 bhp for the base variant, 61 to 67 bhp for turbo charged variant and 69 bhp for the Dicor variant. Transmission, as well as rack and pinion steering is responsive, which helps to negotiate the narrow city lanes. 

The fuel economy is 12 km/L and 16 Km/L in the city and on the highway respectively, for the Turbo variant, as per ARAI. For the Dicor variant, the fuel economy is 13 km/L and 17 km/L in the city and on the highway, respectively. And price starts at Rs 2.6 lakh at showrooms in Delhi for the diesel version.

3. Maruthi Swift (Rs 4.73 Lakh):

This car was Maruti's first serious attempt at manufacturing a diesel variant. The 1.3 liter multijet turbocharged engine, which was produced under a license from Fiat, is extremely fuel efficient, generates a respectable power of 75 bhp, and produces a astonishing fuel economy of 21.0 km/L. It has 5-speed manual transmission and retains its sharp steering from its petrol variant despite the extra weight. However, the variant misses out on climate control, safety features such as airbags and other features, while ABS is optional. This car is the most economical buy in the market and the price starts from Rs 4.73 Lakh at showrooms in Delhi.

4. Skoda Octavia (Rs 12.18 lakh):

This is a revolutionary car that first turned the luxury car market upside down. This car built like a vault, comes with abundant boot space, delivers great performance and most of all, looks and feels expensive. It is powered by a 1.9-liter Inline-4 engine that produces a healthy 89 bhp. The engine is a touch noisy, but is incredibly fuel-efficient.

The fuel-economy of Octavia is 13 km/L and 18 km/L in the city and on the highway, respectively. ABS, modified seatbelts and dual airbags ensure maximum safety. The price of the diesel variant of Octavia starts with Rs 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

5. Mahindra Logan (Rs 5.73 lakh):

Mahindra Logan is a no-nonsense midsize sedan that is well engineered and incorporates comfortable seating arrangements, ample space, and a large luggage boot. It offers an excellent ride quality and the handling is respectable. The most attractive feature of this car is its fuel-efficiency that stands at an estimated 19 km/L, which is equivalent to the fuel efficiency of a small car. This car is powered by a 1.5-liter Inline-4 diesel engine that gives out 65 bhp and the price starts from Rs 5.73 lakh at showrooms in Delhi.

6. Toyota Innova (Rs 7.66 lakh):

Classified as MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) for its huge size, Toyota Innova is a class apart. The interiors of the car are prolific and luxurious with state of the art instrument panels and gigantic cargo space. The car is powered by 2.5- liter diesel engine that generates a staggering 102 bhp and the price of the car starts from Rs 7.66 lakh at showrooms in Delhi.

7. Mahindra Scorpio (Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh):

This SUV is an epitome of Indian design caliber. The muscular look and sleek design of this SUV has won the hearts of millions of Indians across the country. The car is powered by the new 2.2L mhawk CRDe Turbocharged engine that churns out an astonishing 120 bhp. The engine is modified to incorporate a new mode, the micro hybrid, which can be switched to standby when not needed, and thereby adds to the fuel economy. Scorpio is capable to reach a top speed of 60 kmph in just 5.7 seconds and the price of the car ranges from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. This mean machine is currently undergoing a facelift and the refreshed version of the SUV is expected to hit the markets in the year 2014. The newer variant is likely to lose weight and will get a new-heart, 2.2-liter engine that gives out a mind-boggling 140 bmp.