Introduction
Diesel may not have as much pull as it did in the past but that doesn’t mean it has gone away. When making this list, it was quite a surprise that there are so many diesel cars across price segments launched in H1 of 2024. Here is a complete list of the diesel SUVs that are now on sale in our market, launched in the first six months of 2024.
Hyundai Creta
The update for the Hyundai Creta in this second generation had been long overdue and it came along at the start of the year. Its diesel engine is the group’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder mill producing 113bhp/ 250Nm and can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter AT. The diesel range starts at the base-level E variant and goes to the SX (O) trim in which you get features such as Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, connected car technology, and dual-zone climate control.
Force Gurkha
Like the Hyundai Creta, the update for the Force Gurkha had been due for a while. With this update, we also got a five-door model for the first time. This mid-life facelift saw it get some interior upgrades and new exterior elements. However, the mechanicals remain unchanged with a 2.6-litre diesel producing 138bhp/320Nm, which comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as well as full-time 4WD with shift on the fly. The automaker recently addressed rumours of the AT option but refused to comment on when this would come along.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
One of the most hotly anticipated compact SUVs, it has replaced the XUV300, and like its predecessor, is offered with both petrol and diesel power. The latter is a 1.5-litre unit with an output of 115bhp/300Nm and comes mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed AMT. The diesel-powered models get features like ventilated seats and Level 2 ADAS, a first in the segment.
Kia Sonet
Kia started the year with a facelift of the Sonet, which we had showcased to you exclusively before the launch. Its cabin and feature list have been upgraded, while it continues with two petrol and one diesel engine. The latter is the same one that’s used in the Creta with an output of 113bhp/250Nm. Unlike its Hyundai sibling, it can be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed AT.
Mahindra Bolero Neo+
The final budget car on our list is the Mahindra Bolero Neo+. It’s an LWB version of the Bolero Neo and is offered with a new 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This diesel mill sends power to the rear wheels and is capable of producing 118bhp and 280Nm of peak torque.
