Most affordable diesel SUVs in India under Rs 12 lakh: New Mahindra XUV 3XO to Hyundai Venue

Due to strict emission norms, diesel-powered cars are slowly fading away in the Indian market. While some brands still sell a few diesel SUVs whereas few brands like Maruti, Volkswagen, and Skoda have completely phased out selling diesel models altogether. Diesel engines also hold a special place in our hearts for their ruggedness, instant torque, efficiency and distinctive sound.In this article, let’s take a look at the most affordable diesel SUVs in India under Rs 12 lakh. Diesel engines also hold a special place in our hearts for their ruggedness, instant torque, efficiency and distinctive sound. In this article, let’s take a look at the most affordable diesel SUVs in India under Rs 12 lakh.
1. Kia Sonet

The first car on the list is the Kia Sonet diesel HTE variant priced from Rs 9.8 lakh (ex-showroom). The Sonet is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine which puts out 115 hp of power and 250 nm of torque. It comes with three gearbox options, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo

The second diesel SUV on the lakh is the Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo priced at 9.90 lakh, (ex-showroom). The Bolero is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo diesel engine with 76 bhp of power and 210 nm of torque. The Neo too is powered by the same engine but it puts out 100 bhp of power and 260 nm of torque. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual.

Mahindra XUV 3XO
The third car on the list is the newly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO. The MX2 diesel variant is priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The diesel XUV 3XO is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel which puts out 117 bhp of power and 300 nm of torque. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual or an AMT automatic.

The XUV 3XO is offered in nine variants - MX1, MX2, MX2 Pro, MX3, MX3 Pro, AX5, AX5 L, AX7 and AX7 L with prices ranging from Rs 7.49 lakh to 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The 3XO gets many first-in-segment features such as a panoramic sunroof, level 2 ADAS, dual-zone climate control and many more.
Hyundai Venue

Next on the list is Hyundai Venue. The Venue S Plus diesel is priced at Rs 10.71 lakh (ex-showroom). The Venue and Sonet are based on the same platform and get same engine options. The Venue too is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine which puts out 115 hp of power and 250 nm of torque.
Mahindra Thar RWD

The fifth SUV on the list is Mahindra Thar RWD. The Thar RWD is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine which puts out 117 hp of power and 300 nm of torque. Gearbox options include only a 6-speed manual. This engine also does the job in Mahindra XUV 3XO and Mahindra Marazzo. The Thar RWD is available in AX (O) and LX trims with prices starting from Rs 11.25 lakh (ex-showroom).