Diesel Automatic Cars in India

Diesel cars are loved for many reasons. Whether it’s the sweet rumble or the push of the torque, diesel engines have their own following. All the same, what makes everyone prefer a diesel car is their mileage, especially on long-distance trips. But every car, whether it is petrol-powered, or diesel-powered, must face city traffic to a certain degree and frequently working the heavy clutch of a diesel car can be tiring. Diesel automatic cars solve this problem. They combine the calibre of a diesel engine with the ease of an automatic transmission. They let you enjoy the best of both worlds: good torque and mileage on long trips, and a relaxed drive in the city. If you are looking for one such car, here are the best diesel automatic cars you can buy today.

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Kia Sonet

One of the perks that come with a Kia car is a refined powertrain. This can be easily seen with the best-selling Kia car, Kia Sonet. Of its wide variety of powertrains, the diesel automatic setup features a torque converter automatic transmission. With a bonafide, reliable, and smooth automatic transmission, this Korean diesel automatic car is more valuable than its two strong rivals Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO which feature an automated manual transmission. If you want to know the difference between the torque converter and the AMT automatic, here is detailed information on the types of automatic transmissions. Apart from that, if you are looking for a diesel automatic car in the compact SUV segment, the Sonet should be the first on your list.

Kia Sonet Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 18.6 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Ventilated front seats
• Single-sunroof
• Level-1 ADAS safety suite

Mahindra XUV 3XO

When it comes to torque delivery, the turbo diesel engine of Mahindra XUV 3XO surpasses not only all cars from its segment but also all cars from the segment above. Along with a manual transmission, this engine gets the option of an automated manual transmission to deliver 117 PS power and mighty 300 Nm torque. This pairing is not as creamy smooth as the one with a torque converter, but it gets the job done, making the XUV 3XO a capable diesel automatic car. Meanwhile, the XUV 3XO is the most spacious car in its segment and with the recent facelift, it has added the widely coveted and segment-first perks of a panoramic sunroof and Level-2 ADAS safety suite.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: 21.2 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite
• Dual-zone AC

Tata Nexon

One of the most successful cars in Indian history, the Tata Nexon capitalises well on the demand for diesel automatic cars. With the ability to produce 260 Nm torque, the turbo diesel engine of the Nexon is a zippy unit. Coupled with the convenience of an AMT automatic, this power-packed engine delivers an exciting drive. While this is there for the driver to enjoy, the passengers get segment-best ride comfort and a safe journey ensured by a 5-star G-NCAP safety rating. Moreover, this Indian diesel automatic car is stylish and amply feature-rich to offer a premium ride experience.

Tata Nexon Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: 24.07 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Single-pane sunroof
• 9-speaker JBL sound system
• Ventilated and height-adjustable front seats

Kia Seltos

Sharing its mechanicals with the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos is equipped with the same diesel automatic powertrain which features a refined turbo diesel engine mated to a smooth torque converter automatic transmission. This setup has been well appreciated for its pleasant performance with NVH levels as low as those of a petrol-powered car. Not only does the Seltos drive refined, but it also feels rich on the inside courtesy of the neatly laid-out premium interiors. Meanwhile, the Korean mid-size SUV is replete with advanced features to deliver a relishable ride.

Kia Seltos Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 18 km/l
• Airbags: 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite
• Ventilated front seats

Hyundai Creta

As mentioned, the king of mid-size SUVs, Hyundai Creta has a diesel automatic powertrain as a part of its package. Since the engine and transmission are the same in Creta and Seltos, the diesel-automatic Creta drives as refined as the diesel-automatic Seltos. However, there is a noticeable difference in ride quality because of different suspension setups. The Creta’s suspension is slightly softer as compared to that of the Seltos and this makes Creta slightly more capable of absorbing bumps and jerks. Nonetheless, like the Seltos, the Creta excels in terms of refinement and packs a multitude of modern amenities. Combine all this with buyers’ trust in the second-largest carmaker in India and the Creta emerges as the most value-for-money offering of its segment.

Hyundai Creta Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 1.5-litre diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 18 km/l
• Airbags: 6 (standard)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 8-speaker Bose sound system
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite

Mahindra Thar

Mahindra Thar, iconic as it is, caters well to the current demand for diesel automatic cars. The legendary off-roader is equipped with the best type of automatic transmission for off-roading – a torque converter automatic, making those visceral adventurers as convenient as possible. While the Thar is also available in 2-wheel-drive variants, the amenity of automatic transmission is limited to 4X4 variants. Meanwhile, as always, the Thar is a status symbol and even if one does not enjoy its off-roading calibre, it is sure to command respect when it drives down the roads.

Mahindra Thar Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14 km/l
• Airbags: 2
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Body Type: Off-roader SUV
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Washable interior floor

ALSO READ: 4×4 Cars in India

Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic lacks an automatic transmission while its premium version, Mahindra Scorpio N expectedly features one. Interestingly, its torque converter automatic is mated to a diesel engine, which is the same one from the Scorpio Classic but in a different state of tune. Meanwhile, the more powerful diesel automatic powertrain of the Scorpio N also gets the option of a 4X4 drivetrain. This drivetrain along with many other off-roading equipment, makes the Scorpio N one of the best off-roading cars across the passenger vehicle market. Besides this, the Scorpio N is a giant of a seven-seater SUV and with such a size and loads of space combined, the Scorpio N packs a slew of premium features, spelling an indomitable value for its price.

Mahindra Scorpio N Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14.45 km/l
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Dual-zone climate control
• 6-way powered driver seat

Mahindra XUV700

Cars like the Mahindra XUV700 embody the very essence of a diesel automatic powertrain – the vigour of a diesel engine combined with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Another forte of the XUV700 is its option of an all-wheel-drivetrain with its diesel automatic setup which gives a mild off-roading calibre. Although, this car is best to use in urban landscapes where its excellent steering makes it as easy to steer as a hatchback. Available in 5-, 6-, and 7-seater variants, the XUV700 sports a host of upscale features, that in combination with a well-insulated cabin and comfortable seats, deliver a premium ride experience.

Mahindra XUV700 Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 16.5 km/l
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Seating Capacity: 5, 6, & 7
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 12-speaker Sony sound system
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite 

Tata Harrier

The majestic premium 5-seater SUV, Tata Harrier offers minimalistic mechanicals. While a manual gearbox is also an option, it is its torque converter automatic which effortlessly transmits the power of the mighty diesel engine of this Indian SUV. The seamless delivery of diesel power helps the Harrier deliver a smooth drive which is as comfortable, thanks to a well-tuned suspension and cosy seats. What makes such drives thoroughly enjoyable is acres of space in the cabin since the Harrier is the most spacious 5-seater car under Rs. 30 lakh. All this comes with the reassurance of a solid body which has bagged full 5 stars in the Bharat NCAP safety test, making the Harrier one of the safest cars in India.

Tata Harrier Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14.6 km/l
• Airbags: Up to 7 (6 are standard)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 10-speaker JBL sound system
• 6-way powered driver seat and 4-way powered front passenger seat

Tata Safari

The Tata Safari is the 7-seater derivative of the Tata Harrier and comes with the same powertrains which include a diesel automatic set-up. Even with seven adults onboard, the mighty turbo diesel engine effortlessly propels the Tata Safari, while the torque converter automatic transmission eases the job for the driver. Speaking of ease, the Safari puts passengers at ease with Tata’s masterful distribution of space across three rows which makes the Safari one of the few 7-seater SUVs with a spacious enough third row. Being the most premium offering from the Indian carmaker, the Tata Safari comes with an attractive abundance of upmarket features. Moreover, like the Harrier, the Safari has scored a full 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP safety test, exhibiting its structural strength.

Tata Safari Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14.08 km/l
• Airbags: Up to 7 (6 are standard)
• Seating Capacity: 6 & 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 6-way powered driver seat with memory and welcome function
• Ventilated front and second-row seats (in 6-seater variants)

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass shares its diesel engine with the Tata Harrier and Safari, but it offers a smoother torque converter automatic transmission. However, like Harrier and Safari, the Compass is focused on delivering a comfortable family ride and so is how its diesel automatic powertrain is configured. On the inside, thCompass feels more expensive than its price, thanks to a host of upmarket features and the superior quality of material which Jeep has generously used. While the Compass falls behind Harrier in terms of space, unlike it, the 5-seater American SUV is a capable off-roader and offers a 4X4 drivetrain in its higher variants.

Jeep Compass Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 9-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 15.3 km/l
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Powered tailgate
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated front seats

Summary

While the number of diesel cars has reduced in the past few years, for the special potency they possess diesel automatic cars are irreplaceable. Even today, several diesel automatic cars are available in the market. The Kia Sonet is the most affordable diesel automatic car with a torque converter. With a smoother automatic transmission, it is a better proposition than the diesel automatic variants of Tata Nexon and Mahindra 3XO. Whereas, cars like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, and Tata Safari are good options if you need your diesel automatic car to deliver powerful yet smooth drives, rather than for off-roading adventures. However, if off-roading is what you want to do, then Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio N, and Jeep Compass are the ones you should check out.

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