While diesel cars may be a dying breed due to stringent emission norms and high prices, they continue to be in demand from driving enthusiasts, especially in India. Despite many diesel models discontinued in recent years, Indian consumers continue to desire for a punchy diesel car that not only offers good performance but a healthy fuel-efficiency.
The Indian passenger vehicle market will witness the launch of quite a few diesel-powered models in 2024. Let us look at some of the oil burners slated to hit Indian roads this year.
Mahindra XUV300 facelift
Mahindra is expected to launch the facelifted XUV300 in the first quarter of the coming financial year. Alongside the twin turbocharged petrol engine options, the new XUV300 will continue to offer the reliant, and bullet-proof, 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine that dishes out 115 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque. This motor can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT.
5-door Mahindra Thar / Armada
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is one of the hotly anticipated SUVs in the market currently. It has been spotted testing on numerous occasions over the past three years on Indian roads. Mechanically, the five-door Thar will be offered with the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine options as the three-door variant.
The 2.2-litre diesel mill kicks out 130 bhp and 300-320 Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Upon launch, likely to take place in mid-2024, the 5-door Thar could reportedly be named ‘Armada’.
New-gen Kia Carnival
The fourth-gen Kia Carnival has been on sale for almost three years now internationally, but the Indian market never received it. The premium MPV was given a major facelift a few months back and was previewed as the Kia KA4 Concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. Powering the India-spec Carnival will be a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor, producing 200 bhp and 440 Nm od torque. This motor is paired with an eight-speed Sportsmatic automatic gearbox.
Tata Curvv
The next big launch from Tata Motors will be Currv which will be available in multiple drivetrains including petrol, diesel, and fully electric. The diesel version of Curvv is likely to be powered by the same 1.5-litre unit as the one offered in Nexon. This oil burner delivers a peak output of 113.31 bhp at 3750 rpm and 260 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm of torque.
MG Gloster facelift
MG Motor will launch the facelifted Gloster in India in the next few days. In its current avatar, the D-segment SUV gets two diesel powertrain options. The first is a rear-wheel drive, single-turbo unit which churns out 159 bhp and 373.5 Nm of peak torque.. The second is an all-wheel drive, twin-turbo diesel engine which pumps out 212 bhp and 478.5 Nm of peak torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The same options are expected to be offered in the upcoming Gloster facelift.
Hyundai Alcazar facelift
Hyundai is reportedly working on a facelift of the Alcazar which has been spotted on a few occasions recently. The three-row mid-size SUV gets a 1.5-litre oil burner which pumps out 115 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The updated Alcazar will offer the same diesel powertrain.
Skoda Superb
Skoda will return to the diesel fold by bringing back the Superb to India, probably towards the end of this year. The flagship sedan will return to India in its updated avatar after it was discontinued in 2022. Powering the India-spec luxury sedan will be a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol mill and a 2.0-litre TDi diesel engine. The latter delivers 147 bhp and will be mated to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
New-gen Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Fortuner is expected to receive a major makeover later this year. Apart from a refreshed styling and more features on board, the new Fortuner will receive an updated powertrain. Powering the Fortuner will be a 2.8-litre diesel engine which will work in tandem with a 48V battery. This will make the Fortuner one of the few locally-made diesel hybrid models in India.
