Many people think diesel cars are finished in India. But that's not true.

If your monthly running is high or you travel on highways regularly, a diesel car still makes a lot of sense. Diesel engines give better mileage than petrol, produce strong pulling power, and are very comfortable for long-distance driving.

Yes, BS6 diesel cars need a little more care than before, but if you drive the car properly, they are still a very good option. Here are five diesel cars that we think are worth considering, starting from the lowest budget.

1. Tata Altroz Diesel

Starting Ex-showroom Price: ₹8.99 lakh

The Tata Altroz is now the only premium hatchback in India that still offers a diesel engine. That itself makes it a special choice.

It comes with Tata's trusted 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 90 PS power and 200 Nm torque. The engine is not built for racing, but it is smooth on highways and gives very good fuel efficiency.

The Altroz also feels solid on the road. It has a spacious cabin, good safety and enough features for daily use. If you want a diesel car under ₹10 lakh and don't need an SUV, the Altroz is still one of the best options you can buy.

2. Tata Nexon Diesel

Starting Ex-showroom Price: Around ₹10.00 lakh

The Tata Nexon has been one of India's favourite compact SUVs for many years.

Its 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 115 PS and 260 Nm torque, which means it has more power than the Altroz. You can easily feel the extra pulling power while overtaking or climbing hills.

The latest Nexon also gets a fresh design, bigger screens and many useful features. It is comfortable in the city and feels confident on highways too.

If you want a safe diesel SUV with good features and strong performance, the Nexon is a very sensible choice.

3. Hyundai Venue Diesel

Starting Ex-showroom Price: Around ₹10.99 lakh

The Hyundai Venue is for buyers who want a smooth and easy driving experience.

It gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 116 PS and 250 Nm torque. The engine feels quiet, the gear shifts are light and the car is easy to drive every day.

The cabin is also well designed with all the features most buyers need. Hyundai's service network is another reason many people choose the Venue.

If you want a diesel SUV that is comfortable for both city and highway driving, the Venue should definitely be on your list.

4. Kia Sonet Diesel

Starting Ex-showroom Price: Around ₹10.50 lakh

The Kia Sonet uses the same diesel engine as the Venue, but it has its own style.

The cabin looks more premium, the dashboard design feels modern and the feature list is among the best in this segment.

The diesel engine is smooth, gives good mileage and has enough power for everyday driving as well as long highway trips.

Another big advantage is that you can choose between a manual or automatic gearbox. That gives buyers more options depending on their driving style.

5. Mahindra XUV 3XO Diesel

Starting Ex-showroom Price: Around ₹9.99 lakh

If driving performance is your top priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is hard to ignore.

Its 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine makes 117 PS and 300 Nm torque, which is the highest in this list. The extra torque makes highway driving easy and overtaking happens without much effort.

The SUV also comes with a modern cabin, large digital screens, panoramic sunroof and ADAS in higher variants.

If you drive long distances often and enjoy a powerful diesel engine, the XUV 3XO is one of the best choices in this segment.

Things You Should Know Before Buying a Diesel Car

Every new BS6 diesel car comes with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Its job is to collect soot from the exhaust and reduce pollution.

If you only drive short distances in city traffic every day, the DPF may not clean itself properly. Over time, you may see a warning light.

The good news is that this is easy to avoid. Just take the car on a 20 to 30-minute highway drive once in a while. The DPF will clean itself automatically.

Does Ethanol or Isobutanol Affect Diesel Cars?

No.

The ethanol blending programme is only for petrol. Diesel sold in India is not affected by it.

There has been some research on fuels like isobutanol, but they are not being used in normal diesel available at fuel stations today.

So you can continue filling diesel from trusted fuel pumps without worrying.

Are Diesel Cars Going to Be Banned?

This is one of the biggest doubts buyers have.

The simple answer is No.

There is no nationwide ban on new BS6 diesel cars in India.

Some places like Delhi-NCR have rules for older diesel vehicles after a certain age. But if you are buying a new BS6 diesel car and your state allows it, there is no reason to worry.

AutoInsides Take

Diesel cars are not for everyone anymore, but they are still the best option for many buyers.

If your monthly running is high and you spend a lot of time on highways, a diesel car can save fuel and make long drives more comfortable.

Our favourites are simple:

• Best diesel hatchback: Tata Altroz

• Best value SUV: Tata Nexon

• Best family SUV: Hyundai Venue

• Best premium compact SUV: Kia Sonet

• Best for performance: Mahindra XUV 3XO

If you drive less than 1,000 km every month, petrol or hybrid is probably a better choice. But if your running is high, these five diesel cars are still among the best options you can buy in India today.