India’s 5 Best Diesel-Automatic Compact SUVs: Sonet, Venue, Nexon & More Ranked

The Indian automobile market has seen the launch of many diesel-powered compact SUVs, but only a few of those models made sales numbers thanks to their specifications and features, which actually provide value for money. Here, we have come up with the top 5 compact SUVs that are offered with diesel engines that are mated with automatic gearboxes. The list includes the Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Kia Seltos.

Kia Sonet

Powered by a 1493 cc 1.5 litre CRDi VGT diesel engine that is mated with the 6-speed automatic (torque converter), whose power output is 116 hp and peak torque is 250 Nm. Its drivetrain is front-wheel drive; the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency is 24.1 km/l. With the fuel tank of 45 litres, it gives a range of 1,084.5 kilometres.

Dimensionally, it measures 3995 mm in length, 1790 mm in width and 1610 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2500 mm, and the ground clearance is 385 mm. Features a seating capacity of 5 people in a layout of 2-3; behind the rear seats, there’s a boot space of 385 litres. Available for sale with ex-showroom prices ranging from ₹9.80 lakh to ₹14.17 lakh.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Available for sale with the ex-showroom price starting from ₹9.22 lakh and it goes up to ₹13.90 lakh. It comes with a 1498cc 1.5-litre turbo diesel and is offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox. It generates the peak power and torque of 117 hp and 300 Nm, respectively. Its ARAI-certified mileage is 20.6 km/l, and the drivetrain is FWD.

It comes with a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Its length, width and height are 3990 mm, 1821 mm and 1647 mm, respectively. The wheelbase is 2600 mm, group clearance is 201 mm, boot space is 364 litres, fuel tank capacity is 42 litres, and the turning radius is 5.3 metres.

Hyundai Venue

Features a 1,493 cc 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine, which is bolted with a 6-speed automatic (torque converter) transmission. Its power output and peak torque are 116 hp and 250 Nm, respectively, the same as the Kia Sonet. It comes with a front-wheel-drive drivetrain, whose ARAI-certified fuel efficiency is 17.9 kmpl. It is available for sale with the ex-showroom price ranging from ₹11.81 lakh to ₹15.64 lakh.

It is 3,995 mm longer, 1,770 mm wider, and 1,617 mm taller. Its features are ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, a wireless charging pad, connected car tech, a BOSE audio system, ambient lighting, and a 360° camera. For safety, it gets six airbags standard, TPMS, hill-start assist, a rear parking camera, and an advanced driving assistant system.

Tata Nexon

Gets a 1497 cc 1.5 litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is mounted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its maximum power output is 115 hp, and peak torque is 260 Nm. Comes with FWD configuration, and three driving modes that are Eco, City, and Sport. Its ARAI certification is 24.08 km/l, with a fuel efficiency of 1,059.52 kilometres.

The length is 3995 mm, the width is 1804 mm, and the height is 1620 mm. Features a boot space of 382 litres, which helps in carrying multiple pieces of luggage. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and a 360-degree camera. Available with the sale at a price between ₹10.65 lakh and ₹14.02 lakh.

Kia Syros

Equipped with the 1493 cc 1.5-litre diesel engine and six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, whose maximum power output is 116 hp and peak torque is 250 Nm. Its drivetrain is front-wheel drive, fuel tank capacity is 45 litres. Comes with a seating layout of 2-3 with a boot space of 465 litres. It costs ex-showroom between ₹12.73 lakh and ₹15.80 lakh.

Its key features are a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear AC vents, cruise control, rear reclining and sliding seats, six airbags, a Harman Kardon audio system, Level-2 ADAS, and an electric parking brake. Its length, width, height, and wheelbase are 3995 mm, 1805 mm, 1680 mm, and 2550 mm, respectively.