There was a time in India when buying a diesel car just made sense. It was the smarter choice, the more “economical” decision, especially if you were someone who traveled a lot or drove long distances every day. Diesel engines offered better mileage, cheaper fuel, and more pulling power. That’s why you saw diesel-powered SUVs, hatchbacks, and even premium sedans dominating Indian roads not too long ago.
But today, things look very different. Walk into a car showroom in 2024 and try asking for a diesel version of a small car. You’ll probably be told, “Sir, we’ve discontinued that model in diesel.” And it’s not just one brand. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, no longer makes diesel cars. Many other companies are slowly pulling back too.
So what really happened? Why are diesel cars disappearing from Indian roads?
Let’s explore this together, in simple words with no complicated numbers or boring explanations. Just the reality as it is, and what it means for you as a car buyer or even a curious observer.
Why Diesel Cars Are Disappearing from India?- Reasons
Once a Hero, Now an Outcast
To understand why diesel cars are fading out, we need to first understand why they became so popular in the first place.
For years, the Indian government kept diesel fuel cheaper than petrol. The logic was that diesel was used in trucks, buses, tractors, and trains the backbone of our economy. So to help transporters and farmers, diesel was kept affordable.
But guess what happened? People started buying diesel cars for personal use. And why not? They were saving money on fuel every time they filled up.
Car manufacturers noticed this trend and started offering diesel variants across all segments from small hatchbacks to massive SUVs. In many cities, you could even find taxis running on diesel compact cars. It became the norm. Diesel was king.
The Turning Point: BS6 and Emission Norms
In 2020, India did something bold. The country skipped the BS5 emission norms and jumped straight from BS4 to BS6. Now, if that sounds like technical jargon, don’t worry. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
BS6 is a strict rule that tells carmakers, “Your cars must pollute a lot less.” And guess what? Diesel engines had a hard time meeting these rules without becoming too expensive. To make a diesel engine BS6-compliant, car companies had to add new systems like diesel particulate filters, SCR systems, and more. These are not just expensive to build but also to maintain.
So suddenly, that same diesel car became costlier. Add to that the rising diesel fuel prices and people started asking, “Is diesel even worth it anymore?”
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Fears
This is something many people don’t talk about, but it plays a huge role. BS6 diesel cars require more care and proper driving habits to avoid issues. For example, if you mostly drive in the city and don’t take your diesel car on highways often, the diesel particulate filter (DPF) can get clogged. Then the car might go into “limp mode,” forcing you to visit the service center.
Many new buyers don’t want that stress. And car companies know this. They’d rather focus on petrol and hybrid engines, which are easier to maintain and don’t have these complications. Even people who once loved their diesel cars are now hesitating to buy another one.
The Rise of Petrol, CNG, and Electric Alternatives
As diesel started to look more expensive and risky, other options stepped up. Petrol cars are now more efficient than ever. You can easily get 18–20 kmpl mileage in some of the latest petrol models. Then there’s CNG super cheap fuel and cleaner emissions. It’s a great option for city driving, especially for those who drive a lot daily.
And now, electric cars are entering the picture too. Yes, they’re still new, and charging infrastructure is still growing, but the shift has begun. Government subsidies and lower running costs make EVs very attractive.
With all these better, simpler, and sometimes cheaper options, diesel cars are struggling to stay relevant.
Also Read: Why Bugatti is So Expensive
Government Regulations and Public Sentiment
Let’s not forget another important reason: environmental concern. India’s big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are dealing with major air pollution issues. And diesel vehicles especially older ones are a big part of the problem.
That’s why Delhi banned 10-year-old diesel cars. Other states might follow. People don’t want to buy something that they might be forced to scrap in a few years.
Also, public sentiment has shifted. Many younger buyers are more eco-conscious now. They’re thinking not just about fuel and cost, but about sustainability, clean energy, and the future of the planet. And diesel doesn’t fit that picture.
Automakers Are Reading the Room
Car companies are not here to fight trends they follow them. When Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest carmaker, officially exited the diesel segment, it sent a clear message: The market is changing, and diesel no longer makes business sense.
Other brands like Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra still offer diesel in some SUVs, but even they are focusing more on petrol engines and EV development. You’ll notice newer models launching with petrol-hybrid powertrains, and not a single diesel variant in sight. The direction is clear.
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So, Are Diesel Cars Finished?
Not entirely—not yet. Some big diesel SUVs and commercial vehicles will stick around for now. That’s because diesel engines still offer excellent torque and better pulling power something trucks, buses, and heavy SUVs need.
But for regular car buyers especially those buying hatchbacks, sedans, or compact SUVs the diesel era is definitely coming to an end.
Author’s Take
As someone who’s seen India’s roads evolve, I understand why people once loved diesel cars. The mileage, the ruggedness, the savings they all made sense. But times have changed. Fuel prices are up. Emission laws are strict. And newer technologies are simply better suited for the future.
If you’re someone who drives long distances every day and lives in a non-pollution-sensitive zone, a diesel SUV might still be worth it. But for most of us? The smarter, cleaner, and more practical choice today is a modern petrol, CNG, or hybrid car and maybe in a few years, even an electric one.