The Only Diesel Hatchback Left in the Country – What’s It Like?

Not too long ago, diesel was the king of Indian highways. Whether it was for long trips, better mileage, or sheer driving power — diesel cars were loved by lakhs of Indians.

But times have changed. The push for cleaner energy, the rising talks around climate change, and the growing love for green vehicles have silently pushed diesel engines out of the market.

And it’s not just customer demand — car companies and government policies are both playing their roles in this shift.

Why Diesel Cars Are Being Discontinued

Let’s be honest — diesel cars didn’t disappear on their own. Here’s what’s really happening:

• Car makers are voluntarily pulling out diesel models. New emission norms like BS6 Phase 2 have made diesel engines more expensive to upgrade and maintain. For many brands, it just doesn’t make financial sense anymore.
• The government isn’t directly banning diesel, but the message is loud and clear. From high taxes to stricter rules and even future plans to ban diesel cars in certain cities, the policies are making manufacturers think twice.
• On a bigger level, it’s also about the economy — diesel is mostly imported. Reducing diesel use means less fuel import and better forex savings for the country.

This shift has been gradually unfolding over the years — and the trend is only getting stronger.

When Even Big SUVs Are Going Petrol, Diesel Hatchbacks Seem Like a Dream

In today’s situation, when even many big SUVs are shifting to petrol or electric, expecting a diesel engine in a small hatchback sounds almost unrealistic.

There was a time when we had plenty of diesel hatchbacks to choose from — Swift, i20, Figo, Polo, Baleno, Grand i10… the list was long. But fast forward to 2025, and every single one of them has either silently exited or switched to petrol-only.

Now, we’re left with just one.
Yes, only one diesel hatchback still standing strong in Indian showrooms — the Tata Altroz.

It’s almost like the last soldier on the battlefield — holding on while the rest have fallen. And today, if someone says they want a brand-new diesel car that’s also compact and efficient, the answer is simple: Altroz is your only choice.

So, let’s talk about it —

• How good is the only diesel hatchback left in the country?
• What’s the performance like?
• Is the mileage really worth it?
• And does it feel like a proper, premium hatchback — or just a leftover from a fading category?

Let’s explore it — through the lens of DailyWheels.

How the Tata Altroz Diesel Drives – Performance, Refinement & Comfort

When you ask how the Altroz Diesel truly performs, it’s not just hearsay—it’s backed by long drives, real users, and track-tested reviews.

Engine & Drive Experience

Under its hood is Tata’s 1.5 litre Revotorq turbo diesel, delivering about 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. It may feel a tad hesitant below 1,500 RPM, but as soon as the turbo wakes up, it pulls strongly—especially between 1,700–3,000 RPM.

Expert testers confirm that on highways, 120 km/h arrives effortlessly at ~2,200–2,700 RPM, making overtakes smooth and stress-free.

Engine Refinement & Cabin Comfort

Contrary to stereotypes of noisy diesels, the Altroz feels surprisingly refined. It stays quiet at low and mid speeds, with only mild engine noise coming through at higher revs. Most owners and experts say that for a diesel hatchback, it feels well-balanced and doesn’t tire you out on long drives.

Ride Handling & Steering Feel

The Altroz is built on Tata’s ALFA platform — and it shows. The ride quality is solid and composed, even on uneven roads. It takes potholes without drama and stays confident on highways. The steering is light in the city and weighs up nicely as speed builds, which adds to the feeling of control.

Fuel Efficiency & Real-World Mileage

This is where the diesel badge still shines. Real-world mileage ranges between 18–21 kmpl, and some long-term users have reported over 20 kmpl consistently, even after several years. For people who drive a lot daily or make regular highway trips, the running cost advantage is still very real.

Variants and Price Details of Altroz Diesel (As of July 2025)

The Tata Altroz Diesel is available in the following variants (prices may vary slightly by city and showroom):

• Altroz XE Diesel – Approx. ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Altroz XM Plus Diesel – Approx. ₹8.89 lakh
• Altroz XT Diesel – Approx. ₹9.39 lakh
• Altroz XZ Diesel – Approx. ₹9.99 lakh
• Altroz XZ+ S Diesel – Approx. ₹10.89 lakh

The diesel variants are available only with a 5-speed manual transmission. Tata has not offered a diesel automatic in the Altroz range.

The Final Takeaway from DailyWheels

The Tata Altroz Diesel may be the last of its kind — but it doesn’t feel like a compromise. It offers confident performance, highway comfort, excellent fuel efficiency, and a level of refinement that makes it feel modern and mature.

In a market filled with petrols, CNGs, and EVs, the Altroz Diesel proves that diesel still has its place — especially for those who need real-world mileage, better torque, and stronger long-distance performance.

If you’re someone who drives more and wants a hatchback that works hard without asking much in return, the Altroz Diesel is not just your only option — it might just be your best one.