Here is an analysis of why SUVs like the MG Astor and Skoda Kushaq don’t have diesel engine options. You might have noticed that the new carmaker in the country, MG doesn’t have a diesel option for its mid-size SUV, the Astor. Similarly, Citroen had already announced that the next product that it will introduce in India which will be a mass-market product, will come in a petrol-only avatar. Skoda, Volkswagen, Maruti Suzuki don’t have diesel engines in their lineup either. What is the reason? Let us discuss it in a bit of detail.
Also read: Do Diesel Engines Lose Power and Mileage After Few Years?
Why No Diesel Engine Options with Astor & Kushaq?
The popularity of diesel engines started fading just a couple years ago. According to various reports, the share of diesel cars in the market was around 50% around 2013. It also jumped over 50% for a brief moment but more or less, it has been around even. However, with the implementation of BS6 emission regulations, upgrading diesel engines to meet the stricter becoming emissions was becoming expensive. As a result, many companies started to stop offering diesel options at all, across the lineup. The most prominent example is the largest carmaker in the country, Maruti Suzuki. The mass-market cars will get too expensive that will affect the sales. Hence, many carmakers have decided to part ways with diesel altogether. This is a global trend to shift towards cleaner sources of energy like petrol, CNG and electric cars.
Also read: WATCH Owner Reveal Cost of Kia Seltos Diesel 6th Service At 40,000 km!
Another prominent reason why diesel cars contribute just around 17% market share in 2021 is the rising fuel prices. Almost 7-8 years ago, the difference between prices of diesel and petrol was around Rs 25-30 per litre. This has gone down significantly in 2021 to just around Rs 10 per litre. Diesel models are quite expensive compared to their petrol counterparts and with almost similar fuel prices, the premium is not justified anymore. That has also given popularity to turbo petrol engines. The share of petrol cars in India in 2021 is around 76% because of that reason. It is only the full-size SUV segment where the demand for diesel still remains. All the other segments have been completely taken over by petrol powertrains.
Also read: 4 Ways to Lower Fuel Expense as Petrol/Diesel Prices Touch New Heights
