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MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs PHEV: Differences explained

Posted on August 26, 2026August 26, 2026 by admin

JSW MG Motor has launched the Hector Tomahawk with two electrified powertrains: a fully electric version and a plug-in hybrid. Although the two share the same basic dimensions and cabin design, there are several differences in their exterior detailing, equipment, seating configuration, battery and charging systems. Here’s how the two versions compare.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs PHEV: Price and variants

Variant	Seating	EV price (ex-showroom)	EV BaaS*	PHEV price (ex-showroom)	PHEV BaaS*
Excite	7-seat	Rs 19.49 lakh	Rs 13.99 lakh	–	–
Exclusive	7-seat	Rs 21.99 lakh	Rs 15.99 lakh	Rs 25.70 lakh	Rs 21.79 lakh
Essence	7-seat	Rs 23.49 lakh	Rs 17.49 lakh	Rs 27.80 lakh	Rs 23.89 lakh
Essence	5-seat	Rs 22.99 lakh	Rs 16.99 lakh	–	–

*For the EV, the battery rental is Rs 4.90 per km, while for the PHEV it is Rs 3.20 per km.

The Hector Tomahawk EV is priced from Rs 19.49 lakh to Rs 23.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available in Excite, Exclusive and Essence trims in the seven-seat configuration, while the five-seat version is offered only in the Essence trim at Rs 22.99 lakh.

The PHEV is positioned higher in the range, with prices starting at Rs 25.70 lakh for the Exclusive seven-seater and going up to Rs 27.80 lakh for the Essence seven-seater. Unlike the EV, however, a 5-seat configuration is not available here.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs PHEV: Exterior

Both versions measure 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width and 1,770mm in height, with a 2,810mm wheelbase. They share the rectangular LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs and an illuminated MG logo, but the front-end treatment is completely different.

The PHEV versions gets a conventional three-dimensional grille with chrome inserts, gloss-black elements below the headlamps and a chunky bull bar-like silver trim piece on the lower bumper. Meanwhile, the EV gets a closed-off fascia, lending it a more minimalistic look than the PHEV version. The PHEV also gets red brake callipers on the higher-spec version.

The two versions use different wheel designs for the 18-inch dual-tone alloys. There is also a difference in the dual-tone treatment. The EV gets a black roof, while the PHEV gets a white roof. Both, however, get roof rails, a powered tailgate and wraparound LED tail-lamps.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs PHEV: Interior

The two versions have the same basic cabin layout, but differ in colour. The EV gets a beige interior, while the PHEV gets a brown interior. Both get a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, 256-color ambient lighting, wireless charging and an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display. The top versions of both get the 15.6-inch infotainment screen. Both versions also use a stalk-type drive selector, positioned behind the steering wheel.

The more significant difference is the seating configuration. The EV is available as a five- or seven-seater, while the PHEV is offered only as a seven-seater. The five-seat EV has 610 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,053 litres with the second row folded. The seven-seat EV offers 192 litres with all three rows in use and 528 litres with the third row folded. The PHEV, being seven-seat only, has 604 litres of boot space in the Exclusive and 579 litres in the Essence with the third row folded.

The EV also has a slightly different seating position because of its battery packaging, with occupants sitting in a more knees-up position than in the PHEV.

MG Hector Tomahawk EV vs PHEV: Powertrain

The Hector Tomahawk EV uses a 204hp electric motor that produces 310Nm. It is powered by a 69.2kWh battery and has a claimed MIDC range of 517km. The EV supports up to 90kW DC fast charging, with MG claiming a 30-80 percent charge time of around 35 minutes.

The PHEV combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, electric motor and 20.5kWh battery, with a dedicated hybrid transmission with an e-clutch. The powertrain produces a combined 198hp and 230Nm. MG claims an electric-only range of over 115km and around 40kpl combined fuel efficiency. A full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery can take it more than 1100km.

The PHEV supports up to 25kW DC charging and is claimed to take around 35 minutes to charge from 30-80 percent. It can also be charged using a 3.3kW AC charger, which takes around 7.5 hours for a 10-100 percent charge.

The key difference is that the EV is powered solely by its battery and electric motor, while the PHEV combines a smaller battery and electric motor with a petrol engine, allowing it to operate on electric power or use the engine when required.

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Which variant of the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV should you buy?

Posted on August 26, 2026August 26, 2026 by admin

Which variant of the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV should you buy?

MG has launched the Hector Tomahawk PHEV as the first mass-market plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) car in India, priced from Rs 25.70 lakh (ex-showroom). It is offered in two trims: Exclusive and Essence, and like other MG cars, it is equipped with a plethora of modern-day features. If you are interested in the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV, which variant should you choose? Let us find out.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV powertrain options and prices

Both Hector Tomahawk PHEV variants get the same 1.5L engine and 20.5kWh battery

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 102hp and 125Nm. It gets a 20.5kWh battery pack powering an electric motor producing 201hp and 237Nm. The battery pack has an indicative claimed range of 115km, and combined with the petrol engine, it could have a total range of around 1,100km. Both the Exclusive and Essence variants are offered with the same powertrain.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV variant-wise BaaS, non-BaaS prices
	Hector Tomahawk PHEV Exclusive	Hector Tomahawk PHEV Essence
Non-BaaS price	Rs 25.70 lakh	Rs 27.80 lakh
BaaS price	Rs 21.79 lakh + Rs 3.2 per km*	Rs 23.89 lakh + Rs 3.2 per km*

*Rs 3.2 per km is charged as the battery rental fee for the battery-as-a-service (BaaS) scheme.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV variant-wise features

Exclusive

Price: Rs 25.70 lakh (or Rs 21.79 lakh + Rs 3.2 per km with BaaS)

Automatic LED projector headlights
LED taillights
LED DRLs
Rear LED fog lamps
Illuminated MG logo at the front
18-inch alloy wheels
ORVM-mounted turn indicators
Glass antenna
Roof rails
Rear spoiler
Chrome finish on window beltline and door handles
Black body cladding on side and wheel arches
Brown and grey interior
Blue ambient lighting
12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
6-speaker sound system
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
8.8-inch digital driver’s display
Panoramic sunroof
6-way powered driver’s seat
4-way powered co-driver’s seat
Ventilated front seats
Powered tailgate
50W wireless phone charger
Leatherette seat upholstery
Leatherette materials on steering wheel and door pads
Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sports, Custom
Rain-sensing wipers
PM2.5 air filter
Push-button start/stop
Powered ORVMs
Steering-mounted audio controls
Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column
Cruise control
2nd row features: 60:40 split, seat recline, one-touch tumble, centre armrest with cupholders
3rd row features: 50:50 split
USB Type-A and Type-C chargers in 1st and 2nd rows
All four power windows with one-touch up/down and anti-pinch functions
Rear wiper and washer
Pet mode, Nap mode and Camp mode
Connected car technology
6 airbags
360-degree camera with under-bonnet and wheel views
Digital rearview monitor
Reverse parking sensors
All four disc brakes
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
TPMS
Front and rear defogger
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Hill hold control
Traction control
ESP
ABS+EBD

Essence (features over Exclusive)

Price: Rs 27.80 lakh (or Rs 23.89 lakh + Rs 3.2 per km with BaaS)

15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
10-speaker Infinity sound system
Rear window sunshades
Driver’s seat memory and welcome/exit retract functions
V2L, V2V and V2H charging support
Level-2 ADAS
Auto-dimming IRVM
Front parking sensors
256-colour ambient lighting
Red brake callipers
Sequential turn indicators

Which MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV variant should you buy?

We recommend the entry-spec Essence variant, as it is offered with a lot of modern-day features like a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera. It also costs Rs 2.10 lakh less than the top-spec Essence, making it the more value-for-money Hector Tomahawk PHEV variant.

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

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MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV launched at Rs 25.69 lakh

Posted on August 26, 2026August 26, 2026 by admin

JSW MG Motor India has launched the Hector Tomahawk PHEV at a price of Rs 25.69 lakh (ex-showroom) alongside the all-electric version of this brand-new SUV. This becomes the first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV in our market. It is powered by a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine paired to a 20.5kWh battery for a claimed fuel economy of around 40kpl and an electric-only range of over 115km. MG claims that the Hector Tomahawk can deliver over 1100km of range with a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery. Bookings for the Tomahawk PHEV have commenced today and deliveries will begin in November this year.

Unlike the Hector Tomahawk EV that’s available in both 5- and 7-seater configurations, the PHEV is only available in a 7-seater configuration. MG is also offering the Tomahawk PHEV under the BaaS program, where prices start from Rs 21.79 lakh and Rs 3.20 is charged additionally on the battery rental.

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Tata cars to get pricier from September 1

Posted on August 21, 2026August 21, 2026 by admin

Tata cars are set to get pricier by up to Rs 25,000 from September 1, 2026. The exact price hike will vary depending on the model, but the Indian automaker cited continued inflationary pressures and rising input costs as some of the reasons behind its decision. Tata Motors stated that increasing the prices of its cars will help the company offset these challenges. Hyundai has also announced a price hike for September, with Mauruti Suzuki announcing a similar decision for August 2026.

Reasons include inflationary pressures and rising input costs
Foreign exchange volatility and high employee separation costs also cited

Tata Motors price hike in September 2026

The company said that it has been bearing the brunt of sustained inflation and input costs, but continuing to do so will begin impacting profits. One of the main culprits behind this has been the rising cost of EV batteries, becoming around 10 percent more expensive over a period of several months.

Other factors behind the September 2026 price hike include foreign exchange volatility and high employee separation costs, according to Tata Motors. The resultant hike is to affect the brand’s EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) models, with the exact model-wise breakup yet to be announced. However, prices of Tata SUVs are expected to go up across the board.

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Mahindra XEV 9S 6-seat option launched at Rs 25.25 lakh

Posted on August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 by admin

Mahindra has launched the 6-seat option of the XEV 9S, and prices start at Rs 25.25 lakh (ex-showroom). According to the Indian automaker, the captain seats for the second row are expected to offer a superior experience. The XEV 9S with the 6-seat option is available with the Pack Two Above, Pack Three and Pack Three Above trim levels.

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MG Hector Tomahawk EV spied undisguised ahead of August 26 launch

Posted on August 16, 2026August 16, 2026 by admin

JSW MG’s upcoming Hector Tomahawk has been spied undisguised on our roads ahead of its launch. The new model will be the first in the brand’s portfolio to be underpinned by the ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) platform. The carmaker has teased the SUV previously, giving a glimpse of its design details and its 7-seat capacity.

Hector Tomahawk to slot above the Hector in MG’s portfolio.
Likely to be powered by a 69.2kWh battery pack.
Expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk EV: What was spied?

The undisguised test mule that was spied hinted at the Hector Tomahawk’s final design. The front end comes with LED headlamps with dual LED DRLs connected by a black trim that has two silver strips and the MG badge at the centre. Being an EV, it gets a blanked-off grille, with a rectangular air inlet lower down. The front bumper has a dual-tone design, with vertical air curtains on its sides. The bonnet has subtle ridges, while the car is finished in an olive green shade with a black roof and rails.

In profile, the sides look clean with chrome door handles, and the window line, finished in chrome, gets an upward kink at the back. Additionally, there’s plenty of black cladding for the squared-off wheel arches and door sills extending toward the rear bumper. The large alloy wheels were spotted with a dual-tone design. While the rear end was not spotted, it will likely come with wraparound tail-lamps and a dual-tone finish for the bumper.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk EV: What to expect

The JSW MG Hector Tomahawk is based on the Wuling Eksion that’s sold in the Indonesian market. The former is expected to retain the latter’s dimensions of 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,755mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,810mm. A previous teaser of the model confirmed a beige colour theme for the Hector Tomahawk’s cabin. While the dashboard is yet to be revealed, it is expected to retain the Eksion’s minimalistic layout. This includes screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system, a two-spoke steering wheel and a centre console with cupholders and storage spaces.

MG is yet to confirm the feature list it is expected to come with a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment head unit, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 50-watt wireless charger, automatic climate control with AC vents for the second and third rows, a 360-degree camera system, an electronic parking brake, six airbags, and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite.

While exact powertrain specs of the Hector Tomahawk EV remain under wraps, the Eksion, for reference, is powered by a 69.2kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of up to 530km. The battery is paired with a front-mounted motor delivering 201hp and 310Nm, and has a 160kph top speed.

As far as price is concerned, the MG Hector Tomahawk EV is expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. It will take on the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Kia Carens Clavis EV.

All prices are ex-showroom, India

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Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler pickup truck unveiled

Posted on August 14, 2026August 14, 2026 by admin

Mahindra has pulled the covers off its long-awaited lifestyle pickup truck based on the 2023 Global Pik Up concept, christening it the Scorpio Lifestyler. Underpinned by the same body-on-frame chassis as that of the Scorpio N, the Scorpio Lifestyler will butt heads with the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max V-Cross in India. The pickup truck will be sold in several global markets too, where it’ll drop the ‘Scorpio’ branding and just be known as the Lifestyler.

Prices for the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler are confirmed to start below Rs 19.79 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, with launch pegged by April 2027. The Scorpio Lifestyler would therefore undercut its rivals significantly, both of which start above Rs 25 lakh.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler exterior design

Up front, the Scorpio Lifestyler has high-set LED headlamps with L-shaped DRL signatures, a wide honeycomb-patterned grille with chrome accents, and a ‘Scorpio’ wordmark on the leading edge of the bonnet. Underneath, there’s a muscular skid plate bearing ‘Mahindra’ lettering, a meshed air dam, and vertically oriented LED fog lamps.

Over to the side, the Scorpio Lifestyler features a double-cab configuration, and gets dual-tone alloy wheels shod in off-road tyres, chunky side cladding, roof rails, and a kinked beltline. The rear end of the Scorpio Lifestyler is characterised by vertically oriented LED tail-lamps housing C-shaped DRLs, which flank a large ‘Mahindra’ wordmark molded into the bootlid. Below, the bumper looks similarly rugged to the one up front.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler interior and features

Inside, the Scorpio Lifestyler is much more upmarket than its rugged exterior suggests. The dashboard prominently sports a portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen flanked by AC vents, below which there’s a climate control panel and various physical controls. Ahead of the driver sits a three-spoke steering wheel and a digital driver’s display, while the transmission tunnel features lots more physical controls. In terms of creature comforts, the Scorpio Lifestyler is likely to pack wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, connected car tech, terrain modes, and more.

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What to expect from Mahindra Scorpio N pickup ahead of its debut?

Posted on August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 by admin

Mahindra Scorpio N pickup front and rear designs

Mahindra is gearing up for its 2026 Independence Day event, where it will reveal a Scorpio N-based pickup and some new BE 6 EV iterations. The pickup is the production version of the 2023 Mahindra Global Pik Up concept, and the teaser reveals it will borrow a lot from the Scorpio N SUV. Here’s everything you can expect from the Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup ahead of its debut tomorrow.

1. When will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup launch in India

Mahindra will reveal it at its upcoming Independence Day event

2023 Mahindra Global Pik Up concept shown for representational purposes only.

Mahindra recently teased the Scorpio N-based pickup, revealing that the production models will debut on August 14 at its Independence Day event. The Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup could launch in the coming months.

2. What is the expected price of the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup?

Expected to be priced in the Rs 16 lakh-26 lakh range

The upcoming Scorpio N-based pickup is expected to be priced between Rs 16 lakh and Rs 26 lakh, around a few lakh rupees more than the Scorpio N SUV.

3. What will the production version of the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup be called?

Mahindra could call it the Scorpio X, a name it trademarked in 2024

Mahindra trademarked the ‘Scorpio-X’ name in 2024, but has not used it since. Given that the upcoming pickup is based on the Scorpio N, the unused trademark could be used for the pickup.

4. What engine options will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup offer?

Mahindra could offer it with the same engines as the Scorpio N SUV

Scorpio N’s 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine shown for representational purposes only.

While the technical details of the Scorpio N-based pickup are still under wraps, it will share the ladder-frame chassis and mechanicals with the Scorpio N SUV, including the petrol and diesel options. For reference, the Scorpio N gets a choice between a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. It produces 203hp and up to 380Nm, depending on the gearbox. It also gets a 2.2-litre direct-injection diesel engine, paired with the same manual and automatic transmission options, producing up to 175hp and 400Nm, depending on the transmission option.

5. Will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup be a 4×4 model?

A 4WD Scorpio N-based pickup is expected alongside a 2WD version

As the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup would borrow the SUV’s mechanicals, a four-wheel-drive (4WD) option is expected to be available as well alongside a 2WD choice. Currently, the Scorpio N gets this 4×4 setup, with both transmission options for the 2.2-litre diesel engine.

6. What are the design changes on the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup?

Will get slimmer headlights, a large truck bed and C-shaped tail lights

The teaser video revealed a glimpse of the upcoming pickup, showing some exterior and interior details. Outside, the Scorpio N-based pickup will get a different set of LED headlights with L-shaped LED DRLs, a distinct grille with honeycomb mesh elements and a revised design for the rear doors. To accommodate the larger truck bed at the rear, Mahindra could offer the pickup with a wheelbase larger than the Scorpio N’s 2,750mm. It will also get slimmer C-shaped LED taillights, and the tailgate will feature embossed ‘Mahindra’ lettering.

Will get a larger infotainment system, a new steering wheel and Level-2 ADAS

Mahindra Scorpio N pickup teaser details

Inside, a larger portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system and rotary dials for the dual-zone climate controls will be offered in the Scorpio N-based pickup. A chunkier 3-spoke steering wheel, inspired by the Vision T prototype, and a digital driver’s display with the same UI as the current Scorpio N, could also be spotted. Mahindra will also offer it with Level-2 ADAS, semi-automatic parking assistance, 5G-based connected-car technology, and a sunroof, as announced at the Global Pik Up concept’s 2023 unveiling.

7. Which models will the Mahindra Scorpio N pickup rival in India

The upcoming Mahindra pickup will rival the Hilux and V-Cross

The Mahindra Scorpio N-based pickup will rival the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross, which are priced from Rs 31.99 lakh and Rs 25.50 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. In Mahindra’s lineup, it will be positioned above the Bolero Camper, priced from Rs 10.10 lakh to Rs 10.86 lakh (ex-showroom).

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

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Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq interior leaked

Posted on August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 by admin

The Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq has been exclusively spied by us ahead of its full reveal on August 15, giving us an early look at what the new trim will offer on the inside. Mahindra had teased the Sporteq earlier this week, but revealed only a few details.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq spy shot details

As reported earlier, the Sporteq version will get a passenger display, completing its three-screen setup; a similar arrangement is already seen in the Mahindra XEV 9e and XEV 9S. The BE 6 currently gets a dual-screen setup as standard, which will continue on the lower trims. The triple-screen setup is likely to be exclusive to the Sporteq.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq dashboard (left), current BE 6 dashboard (right).

The teaser from before also showed a new black-and-tan colour scheme for the seats and dashboard, although these areas were mostly hidden. The fresh spy shots give a clearer look, and the colour scheme is applied not only on the dashboard and seats, but even on the door cards.

Mahindra Sporteq centre console (left), current BE 6 centre console (right).

Another major change is the redesigned dashboard, which drops the halo-like loop around the driver. The current design has an ergonomic drawback, as it leaves little room for a second cup holder. The spy shots, however, show that another cup holder has now been added. The halo loop also made the wireless charger and USB Type-C ports difficult to reach from the passenger side, an issue we noted in our BE 6 review. These changes are likely to address that as well.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq battery pack and range expectations

The BE 6 Sporteq is expected to remain largely unchanged from the regular model. It remains to be seen whether it will be available with both the 59kWh and 79kWh battery packs or, as a top-spec trim, only with the larger battery. Both versions use a rear electric motor producing up to 286hp and 380Nm, while the larger battery is said to offer a range of up to 682km on a single charge.

The BE 6 already has a long list of features, and these updates could further strengthen its appeal against midsize SUV rivals such as the Tata Sierra EV and Hyundai Creta Electric. The Mahindra BE 6 is currently priced between Rs 18.90 lakh and Rs 26.90 lakh, and a small price increase is likely with these updates. For reference, the Sierra EV is priced from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 25.99 lakh, while the Creta Electric costs between Rs 18.03 lakh and Rs 23.67 lakh.

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Top Five diesel-automatic midsize SUVs under Rs 25 lakh ranked

Posted on August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 by admin

Best diesel automatic SUVs under Rs 25 lakh

SUVs are best had with diesel engines, but given our policies and the disapprobation surrounding this fuel, most carmakers have entirely withdrawn themselves from offering diesel engines. What’s interesting is that where diesel is still on offer, it continues to make up a sizeable portion of that segment, meaning that demand is still healthy but customers only have a handful of options to choose from. So, if you are in the market looking for a diesel-automatic SUV, here we have compiled a list of the five best diesel-AT midsize SUVs available within a budget of Rs 25 lakh.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Price: Rs 15.29 lakh – Rs 25.79 lakh

Mahindra is almost synonymous with large diesel SUVs and the XUV 7X0’s 185hp, 2.2-litre diesel is a benchmark for refinement and performance. It’s the most powerful SUV here, and the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that’s offered with this engine is smooth, too. A premium and spacious interior with generous levels of equipment and a sorted ride and handling balance are some of XUV 7XO’s other strengths. The third-row isn’t particularly spacious, but it at least offers the flexibility of one.

Kia Seltos

Price: Rs 15.32 lakh – Rs 21.82 lakh

Although much lesser in capacity and power output than the XUV 7X0, the Seltos’s 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel also stands out for smoothness and refinement. With linear power delivery and max torque coming in at just 1500rpm, it makes for a comfortable cruiser. However, it lacks that outright diesel punch and urgency, even in Sport mode. The gearbox, while smooth, is also a slow shifter, even via the paddles. The Seltos, too, is a very spacious and premium on the inside, and arguably has the best UI/UX for the infotainment system.

Hyundai Creta

Price: Rs 16.08 lakh – Rs 20.11 lakh

The Creta uses the same 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Seltos, so the smooth and refined character of the engine applies here as well. However, being an older generation model and slightly smaller than the new Seltos, it doesn’t feel lack lustre in terms of performance. It’s also quite efficient, making the diesel-auto one of the best powertrain choices on the Creta. Otherwise, too, the Creta remains one of the most competent offerings in the segment faring well on space, features and premium-ness despite its relative age compared to its rivals.

Tata Sierra

Price: Rs 15.99 lakh – Rs 21.29 lakh

The Sierra uses the same 1.5-litre diesel engine that’s offered on the Curvv and the Nexon, but it has been up-tuned to produce 118hp and 280Nm. This 1.5 unit doesn’t have the midrange punch associated with diesels; instead, it builds power linearly. It also isn’t particularly refined as you can feel vibrations at all times, which makes it known to you that you are, in fact, driving a diesel. The torque-converter auto, however, is a smooth unit that keeps the engine in the meat of the powerband. Elsewhere, the Sierra impresses with its space, features and well-judged ride and handling balance.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Price: Rs 14.19 lakh – Rs 25.49 lakh

The Scorpio N uses the same 2.2-litre diesel engine as the XUV 7XO, but in a slightly different state of tune, producing 175hp and 370Nm (400Nm in 4×4 guise) here. Given the Scorpio N’s hardy underpinnings and rugged nature, the diesel engine makes for a great fit on this SUV, thanks to its strong reserves of torque. The 6-speed AT gearbox isn’t particularly quick shifting or sporty, but it is smooth. The Scorpio N is also the only SUV on this list to come with an optional 4×4 system, and you’d be surprised by how capable it is off the tarmac. It also has a premium interior and is well-specced with features, but third-row is quite limited on space.