Mahindra is one of the biggest SUV manufacturers in the country at the moment. The Mahindra Thar and Scorpio N are some of the popular SUVs in their current lineup. According to a recent report, the majority of buyers who purchase these SUVs are opting for diesel versions over petrol.
As per the sales report of April 2024, Mahindra sold 6,161 units of the Mahindra Thar. Out of these, 5,502 units were diesel versions, and only 659 units were petrol versions. Similarly, Mahindra sold a total of 14,807 units of the Scorpio N, including the Scorpio Classic. Out of these, 13,344 units were diesel versions, and the remaining 1,463 units were petrol variants.
In both these SUVs, the diesel versions contribute to almost 90 percent of the total sales. The Mahindra Scorpio N and Thar are both available with petrol and diesel engine options. Both SUVs use a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In both vehicles, the engines are offered in different states of tune. The 4×2 version of the Mahindra Thar gets a smaller 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which generates less power than the 4×4 version. The 4×2 Thar only generates 118 PS and 300 Nm of peak torque.
Both petrol and diesel versions of these SUVs are offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. Both SUVs are available with a 4×4 system as well.
While many manufacturers are moving away from diesel engines, Mahindra still offers diesel engines, and not only that, they are performing well in terms of monthly sales. Here are some of the reasons why we feel the diesel versions of the Scorpio N and Thar are doing well in the market:
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
“Kitna Deti Hai” (how much does it return) has been a priority for Indian car buyers for decades. While we talk a lot about build quality and other features, we always consider fuel economy before finalizing a deal. Compared to the petrol version, the diesel versions of the Mahindra Thar and Scorpio N offer better fuel economy. These SUVs also have lower running costs compared to the petrol variants.
Better On-road Performance of Diesels
Many feel that the performance of bigger diesel engines is better than petrol, and that is another factor that attracts them to these vehicles. The diesel engines offer more torque and feel more relaxed while cruising on highways.
Better Resale Value
The Mahindra Scorpio and Thar are extremely popular among buyers. These names have an identity in the market and are mostly recognized as diesel SUVs. Due to this brand value, these vehicles have better resale value. Also, diesel vehicles are considered more reliable and would fetch better value for the customer when he or she plans to sell them.
10-Year Diesel Rule
Only the Delhi NCR region has restrictions on diesel vehicles. Apart from this region, no other state has imposed a 10-year ban on diesel vehicles. As there are no such restrictions, people go for the diesel version, and it is only in the Delhi NCR region where you find an increase in the sale of petrol engine versions.
Only Diesel Gets 4×4
If you are looking for a 7-seater SUV that can perform well on and off the road, then diesel is your only option. Mahindra only offers the 4×4 version with the Scorpio N diesel engine option. When it comes to the Mahindra Thar, both petrol and diesel engine options are offered with 4×4 and 2WD options.
Featured Image Via: ZigWheels
