Hello Autocar India team, I live in banglore. I currently own Hyundai Creta SX (O) 1.6 CRDI Diesel AT 2016 model. I want to upgrade my car because of the 10-year diesel vehicles rule. Most of my running is on highway so I am looking for automatic diesel 7-seater SUV for family. My bugdet is between Rs. 20 - 40 lakh. Initially, I had considered the Tata Safari Diesel AT, but I have listened on social media poor about Tata after-sales service, technical and electronic Issues, as well as panel gaps issues that are concerning me. Now, I have shortlisted Toyota Fortuner Diesel AT, Mahindra Scorpio N Diesel AT and Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT. Which SUV is better for my requirements? Also, will I have to face DPF-related issues in new diesel cars if we drive slowly?

autocar.india

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Go for the XUV 7XO AX7T diesel automatic. The diesel engine is well suited to your high running, and the automatic gearbox is a proven torque converter unit that is reliable and well matched to the engine. This Mahindra car will make your daily city driving far less tiring, while still being smooth and efficient on the highway. Coming from a 15-year-old Hyundai Verna diesel manual, the automatic will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and ease of use, without compromising on long-term reliability. The manual is still a good option if you strongly prefer the engagement, but for your usage and ownership horizon, the automatic is the smarter choice.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Hyundai Verna

autocar.india

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Mahindra has confirmed that it is working on range extenders and strong hybrids, but it has not announced any diesel plug-in hybrid plans for the Scorpio N or Scorpio Lifestyler. In fact, Mahindra has not confirmed any diesel plug-in hybrid models at all. The company’s hybrid strategy is expected to focus on petrol-based strong hybrids and range extenders, rather than diesel plug-in hybrids.Diesel plug-in hybrids are also relatively rare globally because they are complex and expensive to develop, and the emissions benefits are not as clear-cut as with petrol hybrids. Mahindra’s diesel engines are already very efficient, and the company is more likely to focus on petrol hybrids and range extenders for future hybrid models.So while Mahindra is definitely working on hybrids, a diesel plug-in hybrid Scorpio N or Scorpio Lifestyler is unlikely at this stage.

Mahindra Scorpio N

autocar.india

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Go for the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T diesel manual. It is the right choice for your usage and budget. The Z8L's main differentiator is ADAS, which you have already identified as something you do not need. The Z8T gives you the same core mechanical package, the same strong diesel engine, and the same RWD and body-on-frame DNA that you liked in the Hexa, without paying extra for features you will not use. The Scorpio N is also one of the few cars in this price range that still offers a proper RWD diesel manual setup, which is exactly what you are looking for.On the question of waiting, there is no clear reason to hold off. There are no major RWD diesel manual SUVs or MPVs expected in the next year that would fundamentally change your decision. This Mahindra car is already a well-established product with a proven ownership track record, and it is one of the few cars that still offers this kind of mechanical package.The only thing to keep in mind is that the Scorpio N is a body-on-frame SUV, so it will not be as refined or as comfortable as the Hexa on long highway runs and bumpy roads as the ride is quite bouncy. But if you are looking for a tough, reliable RWD diesel manual with a strong ownership track record, the Z8T is the right choice.

Mahindra Scorpio N