One aspect that sets Mahindra SUVs apart from their rivals is that majority of them get the choice of both petrol and diesel engines. Of the bunch, popular models like the Mahindra Thar, XUV700 and Scorpio N are offered with the same 2-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines in different states of tune. Here, we take a look at the January 2024 petrol-diesel sales split of Mahindra models, and see which fuel type has higher demand.
The Mahindra Scorpio: A Timeless Icon
Ever since its launch, the Mahindra Scorpio has taken over the Indian auto sector because to its strong development, off-road skills, and imposing looks on the road. To keep the Scorpio competitive in an increasingly congested SUV market, Mahindra has been updating and improving it over time to suit evolving customer needs and tastes.
Mahindra Thar: Diesel Dominance with a Petrol Surge
The Mahindra Thar, renowned for its rugged appeal and off-road prowess, exhibits a clear preference for diesel powertrains among buyers. In January 2023, diesel variants accounted for a substantial 92.4% of total sales, showcasing the dominance of diesel engines in this iconic SUV. However, in January 2024, while diesel remained the preferred choice, its share slightly decreased to 89.2%. This decrease coincided with a notable increase in petrol variant sales, with petrol units surging to over 10% of total sales.
Mahindra XUV700: Diesel Continues to Lead, with a Rise in Petrol Sales
Similarly, the Mahindra XUV700, a popular SUV offering, witnesses a preference for diesel powertrains among consumers. In January 2023, diesel variants constituted a significant 76.2% of total sales, indicating strong demand for diesel-powered XUV700s. This trend continued into January 2024, although there was a slight decrease in diesel's share to 72.4%. Notably, petrol variant sales experienced growth, rising from 23.8% in January 2023 to 27.6% in January 2024.
?The Appeal of Diesel Power
In January 2024, a significant trend was observed among Mahindra Scorpio buyers: a staggering 90% of them opted for the diesel variant. This preference for the diesel powertrains which can be underscores the enduring popularity of the diesel vehicles in India, particularly in the SUV segment where the diesel engines are prized for their torque, the fuel efficiency, and for the long-distance driving capabilities.
Factors Influencing the Choice
Several factors may have influenced the overwhelming preference for the diesel variant among Mahindra Scorpio buyers. One key factor is the perceived performance advantage of the diesel engines, and it can especially in rugged terrain and off-road conditions where torque and for the low-end power are crucial. The diesel Scorpio's ability to tackle challenging terrain with ease and confidence may have swayed buyers towards this option.
Market Dynamics and Competition
The dominance of the diesel variant among Mahindra Scorpio buyers also reflects broader market dynamics and competitive pressures within the SUV segment.
Environmental Considerations
While the preference for diesel powertrains among Mahindra Scorpio buyers is undeniable, it also raises important questions about environmental sustainability and emissions.
The overwhelming preference for the diesel variant among Mahindra Scorpio buyers in January 2024 underscores the enduring appeal of diesel powertrains in the Indian automotive market.