What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Mahindra XUV700 2024 and MG Hector. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Mahindra XUV700 2024 vs MG Hector – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts prioritize a car’s driving dynamics, engine responsiveness, and overall performance. They seek vehicles with powerful engines, quick acceleration, and agile handling. Factors such as high-speed stability, minimal body roll, and a smooth transmission are crucial. Additionally, they appreciate advanced features like traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), and a well-tuned suspension for an exhilarating driving experience.
Why Mahindra XUV700 2024 and MG Hector are Popular
The Mahindra XUV700 2024 and MG Hector have gained popularity among performance enthusiasts due to their impressive engine options and driving dynamics.
The XUV700 offers a potent 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine that delivers 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque, ensuring quick acceleration and linear power delivery. Its advanced suspension setup provides excellent high-speed stability and minimal body roll, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads.
On the other hand, the MG Hector boasts a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 141 BHP and 250 Nm of torque. While not as powerful as the XUV700, it still offers brisk acceleration and responsive performance. The Hector’s agile handling and well-tuned suspension make it a capable performer in urban and highway driving conditions.
Both SUVs come equipped with advanced features like traction control and ESC, enhancing their appeal to performance enthusiasts.
Mahindra XUV700 2024 and MG Hector Variants Shortlist in Rs 20-22 Lakh Range
For Mahindra XUV700 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 March 2024 |
| AX7 | ₹2,088,000 |
For MG Hector, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 March 2024 |
| 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro CVT | ₹2,108,000 |
| 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT | ₹2,170,000 |
Mahindra XUV700 AX7
This variant is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts. It offers a powerful 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine with 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque, ensuring quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The AX7 also boasts excellent visibility, a smooth 6-speed manual transmission, and advanced features like ESC and cruise control. If you enjoy long-distance driving, you can check out our comparison of the XUV700 2024 with Mahindra Scorpio-N.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro CVT
The Sharp Pro CVT variant is a strong contender for performance enthusiasts. It comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine that delivers 141 BHP and 250 Nm of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The CVT transmission offers smooth and linear power delivery, while the agile handling and minimal body roll make it engaging to drive. If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Hector with Kia Seltos 2023.
MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
The range-topping Savvy Pro CVT variant offers similar performance attributes to the Sharp Pro CVT. It shares the same 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine and CVT transmission, ensuring quick acceleration and smooth power delivery. The Savvy Pro CVT also comes loaded with additional features like a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging, enhancing its appeal to performance enthusiasts who seek a touch of luxury. We have also compared the Hector with XUV700 for family car buyers.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Mahindra XUV700 2024 and MG Hector for Performance Enthusiasts
After careful consideration, we recommend the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. Here’s our reasoning:
The XUV700 AX7 boasts a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine with 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque, outperforming the MG Hector’s 1.5-liter engine. This translates to quicker acceleration, better high-speed performance, and a more engaging driving experience.
The AX7 variant offers excellent visibility, allowing the driver to have a clear view of the road ahead and enhancing confidence during spirited driving. The smooth 6-speed manual transmission provides a more direct and engaging driving feel compared to the CVT offered in the Hector variants.
The XUV700 AX7 comes equipped with advanced features like traction control and ESC, which enhance the vehicle’s stability and control during high-speed maneuvers and challenging road conditions. These features are crucial for performance enthusiasts who demand a safe and confident driving experience.
Overall, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7’s combination of powerful engine, excellent visibility, smooth manual transmission, and advanced safety features make it the top choice for performance enthusiasts among the compared variants.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro CVT
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
| Attributes | Mahindra XUV700 AX7 | MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro CVT | MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT |
| Engine – Displacement (cc) | 1999 | 1451 | 1451 |
| Engine – Power (BHP) | 197.13 | 141 | 141 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 380 | 250 | 250 |
| Transmission – # of Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Traction Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Size | 10.25 | 14 | 14 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7: The XUV700 AX7 takes the top spot for its powerful 2.0-liter engine, delivering an impressive 197 BHP and 380 Nm of torque. The smooth 6-speed manual transmission and the presence of ESC make it a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts who prioritize engaging driving dynamics and safety.
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT: The range-topping Savvy Pro CVT variant secures the second position. While it may not match the XUV700 in terms of outright power, it offers a well-balanced package with its 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, CVT transmission, and a host of advanced features like traction control, ESC, and a large 14-inch touchscreen.
- MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro CVT: The Sharp Pro CVT variant rounds up the top 3 choices. It shares similar performance attributes with the Savvy Pro CVT, including the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine and CVT transmission. The presence of traction control, ESC, and steering-mounted controls make it an appealing option for performance enthusiasts.
All three variants offer a blend of performance, advanced features, and driving engagement that cater to the desires of performance enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
