MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra XUV700: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 18-20 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra XUV700 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

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 crave fast cars that transcend ordinary driving experiences, prioritizing blistering acceleration, precise handling, high-speed stability, and responsive power delivery. They value a potent engine that boasts minimal turbo lag, heightened by agile maneuvering capabilities, ensuring an exhilarating drive. 

Exceptional performance isn’t merely about speed; it encompasses the car’s ability to engage the driver, respond crisply to inputs, and maintain composure in high-speed scenarios. 

Additionally, sophisticated technological integrations such as advanced transmission systems, traction control, and a compelling audio system accentuate the overall driving pleasure.

Why MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 are Popular

The MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 have emerged as favorites among performance enthusiasts, attributable to their compelling blend of power, technology, and driving dynamics. 

Enthusiasts gravitate towards the Hector Plus for its refined turbocharged engines, offering a balanced mix of power and efficiency. Its stable high-speed comportment and reasonable body roll contribute to an assured driving experience.

Conversely, the XUV700 steals the limelight with its robust engine options, delivering quick responsiveness and formidable power outputs. Its minimal vibration and harshness levels, coupled with admirable high-speed stability, present an unyielding case for performance aficionados. 

Both vehicles offer advanced infotainment systems, with the Hector Plus boasting a premium Infinity audio setup and the XUV700 offering a responsive OEM unit, enhancing in-drive entertainment.

What seals the deal is their commitment to safety without compromising performance, evident from their substantial GNCAP ratings, ensuring enthusiasts can satiate their need for speed with peace of mind. 

These aspects, when combined, create quick cars that are not just about raw performance but also about an immersive, enjoyable, and safe driving experience.

MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 Variants Shortlist in Rs 18-20 Lakh Range

For Mahindra XUV700, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 October 2023
AX5 E 7 Str	₹19,02,000
AX5 7 Str Diesel	₹19,11,000

For MG Hector Plus, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 October 2023
1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro	₹19,76,000

Mahindra XUV700 AX5 E 7 Str

The AX5 variant is a strong contender owing to its FWD setup and a powerful petrol engine churning out a hefty 197.13 BHP. Its stability at high speeds, low vibration and harshness, and excellent visibility mark it as a desirable option for performance lovers. 

The inclusion of a turbocharger ensures minimal lag, delivering a linear power output, enhancing the driving dynamics significantly. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Mahindra Scorpio-N.

Mahindra XUV700 AX5 7 Str Diesel

Nearly identical to its petrol counterpart, this diesel variant stands out for its increased torque of 420 Nm, promising better acceleration and overall performance. Its engine responsiveness, minimal turbo lag, and stability factors remain commendable, offering a similarly thrilling driving experience. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Tata Safari.

MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro

The Hector Plus variant, while slightly pricier, offers a unique proposition with its turbocharged petrol engine and a stable driving demeanor. Although it offers lower power figures at 141 BHP, the vehicle compensates with superior fit and finish, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features. 

Its high-speed stability and moderate body roll ensure a comfortable yet engaging ride. If you enjoy long drives, you can check out our comparison of the Hector Plus with Mahindra Scorpio-N.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 for Performance Enthusiasts

The Mahindra XUV700 AX5 7 Str Diesel emerges as the champion for performance enthusiasts. Its diesel engine, though less powerful in terms of BHP (182.38) compared to its petrol counterpart, offers a higher torque of 420 Nm, essential for quick accelerations and overtaking maneuvers. 

Moreover, its responsiveness and minimal turbo lag provide a more engaging driving experience, essential for enthusiasts who crave immediate feedback and a sense of control.

While the MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro offers a slew of advanced features and a refined driving experience, it falls short in raw performance metrics vital for this persona. The XUV700’s superior torque, combined with its excellent visibility, stable high-speed performance, and agile handling, provides a more exhilarating and confident driving experience, crucial for performance enthusiasts.

The XUV700 doesn’t compromise on comfort or technology – its intuitive infotainment system, plush seating, and premium interior materials ensure a luxurious ride without detracting from the thrill of performance driving. Therefore, for the performance enthusiast, the Mahindra XUV700 AX5 7 Str Diesel strikes the perfect balance between power, agility, and driving pleasure.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

1. Mahindra XUV700 AX5 7 Str Diesel
2. Mahindra XUV700 AX5 E 7 Str
3. MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro

Attribute	XUV700 Diesel	XUV700 Petrol	Hector Plus
High-Speed Stability	Yes	Yes	Yes
Turbocharging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine Responsiveness	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine – Torque (Nm)	420	380	250

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Mahindra XUV700 AX5 7 Str Diesel: Standing out with the highest torque, this variant promises rapid acceleration, crucial for performance-driven driving. Its high-speed stability ensures confidence during fast-paced maneuvers, while the responsive engine keeps the driver in absolute control.
• Mahindra XUV700 AX5 E 7 Str: This petrol variant, while slightly lower in torque, maintains similar performance characteristics as its diesel sibling. Its quick engine responsiveness, stable high-speed handling, and turbocharged engine make it a worthy contender.
• MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro: Despite lower performance figures, the Hector Plus shines with its premium amenities and superior fit and finish. It’s suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of moderate performance with a luxurious driving environment.

For performance enthusiasts, the Mahindra XUV700 variants clearly lead, offering higher torque, superior engine responsiveness, and excellent high-speed stability, crucial for thrilling yet controlled driving experiences. The MG Hector Plus, with its balanced attributes, appeals to those valuing comfort and luxury alongside moderate performance. 

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered