Fastest diesel AT SUV under the 25L mark: XUV 700 vs Scorpio-N

Surprisingly, my 7-year old Ford Aspire still fits the bil. It is always fun to drive. But, it’s time for an upgrade.

BHPian manishk83 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Fastest Diesel AT SUV South of 25 Lakhs

I am on the lookout for an SUV (anything from Creta/Seltos, to Harrier/Safari to Scorpio/XUV700).

My one consideration always is: It should be FAST. I should not feel bored driving it even after 7 years. Surprisingly, my 7-year old Ford Aspire still fits the bil. It is always fun to drive. But, it’s time for an upgrade.

The best way to go about deciding always is: Drive for yourself! I did that - all the above mentioned cars. The reason I am posting this question here: Simply because the Scorpio-N has such a tall commanding position, super light steering - it sort of clouds your judgement, I feel.

More experienced BHPians and those who have lived with their cars for sometime:

If I am in the market for a FAST and Fun to Drive Diesel SUV south of 25 Lakh, what will you recommend ? Scorpio-N, XUV700, Safari, Harrier, Creta or Seltos? Or something else, altogether!

I can live with various things: Slowing down on curves, less confidence inspiring 120 kmph, pedestrian interiors etc. But what I can’t skimp on is: Pushing the pedal and not getting the grunt - both when starting from still as also when accelerating from 80 kmph.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I don’t want to hijack the Scorpio-N thread but didn’t feel like starting a new thread altogether under ‘What Car’.

Here's what BHPian vredesbyrd had to say on the matter:

XUV700 diesel would be faster due to the slightly better tune (185/450 vs 175/400) and lighter weight. It is the fastest in the lot that you mentioned.

If you are fixated on the Scorpio N and are open to petrol, then try the Scorpio N petrol. That thing is fast and sounds good above 3000 rpm. Get an aftermarket exhaust to spice things up.

Another thing, if you are open to the used market, then there are options that go even faster but that's a different ball game altogether.

Here's what BHPian Cresterk had to say on the matter:

Get the cheapest XUV 700 diesel variant with the 180hp tune and the automatic. Scorpio-N is meant more for off-roadng but the 700 is for the roads and you wlll leave pretty much any other diesel at that price point in the dust. Just don't try to pick any battles with the turbo petrols.

Here's what BHPian Kosfactor had to say on the matter:

Short answer is 7OO AWD , but there is a bit more to this.

I can tell you from a busy driver's perspective - XUV is very sedan like to drive, AWD, IRS, DSC, ESC all kinds of tech is there not only for safety but also to help you drive fast with confidence, I have experienced minor corrections the electronics do as you corner or as you drive through torrential rain as well as full on aggressive interventions the ESC does if you take the wrong line, everything is spot on. Even the way it recovers from emergency maneuvers, driving fast over gravel roads , low traction surfaces, it's all dialed in well.

Add BOF to it and you get N - which is the most engaging BOF vehicle to drive, It's because Scorpio from the beginning is meant to be a driver's UV. As with many other things that are built with focus on certain priorities there will be compromises that comes with it. If you have enough driving on country roads that are not well maintained, this should be the top choice.

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