n the last decade, the SUV segment has been like a juggernaut successfully wiping out the sedan segment and crushing the hatchback market share. Currently, as it stands, the SUV segment has 49 per cent of the market share and is rapidly growing. Politicians are no exception to the SUV trend. Their role is not merely ceremonial; they must engage with constituents, often in remote rural areas with challenging road conditions, making SUVs a logical option. Furthermore, during campaign periods, politicians travel extensively, conduct meetings en route, and require a vehicle that provides a roomy, comfortable interior equipped with modern features, including safety—advantages that SUVs readily offer.
Here are the six most popular SUVs among the politicians.
Mahindra Bolero (Classic Bolero)
The Mahindra Bolero is one of the most successful SUVs in the Indian market. With its rugged looks and reliability, the Bolero was a favourite for both rural and urban buyers. Currently, with Mahindra rebadging the TUV300 to Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus, it has slightly diluted the brand. The OG now called Classic Bolero is powered by the 1.5-litre mHawk75 diesel engine that churns out 75 bhp and 210 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Classic Bolero is priced from Rs 10.90 lakh, ex-showroom.Â
Mahindra Scorpio N & Classic
The Scorpio has been an all-time favourite along with the previous generation Tata Safari. Now with the Scorpio offering two versions — the Classic and the N, there’s one for everyone’s requirements. The Scorpio Classic is a spruced-up version of the previous-gen model but is powered by the latest 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. It has an output of 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. The Classic is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. It starts from Rs 13.61 lakh to Rs 17.42 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Scorpio N is available in two engine options — the 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel with two output trims. The petrol has an output of 200 bhp with 370 Nm for the 6-speed manual and 380 Nm for the 6-speed automatic torque converter. The 2.2-litre diesel’s entry-level version produces 130 bhp and 300 Nm. Like the Scorpio Classic, this trim is only available with a 6-speed manual. The diesel Scorpio N’s top models have an impressive 172 bhp and 370 Nm for the 6-speed manual and 400 Nm for the 6-speed automatic torque converter. The petrol is only available in rear-wheel-drive while the diesel comes in both RWD and four-wheel-drive. The petrol range starts from Rs 13.85 lakh to Rs 21.97 lakh while the diesel starts from Rs 14.25 lakh to Rs 23.09 lakh, all ex-showroom.
Toyota Innova
The most practical MPV, the Toyota Innova, is available in two versions, the Innova Crysta and Innova Hycross. The Innova remains unmatched when it comes to space, features and comfort in the MPV segment. The Crysta range is only powered by the 2.4-litre diesel engine with an output of 147 bhp and 343 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The price starts from Rs 19.99 lakh to Rs 26.55 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
The Hycross is the new generation Innova, which comes with a state-of-the-art hybrid engine. There is also a standard petrol version. Along with practicality, the Innova Hycross also brings in luxury in the MPV segment. It offers plenty of segment-first features like LED DRLs that double up as an indicator, an electric-powered tail gate, front ventilated seats, second-row Ottoman seats, rear sunshades and a multizone air conditioner. The petrol Innova Hycross starts from Rs 18.92 lakh to Rs 21.13 lakh while the hybrid costs Rs 25.97 lakh to Rs 30.98 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
Mahindra XUV700
The flagship of Mahindra, the XUV700 introduces a range of comfort and safety features including the ADAS suite. This means the SUV is equipped with adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition and much more. The XUV700 is available in two engine trims — 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel. The petrol XUV700 is front-wheel-drive and has an output of 197 bhp and 380 Nm. The diesel, on the other hand, is available in two outputs the entry-level churns out 153 bhp and 360 Nm while the top models pump out 182 bhp and 420 Nm for the manual and 450 Nm for the automatic. Both the versions are available in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic torque converter.
The XUV700 petrol starts from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 25.54 lakh, ex-showroom. The diesel costs Rs 14.59 lakh to Rs 26.99 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is a sign that a politician has truly arrived. With every passing election, one notices more and more Fortuners on the road during the campaigning phase. The Toyota SUV is available in both petrol and diesel variants. The petrol gets a 2.7-litre motor with 164 bhp and 245 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The 2.8-litre diesel churns out 201 bhp and the 6-speed manual gets 420 Nm while the 6-speed torque converter automatic has 500 Nm of torque. The diesel version comes in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive.
The Fortuner petrol starts from Rs 33.42 lakh to Rs 35.02 lakh, while the diesel is Rs 35.93 lakh to Rs 51.44 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a must-buy SUV for those who can afford it, may it be politicians or otherwise. With 4×4 capability, this iconic SUV can be driven on the swampy marshlands in the Amazon or in extreme desert conditions of the Sahara. It can be driven on any terrain with bulletproof Toyota reliability. The Land Cruiser is a direct import in India, costing Rs 2.10 crore. It’s not just a rugged machine, the SUV offers premium comfort. The Land Cruiser L300 is powered by a 3-litre V6 diesel engine that has 304 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. It is mated with a 10-speed torque converter automatic.
