Upto Rs 4.3 lakh more for Fortuner, Gloster SUVs: How much extra you would pay if ‘pollution tax’ becomes real

As 2030 gets closer, the government’s anti-diesel stance is becoming more apparent with each passing day. While there are obvious environmental and pollution-related concerns behind this outlook, there is also the matter of heavy expenditure on fossil fuel imports that the government hopes to mitigate by switching over to electric vehicles and alternative fuels such as ethanol. Recent indications have suggested that the government could be a step closer to considering the imposition of a ‘pollution tax’ or additional 10 percent GST, on diesel-powered vehicles and that could bump up the prices of some popular SUVs by a big margin. The logic behind the move would be to discourage the sale of new diesel cars by imposing absurd amounts of taxes and removing the cost incentives generally associated with buying diesel cars. Here are the indicative price increases on seven popular diesel SUVs, in case, a ‘pollution tax’ comes into effect.

1. Mahindra Scorpio-N:
Mahindra is among the few carmakers that still have a diesel-heavy portfolio. The new Scorpio-N is a capable ladder-on-frame SUV and is selling like hot cakes. The majority of its bookings right now, are for the diesel variants. If a ‘pollution tax’ comes into effect, then the Scorpio-N could face a price bump of as much as Rs 2.4 lakh in its ex-showroom value.
2. Tata Harrier:
The Harrier is another popular SUV, which is being sold only with a diesel engine option. If the government does decide to slap an extra 10 percent GST on diesel cars, then the harrier would get costlier by up to Rs 1.5 to Rs 2.4 lakh for its top-end variants.
3. Mahindra XUV700:
The XUV700 is another sought after SUV, which has a powerful diesel engine option as well. In the event of a ‘pollution tax’ being imposed on diesel cars, the XUV could get costlier by up to Rs 2.6 lakh in its ex-showroom value.
4. Tata Safari:
Tata’s flagship SUV, is also only offered in diesel engine option. So it would fall right into the crosshair of a ‘pollution tax’. The extra 10 percent GST would bump up the Safari’s price by Rs 2.5 lakh in ex-showroom value.

5. Toyota Innova Crysta:
After a brief absence, the Toyota Innova Crysta diesel has been bought back into the Indian market. Prices for this popular MPV could go up by Rs 2.6 lakh, in case a ‘pollution tax’ comes into effect.
6. Toyota Fortuner:
Revered by many as the ultimate diesel 4×4 SUV, the Fortuner is already at the high end of the SUV spectrum based on its price. However, an additional 10 percent GST, would increase its ex-showroom value by up to Rs 4.1 lakh.
7. MG Gloster:
Another aspirational D-segment offering, the Gloster diesel’s prices could go up by Rs 4.3 lakh, if an additional 10 percent ‘pollution tax’ comes into place in the future.

Disclaimer:
While these are indicative price increases based on recent indications, the government has not yet confirmed such a proposal as ‘under active consideration’. The price increases mentioned in this list are indicative and do not represent the exact hike amount. At the time of tax calculation on a vehicle, there are several factors on government, manufacturer and dealership levels that are taken into account and these estimates do not represent them.