Mahindra

Scorpio

Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio is one of the most powerful and imposing SUVs in its segment. The new Scorpio N has already drawn sizable interest from car buyers in recent times.

How’s the design?

The Mahindra Scorpio N has a longer wheelbase. The new version ditches the raw appeal or aesthetic of the earlier version for a more refined appearance. However, it still looks chunky, muscular, and more premium simultaneously. The new Scorpio N looks and feels premium without compromising on its muscle. There is a vertical-slat front grille with added chrome and character lines on the bonnet.

There is no hood scoop while there are new twin-projector LEDs for headlamps and LED DRLs that are C-shaped. There are sizable 17 or 18 inch wheels with big 255-section tyres. There is a smart chrome touch covering the base of the SUV’s A-Pillar to the top of the car’s C-Pillar. The rear has LED tail lights which are vertically stacked and this makes it look quite like a Volvo model. The rear design is completely unique. The side opening door comes from the earlier generation model while it now has bench seats in the third row and not jump seats.

How does it perform?

The Mahindra Scorpio N comes with a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine in two tune states for the entry-level Z2 variant, and the Z4 and upper variants respectively. There are three driving modes on offer for this engine, namely Zap, Zip, and Zoom. There is also an mStallion 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine. The Scorpio N HAS 6-speed automatic torque converter and manual transmission choices for both its engines. There is also a 4x4 variant only available with the diesel engine. The petrol engine feels refined and powerful anywhere in the band. In fact, you feel empowered with all this power and acceleration on tap. Turbo lag is managed very well while there is a smooth shifting gearbox (torque converter-automatic). The manual transmission system also works fine. The diesel engine functions well in both tune states. There is that same sense of having sufficient power on tap, although the base variant may feel slightly unexciting (but only slightly). However, all these engines have sizable torque for that extra punch and grunt. The refinement levels have gone up tremendously and you can literally power through the traffic or on the highway with elan.

How’s the mileage?

Mileage is around 11.67 kmpl in the city and 14 kmpl on the highway.

How’s the driving experience?

The Mahindra Scorpio N offers a better driving and handling experience than the earlier model. The SUV no longer has the same amount of body roll. Mahindra has worked extensively on the same and once you push the car harder, in spite of its ladder-frame construction, the Scorpio N does not quite have the rolling-around effect of the earlier version. This version feels more in control of things although this has led to a few compromises with the overall ride quality. This results from a stiffer suspension. Yet, you get more stability and better driving manners this time around and that is a big improvement by all means.

How’s its off-road capability?

The Mahindra Scorpio comes with a 4x4 version and decent off-roading abilities. The Scorpio N gets selectable four-wheel drive or 4WD (shift on the fly) and selectable modes for various terrains including Mud & Ruts, Snow, Normal, and Sand. There is a brake locking and mechanical differential which controls the slip electronically at every axle. The four wheel drive setup functions smoothly and the 4-low mode helps whenever things get tougher. The off-roading circuit covers steeper declines, inclines, side inclines, articulation, and several other aspects. You may also change to 4L or 4H with a button. 4L is suitable for added torque and traction, while 4H will take you through the off-roading circuit otherwise.

What’s the interior like?

The Mahindra Scorpio N offers a plush and refined cabin. The interiors are no longer identical to the Scorpio Classic SUV. There is a premium black and coffee brown theme which looks striking. The piano black central console does look fine. There are air conditioning vents that are vertically positioned and you also get an 8-inch infotainment unit with the AdrenoX connected car technology. There is also integrated Alexa along with the Snapdragon SD6 processor with more than 70 connected car features. There is also a Sony audio system with 12 speakers and 3D-immersive audio. The audio unit offers great sound quality while you also get wireless charging, automatic headlamps, driving modes for the diesel engine, dual-zone climate control, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, electric driver seat, electric sunroof, 7-inch digital instrument console, and navigation, along with driver drowsiness levels, drive information, and a lot more. The steering-wheel comes with buttons and there is also cruise control available. The second row offers bench/captain seat configurations. There is excellent headroom, knee room and legroom along with great under-thigh support. There are rear air conditioning vents with blower control and also a USB-C charging port. The third row is easily accessible while getting into the third row is also easier this time. The last row is not that comfortable for longer trips. There are no cup holders, AC vents or charging points.

Tech and infotainment

The Mahindra Scorpio SUV comes with features like AdrenoX connected car technologies, an 8-inch infotainment system, in-built Alexa, 12-speaker Sony audio system with 3D immersive audio, front camera, wireless charging, drive modes, automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, parking sensors, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, electric driver seat, electric sunroof, 7-inch digital driver information system, and more.

Safety equipment

The Mahindra Scorpio N comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring system, all-wheel disc brake system, driver drowsiness alert, rear and front parking sensors, roll-over mitigation technologies, hill descent control, and hill hold control.

Which variant to buy?

There is the Scorpio Z2 which comes with a touch screen infotainment unit and steering mounted controls, LED tail lights, second-row AC vents, electric power steering, and some other features. The Z4 variant is costlier with an 8 inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, hill hold control, hill descent control, second row AC vents, ESC, and more features. The Z6 gives you the sunroof, Alexa integration, the 7 inch MID, connected car technologies, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and driving modes. The top-end Z8 comes with several LED lights, side and curtain airbags, 4WD terrain management setup, 18-inch alloy wheels/17-in steel wheels, dual-zone climate control and some additions. The premium Z8L also gets the powered front seat, 12-speaker Sony audio, front parking sensors and some other embellishments. The Z6 seems to be a value pick if you cannot stretch your budget for the Z8L.

Which cars compete in this segment?

The Mahindra Scorpio N will compete with its sibling, the new Mahindra XUV700, along with the MG Hector and Tata Harrier. It is costlier than compact SUVs like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta in the petrol-manual guise. The entry-level model is more affordable than the XUV700 and the latter is also costlier for the higher end of the segment. The Alcazar from Hyundai, also a rival, is the costliest in the comparison. Yet, it is similar on pricing to the top-end petrol-manual version. The Scorpio N is more affordable in the diesel-manual guise than the XUV700 and the Alcazar. The Tata Safari has the costliest top-end trim here. If you take the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar into the comparison, then the Scorpio N is the tallest and widest with similar length as the rivals. The longest one is the MG Hector Plus. The petrol version of the Scorpio is the most powerful among its rivals, outstripping even the XUV700. The diesel engines are similar to the XUV700 although outputs are different. The smallest engine in this category belongs to the Hyundai Alcazar. All in all, while the XUV700 has better features and there are some unique features of SUVs like the MG Hector Plus, the Scorpio N still manages to hold its own.

Verdict (Value for money)

The Mahindra Scorpio N looks to be another big success story for the company, offering brawn, refinement, a premium vibe, and most importantly, excellent features, great handling, and a decent pricing strategy. It comes with new-age features, looks, and that same appeal that makes it irresistible for most buyers. It is always a value proposition for buyers in the segment without a doubt.