Mahindra Scorpio Classic

The Scorpio Classic gets a significant facelift, featuring a new grille with vertical slats adorned by Mahindra’s twin peaks logo, all dipped in chrome. The headlights are now projector-style, coupled with revamped bumpers and contemporary DRLs. Side-cladding spells “Scorpio,” and 17-inch alloy wheels sport a new design. The rear showcases a side-opening door, complementing the tower-shaped tail lamp reflectors. It’s a blend of nostalgia and modernity, retaining the signature silhouette.

Step inside, and you’re welcomed by a beige-themed cabin contrasting the darker interiors of the yesteryears. The dashboard features a 9-inch touchscreen, although lacking in advanced functionalities. The faux wood inserts around the gear lever are a hit-or-miss, depending on personal taste. Steering wheel controls are a welcome addition, though adjusting the height-adjustable driver’s seat can be cumbersome due to limited space.

When it comes to safety, the Scorpio Classic takes a ‘less is more’ approach. You won’t find a laundry list of modern electronic aids or semi-autonomous driving features. Instead, Mahindra has chosen to focus on the basics. Equipped with dual front airbags to cushion the impact in case of a collision, it ensures that safety is not compromised. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) offers better control during sudden braking scenarios, reducing the risk of skidding. Cruise control has been thrown into the mix as well, offering not just convenience but an added layer of safety during highway drives. The vehicle comes standard with rear parking sensors, a feature that is especially helpful given the Scorpio’s size and helps avoid minor bumps and scrapes when reversing.

While these features may seem ‘classic’ in comparison to the array of safety technologies available in modern cars, they fulfill the essential requirements of keeping you safe on the road. After all, safety isn’t just about complicated systems and advanced technologies; sometimes, sticking to the basics can be equally effective. By offering foundational safety features, Mahindra strikes a balance, ensuring that the Scorpio Classic remains a dependable choice for those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills approach to driving safety.

Beneath the hood, the Scorpio Classic features a revamped 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel engine that delivers 128 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. This is paired with a newly refined 6-speed manual transmission. A notable aspect is the low-end torque, which kicks in at a mere 1,000 rpm, reducing the need for frequent gear changes. Improved refinement and NVH levels further sweeten the deal.

One might expect a ‘Classic’ to cling stubbornly to the past, but when it comes to ride and handling, the Scorpio Classic surprises with its forward-thinking engineering. While it retains the same foundational suspension setup, the introduction of frequency-selective dampers, borrowed from the more advanced Scorpio-N, significantly enhances the ride quality. What you experience is a SUV that’s far removed from its jerky, bone-rattling ancestors. The body roll, a characteristic often criticized in earlier versions, has been noticeably mitigated, offering a more stable and comfortable ride.

However, the steering is where the Scorpio Classic retains its old-school charm. It requires a bit more muscle than you might be used to, especially during tight city maneuvers. Though some may find it a bit cumbersome, it adds an authentic touch of ruggedness to the driving experience that die-hard Scorpio fans will undoubtedly appreciate.

With an ex-showroom starting price of Rs. 11.99 lakh and stretching up to Rs. 15.49 lakh for the higher-end variant, the Scorpio Classic offers solid value. Especially when you consider the Scorpio-N’s starting price of Rs. 13.99 lakh, it’s clear that the Classic variant provides a more budget-friendly alternative. Yes, you might have to forego some advanced tech and plush features, but what you get in return is a raw, unfiltered driving experience that’s hard to find in today’s SUV market.

The Scorpio Classic doesn’t bog you down with a multitude of options; it keeps it straightforward with just two variants. If you prefer a more uncluttered experience, then the base variant should be adequate for your needs. It offers the core capabilities of the Scorpio at a significantly lower price point.

If you can increase your budget, the higher-end S11 trim is worth the extra investment. This variant comes with added features like a 9-inch touchscreen system, captain seats in the second row, and additional steering wheel controls, making the ride not just classic but also comfortably modern. In essence, your choice boils down to what you prioritize more—simplicity and savings, or a bit of modern flair mixed with the ruggedness that has always defined the Scorpio. Either way, you’re in for a driving experience that uniquely combines the past and the present.

The Scorpio Classic doesn’t face much direct competition, essentially creating a league of its own. However, it bridges the gap between the previous Scorpio and the more advanced Scorpio-N, making it an attractive proposition for those on a budget. The Mahindra Scorpio Classic stands as a tribute to a vehicle that has defined an era. It successfully merges the raw charisma of the past with the modern-day essentials, providing an option for those who wish to own a piece of the iconic Scorpio legacy without breaking the bank. With the Classic edition, Mahindra proves that legends never really fade away; they just get better with time.