One of Mahindra’s biggest successes in the Indian market, The Scorpio, a rugged, purposeful and probably one of the best SUVs available under 20 lacs, has for years been an icon and a people’s favourite. The massive stance, a powerful engine, plush ride quality and constant updates kept it bang in front of every Indian’s eye. The only issue was that it had only had facelifts, felt outdated and lacked technology and features.
Mahindra has now gone ahead and launched the all-new Scorpio N, a bigger, bolder, modern and feature-packed upgrade over the older version, which will be rechristened- the Scorpio Classic and sold alongside the N. A completely overhauled, aggressive front end – a redesigned full-width grille with six vertical chrome bars and the rectangular double barrel headlamps with a LED projector, look neat. C-shaped DRLs along the LED fog lamps mounted low on the front bumper, that looks rugged with a black and silver cladding lower down.
Come to the side and the huge 18” diamond cut alloy wheels, the massive, muscular wheel arches and the long bonnet makes it clear that the car means business. A chrome window line, chrome door handles, chrome plated roof rails, black cladding with silver elements run along the whole length of the car and the blacked-out metallic pillars give it the added touch of sophistication. The rear end, while looking a bit plain compared to the rest of the vehicle, looks chic with large vertical taillights, a body-coloured spoiler, and houses a massive rear door that opens sideways, all in typical Scorpio fashion.
The feeling of sophistication translates to the inside as well, with a high seating position, a chunky and beefy steering wheel and large windows giving you a clear view of the world outside. The dual-tone brown-black interior theme seems premium with a leather-wrapped dashboard, body-hugging leatherette seats, and a variety of soft-touch materials all around the cabin.
The Scorpio N is packed with technology and features with dual-zone automatic climate control, dynamic rear A/c vents, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an AdrenoX connect system with 70+ connected car features, a 12-speaker Sony sound system with 3D immersive audio, Alexa built-in with a unique what3words feature that allows you to use preset 3-word statements to access all of the features in the car.
Further making the Scorpio N a potential driver’s delight is a part- digital-analogue instrument cluster with a 7” digital TFT screen, analogue tachometer and speedometer, three drive modes- Zip, Zap and Zoom, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, cruise control, leather-wrapped gear lever, a tastefully finished dial for the 4WD selector with high and low gear ratios, 6 way electronically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a wireless charging pad, auto headlamps and wipers, front and rear cameras and parking sensors, power-adjustable outside rear view mirrors and a wide single-pane sunroof.
Powering this humongous vehicle are Mahindra’s tested and powerful diesel and petrol engines available with automatic and manual transmission options- A 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine pushing out 203 ps of power and 370 Nm (MT) and 380 Nm (AT) of torque. And a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine in 2 different states of tune, one pushing out 175 ps of power and 370 (MT) and 400 Nm (AT) of torque, available in the Z4, Z6, Z8, Z8L models and another with132 ps of power and 300 Nm of torque, in the Z2 and Z4 models.
Mahindra has capitalised upon its legacy of ladder frame vehicles and has re-engineered, revised and upgraded the high torsion steel chassis and frame to pair with it a host of safety features – 6 airbags, all four disc brakes, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold and hill-descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat mounts making for a very safe, strong and reliable car. A double-wishbone front suspension with dampers all across, a Penta link rear suspension with first in category WATT’s linkage and electronically activated mechanical and brake locking differentials, should greatly improve handling and ride quality along with all types of roads, or no roads. Moreover, the 4-wheel drive variant will also get the 4XPLOR terrain mode, which will automatically detect the type of terrain- sand, mud, snow or tarmac, and optimise traction accordingly so that no terrain stops you from powering ahead.
Along with the whole list of comfort and design features, the Scorpio N also gets a set of accessories and custom packs from fender mirrors, bug deflectors, seat covers, carriers, rain visors, custom wheels with anti-theft bolts, custom pedals, body covers, added chrome elements and so on. These, if opted for, will be added to the car from the factory. The N loses out on features such as heated and ventilated seats, third-row A/c vents, electronic handbrake and a 360-degree camera which have become a regular sight on vehicles at this price point. Further, Mahindra has released prices for the Manual variants from 11.99- 19.49 Lakhs ex-showroom, valid for the first 25,000 customers only, with bookings starting from 30th July. The prices for the automatic and 4WD variants will be made available on 21st July.
What the Mahindra Scorpio N offers is a great value proposition, something that’s really lacking in any segment really. At Least on paper, the customer is getting a lot for his money here and has the power to change the dynamics of the pricing of many cars in that space. With dimensions as big as the Kodiaq or the Fortuner, and at under 20 lacs ex-showroom, Mahindra has priced it along with the Kushaq and Taigun, which are merely exaggerated hatchbacks. Its RWD, built on Mahindra’s tried and tested ladder frame chassis, has some of the best suspension and handling hardware, an optional 4WD, is packed with tech, and comfort features and it also gets two mighty engines, which, on paper, makes the Mahindra Scorpio N, insane value for money. And if Mahindra has managed to get it to drive anywhere as good as the XUV700, they have potentially destroyed, if not at least sidelined the competition. We’re waiting to get our hands on the new Scorpio, so stay tuned for an in-depth review soon!
