Mahindra Scorpio

Having dominated the roads for over 15 years, Mahindra Scorpio still remains on top of the game. This SUV comes with a price tag of INR 9,94,471 for its base variant. The new Scorpio retails in four variants– the S3, S5, S7 and, S11. Six trims to choose from its top S11 variant, three trims in the mid S7 variant and two trims each for the S5 and S3 variants.

On the S11, both 2WD and 4WD variants come equipped with the powerful new 2.2-litre mHawk engine churning 140 BHP and 320 NM torque. Only one of the S7 variants come with the 140 BHP engine while the other gets the 120 BHP engine and are 2WD. The S5 variants comes with a 120 BHP engine and 2WD. S3 gets a 2.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine with an output of 75BHP and 200 NM torque. Mahindra’s first in-house SUV has been kicking up a storm right from the time it was launched back in 2002. This SUV had many firsts and still has many first in class features.

Exterior

 The Scorpio is a full-sized SUV that is 4,456 mm long, 1820 mm wide, 1930 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. Compared to one of the closest rivals the Safari Storme, the Scorpio lags in width and length but more than compensates for it in height and wheelbase.

 The new Scorpio has undergone a few tweaks to design. On the front it gets a seven-slot chrome grille, restyled bumper, larger fog lamps with chrome garnish, mesh inserts behind the grille and a new skid-plate underneath. Mahindra has designed the Scorpio’s front profile to affirm its aggressiveness. The swept back projector headlamps and eyebrow like DRLs boost its aggressive attitude. The SUV also loses the jaunty black cladding from its tailgate. A chrome rear number plate applique that houses the rear number plate lights and the rearview camera has been integrated.

 The tail lamps have been replaced by red-lens units and the rear bumper also gets a redesigned footstep. Sway a little to the side and you can’t miss noticing the new 17-inch alloy wheels and turn indicators on the outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs). The last set of side windows have also been tweaked. On the whole, Mahindra has crafted the facelift in a manner that would give the Scorpio a fresh look while retaining its identity.

Interior

 The new Scorpio gets a dual-tone theme on the inside with a dual-tone black and beige dashboard. However, the blue-grey theme remains to dominate the cabin space. The fabric in the lower trims gets replaced with faux leather on its top trim. The steering wheel and the gear lever too come draped in faux leather.

 The new Scorpio gets a new 7” touchscreen infotainment system which also doubles up as reverse parking display and a steering with controls borrowed from the XUV 500. The cabin gets bigger cubbyholes which were a concern in the predecessor and Mahindra have thrown in a sunglass holder and a mobile holder for added utility. The top and second top trims come with seven or eight seater options while the base and mid trims come with seven or nine-seater options. This SUV has a trunk merged with the passenger cabin. With a boot capacity of 460 liters, it competes well with the likes of Storme, Terrano, and Duster. The other features include automatic headlights with static bending function, automatic wipers, cruise control, tyre-tronics, follow me home and lead me to the vehicle headlamps, dynamic parking assist, one-touch lane change indicator and one-pinch power window roll-up for the driver.

Engine & Transmission

 The top variants of the new Scorpio S11 and one S7 variant are powered by a tuned 2.2-litre mHawk diesel motor that delivers 140 BHP of power and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox and also gets a Borg Warner turbocharger.

 However, if you choose to pick up the S5 or the less expensive S7 trims, you will still get the same 120 BHP and 280 Nm unit with the 5-speed manual gearbox. The S3, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.5-liter m2DICR engine churning a 75 BHP and 200 NM of torque.

Handling

 The ride quality on the Scorpio has always been a little on the firmer side. However, the facelift has undergone some tweaking and the ride quality is enhanced further. Being an SUV one cannot expect the ride to be too lavish. However, it has improved over the previous car. The stiffer suspension makes it a decent handler and there is body roll.

 The facelift still carries forward the traditional front disc and rear drum braking system which performs its duty persistently when needed. Mahindra has also worked on the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) level of the updated Scorpio, thus offering a more premium cabin feel.

Safety and Security

 Mahindra takes safety seriously, the new Scorpio comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system from Bosch that assures enhanced braking capabilities, collapsible steering column. Side intrusion beams that minimize the impact on the sides and crash protection crumple zones that absorb most of the impact in case of a collision, panic brake indication, engine immobilizer, etc.

Comfort & Convenience

 The facelift also offers an overhaul of the cabin space and comfort by adding an extra cubbyhole in the center console. You also get a fully automatic climate control that maintains the preferred cabin temperature irrespective of the weather outdoors.

 Lifting the bonnet has never been easier, the new Scorpio lets the hydraulics do all the lifting for you making access to the engine easier. Height adjustable driver's seat promises better visibility of the road and less fatigue.

Wheels and Tyres

 The S3 gets 15 inch P215/75 silver steel rims while the S5 & S7 get 17 inch P235/65  Black Steel Rim with Wheel Caps and the S11 the top variant gets 17 inch P235/65 alloy wheels.

Competition

 The Scorpio is strategically priced between INR 9.9 and 16.2 lakhs which undercut most of its rivals starting with likes of Storme, Terrano, Creta and similar SUVs. Unlike foreign car brands that have a higher cost of ownership, the cost of servicing a Mahindra is pocket-friendly with a widespread service network.

Price

 With the facelifted Scorpio equipped with a powerful engine under the hood and a host of features, the updated SUV also receives a bump in the asking price. SUV comes with a price tag of INR 9,94,471 on its base S3 variant and working its way up to INR 16,23,115 for the top S11 variant. However, with most of the features being offered as standard across most trims the variant count has taken a dip from eight to six. The nomenclature of the variants has changed, from even numbers replaced by the odd ones.

Scorpio Facelift Engine Specifications & Transmission

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