Mahindra Scorpio N impresses.

By: Charles Molefe

When I first saw the all-new Mahindra Scorpio-N, I was impressed by its sleek and sophisticated look, which dramatically departed from its boxy predecessors. Softer lines, a prominent front grille, and C-shaped DRL components strengthen its body-on-frame structure. The rear, with its big barn door tailgate flanked by Volvo-style taillights, contributes to its current appearance. While it resembles larger versions of smaller SUVs, its manly, purposeful appearance is alluring.

Comfort

The Scorpio-N’s body-on-frame structure provided good cabin isolation and a smooth driving experience. The interior impressed me with its high-quality materials, such as soft-touch trims and leatherette upholstery. The front and second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, with the second row having its own climate control dial and USB-C port. However, the third row is better suited to short journeys or children, and the restricted storage capacity while all seats are occupied is a minor disadvantage.

The Scorpio-N’s technical features did not disappoint. It features an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto support, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with 3D Immersive Audio. Other technological amenities include wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and several automatic features such as lighting, wipers, and drive-away locking.

Off-road Capability.

Driving the Scorpio-N off-road was a highlight. It handled difficult 4×4 trails with ease because of its body-on-frame design, double-wishbone front suspension, and Pentalink rear arrangement. Despite having only 187 mm of ground clearance and road-biased tyres, it performed well. The automatic locking differential and selectable off-road modes greatly improved its capability, making it a dependable alternative for adventurous driving.

Driveability.

On the road, the Scorpio-N has a very light and direct steering system for a car of this type. Given that hatchbacks and sports vehicles are known for their quick and responsive steering, it took me some time to adjust to this behemoth’s ultra-responsive steering wheel. Nonetheless, it makes the Scorpio-N easy to drive in urban environments. The throttle and gearbox programming provide a smooth and pleasurable driving experience, particularly in heavy traffic. The vehicle’s stability and handling are impressive, allowing for a confident drive both on and off-road.

Fuel Economy.

My real-world experience revealed an average of about 7.2 L/100 km. However, the Scorpio displays km/Litre, and unfortunately, I could not find a way of changing the reading, however, a quick conversion produced impressive results.  This equates to at least 660 kilometres from its 57-litre fuel tank, which I thought was reasonably efficient for a vehicle of its size and capability.

Performance.

The Scorpio-N is powered by the legendary mHawk 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 129 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The power delivery is excellent, and the 6-speed automated transmission works flawlessly. While it may feel slightly underpowered while carrying heavy loads or overtaking, the overall performance is great for everyday driving and off-road activities. The 4XPLOR versions provide an additional low-range option, which improves their off-road capabilities.

Summary
Given the amenities and performance it offers, I believe it is a formidable challenger in the mid-size SUV market, particularly against more expensive competitors such as the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. My test tenure made it very clear why this vehicle was awarded the adventure SUV of the year, it manages to do everything just right and in this day and age with the economy being so challenging, even I would consider a swap to the less common offering. Hats of to you Mahindra, you have a solid product.

Gottagged Rating

8.9 / 10

Warranty.

5-yr/150,000 km Warranty & 5-yr/100,000 km Service Plan

Pricing.