Mahindra Scorpio: Zabardast SUV at ₹13.85 Lakh

Are you in the market for a rugged, powerful SUV that can handle both city streets and off-road trails with ease? Look no further than the Mahindra Scorpio.

This iconic Indian SUV has been turning heads and conquering terrains for years, and the latest iteration is better than ever. With its muscular design, potent engines, and a host of modern features, the Scorpio is ready to take on any challenge you throw its way. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Mahindra Scorpio a top contender in the SUV segment.

Design and Styling

The Mahindra Scorpio boasts a design that commands attention on the road. Its bold, imposing front grille and muscular body lines give it a distinctly rugged appearance. The tall stance and high ground clearance not only contribute to its commanding presence but also enhance its off-road capabilities.

At the front, you’ll find projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, adding a touch of modernity to the classic SUV silhouette. The side profile features pronounced wheel arches housing 17-inch alloy wheels, while the rear sports LED taillights and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, staying true to its SUV roots.

Available in a range of attractive colors, including the popular Galaxy Grey and Napoli Black, the Scorpio allows you to choose a style that matches your personality. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring the great outdoors, this SUV is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Mahindra Scorpio offers a choice of powerful engines to suit different driving needs. The heart of the beast is a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, available in two states of tune:

• 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque (lower variants)
• 172 bhp and 370 Nm of torque (higher variants)

For those who prefer petrol, there’s a 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged engine that churns out an impressive 200 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Both engines come mated to a smooth 6-speed manual transmission, while select variants offer the convenience of a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

One of the Scorpio’s standout features is its available 4×4 system, which allows you to tackle challenging terrains with confidence. The SUV offers multiple drive modes, including 4H (4×4 High) and 4L (4×4 Low), giving you the flexibility to adapt to various off-road conditions.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Scorpio doesn’t disappoint. The diesel variants offer an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 15.4 kmpl, while the petrol version delivers around 12 kmpl. This balance of power and efficiency makes the Scorpio a practical choice for both daily commutes and long road trips.

Ride and Handling

The Mahindra Scorpio offers a comfortable ride quality that’s well-suited for Indian road conditions. Its suspension setup, consisting of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. The high ground clearance of 209mm allows you to tackle speed bumps and rough patches with ease.

In city traffic, the Scorpio’s light steering makes maneuvering a breeze, despite its size. On highways, the SUV feels stable and planted, inspiring confidence during long drives. The braking system, featuring disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, provides adequate stopping power. The inclusion of ABS with EBD as standard across all variants enhances safety during emergency braking situations.

While the Scorpio’s body-on-frame construction contributes to its ruggedness, it does result in some body roll during cornering. However, this is typical of SUVs in this category and doesn’t detract significantly from the overall driving experience.

Interior and Features

Step inside the Mahindra Scorpio, and you’re greeted by a spacious and functional cabin. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with all controls within easy reach. Higher variants feature a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keeping you connected on the go.

The Scorpio offers comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers, with options for captain seats in the second row on select variants. The high seating position provides excellent visibility, a boon for navigating through traffic or off-road trails. While the third row is best suited for children or short trips, it does add to the SUV’s versatility.

Some notable features available in the top-spec variants include:

• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Rear parking sensors with camera
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs
• Micro-hybrid technology with auto start-stop function

In terms of safety, the Scorpio comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard across all variants. Higher trims also get features like ESP with rollover mitigation, hill hold control, and hill descent control, enhancing the SUV’s off-road capabilities.

Variants and Pricing

The Mahindra Scorpio is available in multiple variants to suit different budgets and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key variants and their ex-showroom prices in Delhi:

The mid-range S7 variant offers the best balance of features and value for money. However, if you’re looking for all the bells and whistles, including the 4×4 system, the top-spec S11 variant is the one to go for.

Competitors

In the competitive SUV segment, the Mahindra Scorpio faces stiff competition from several worthy contenders. Some of its main rivals include:

• Tata Safari
• MG Hector
• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos

While each of these SUVs has its strengths, the Scorpio stands out with its rugged build, off-road capabilities, and strong brand value in the Indian market.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)

Q1. What is the mileage of the Mahindra Scorpio?

The Mahindra Scorpio delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of up to 15.4 kmpl for the diesel variants. The petrol version offers around 12 kmpl. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and terrain.

Q2. Is the Scorpio suitable for off-roading?

Yes, the Mahindra Scorpio, especially in its 4×4 variants, is well-suited for off-roading. Its high ground clearance, robust build, and 4×4 system with low-range gearing make it capable of handling challenging terrains.

Q3. How does the Scorpio compare to the Tata Safari in terms of features?

Both SUVs offer similar features, but the Safari edges out slightly with a more premium interior and advanced driver assistance systems. However, the Scorpio counters with better off-road capabilities and a more powerful engine in its top variants.

Q4. What is the seating capacity of the Mahindra Scorpio?

The Mahindra Scorpio is available in both 7-seater and 9-seater configurations, depending on the variant. The 7-seater version offers more comfort, while the 9-seater is ideal for those who need to transport larger groups.

Q5. Does the Scorpio come with a sunroof?

The current generation of the Mahindra Scorpio does not offer a sunroof in any of its variants. However, rumors suggest that future updates might include this feature in higher-end trims.

Wrapping Up

The Mahindra Scorpio continues to be a strong contender in the SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of ruggedness, performance, and value for money. Its powerful engines, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile SUV that can handle both city streets and rough terrains. While it may not be the most refined option in its class, the Scorpio’s charm lies in its no-nonsense approach to SUV design and functionality. If you’re in the market for a robust, capable SUV with a strong Indian heritage, the Mahindra Scorpio deserves a spot on your shortlist.

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