Mahindra Scorpio
Updated engine, looks and features
In a time when crossovers and hatchbacks-on-stilts are more sought after as an adventure lifestyle vehicle than burly, hairy-chested SUVs, the Scorpio’s appeal never seems to fade. It was born back in 2002 when the SUV was actually a tool and continues to sell in 2017 when SUVs are merely domesticated urban dwellers. In that time, the Scorpio has evolved to suit modern tastes in aesthetic design terms and features. Mahindra has now added more style, power, tech and variants to the mix.
Since the most significant improvement is the performance, let’s talk about that first. Using the same 2.2-litre MHAWK diesel unit, the engineers have retuned the engine and added a new Borg Warner turbocharger. It now produces 140bhp (torque remains the same at 320Nm) and has been mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The results are quite a pleasant surprise. Right from the
The second-generation Mahindra Scorpio was a major improvement over the original. While it did become better-looking and more premium, it still lacked oomph under the engine bay. The company has addressed that and more with a new update. We investigate further
light clutch, to the gallops of torque on offer, the car is easy to drive in the city and out on highways as well, thanks to the new gearbox. It pulls cleanly off the line and after the turbocharger kicks in around 1,800rpm it shoots forward faster and will happily keep climbing speeds faster than you might first expect. It terms of variants, the base S3 gets the 2.5-litre m2DICR engine with 75bhp, while the S5 and S7 versions get the engine in its 120bhp state of tune. The new 140bhp engine and six-speed ‘box are an option on the S7 and standard on the new S11 version. While the gearbox is a pleasure to use, the reverse gear was a challenge to engage. Only after the struggles of the first few attempts, did I get acquainted. So, not the best vehicle to use for quick getaways from the baddies. Good thinking, Mahindra. On the handling front, matters remain the same as the earlier models - comfortable over the rough and
roll-and-tumble in the corners.
Even though changes to exterior styling are not significant, they certainly do spruce up the look. The front gets a new 7-slat grille which replace the fangs on the older version. Also new are changes to the front bumper, headlight and skid plate design with the addition of chrome housing on the fog lamps. At the back, gone is the plastic cladding plastered atrociously at the back. The tailgate sports a new, cleaner design along with subtle revision to the tail lamp housing. Inside, passengers are now greeted to new faux leather upholstery, along with faux leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever. The Scorpio now also gets a reversing camera and parking guidance. It is convenient but doesn’t have a very vibrant display.
EVEN THOUGH CHANGES TO THE EXTERIOR SYTLING ARE NOT SIGNIFICANT, THEY CERTAINLY DO SPRUCE UP THE LOOKS OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE