Terrain Tamer
Even though Mahindra sees the Scorpio-N primarily as an urban vehiclehicle with the Scorpio continuing its dominance in the semiurban markets, it has nevertheless decided to equip the vehicle with a modern 4x4 traction control system that it calls 4XPLOR. The 4WD system turns the Scorpio-N into a go anywhere vehicle given its rugged body on frame construction that has been strengthened manifold in its new avatar. Selection of the two 4WD modes can be done on the go but within certain operating parameters and then there are various traction modes which one can select manually or the system can engage intelligently.
On the drive itself Mahindra Adventure had set up an off-road course that was made tricky with overnight rain adding slush to the equation at a number of places on the track. While selection of both the high and the low four wheel drive ratios available is done by the press of a button the engagement was not instantaneous as was the drive mode selection which took a few seconds to respond to the rotation of the mode selection knob. However once done, the vehicle went around the course effortlessly with minimal coaxing from the driver. With no dearth of power and the electronics directing it to the wheels with grip, the slush was also no match for the Scorpio-N. What was most surprising was that a vehicle with such good on tarmac behavior was so good off the tarmac as well. Given its pedigree it seems Mahindra has equipped the Scorpio-N with a tow-hook only at the rear. With better offroad tyres one envisages extremely good off-road capability from the Scorpio and it may very well be headed to some of the well-to-do rural markets as well as to the garages of off-roading enthusiasts.
6-airbags, electronic stability control and front and rear cameras. Of course there is no dearth of convenience features like multiple USB chargers and the one touch tumble feature on the 2nd row for access to the 3rd row of seats.
The Scorpio-N comes with petrol and diesel engines and both are the turbocharged all-aluminium powerplants that were newly developed for the XUV700 and both come mated to six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The difference being that they are placed longitudinally in the Scorpio-N and drive the rear wheels except in the 4XPLOR models which are equipped with 4WD and that we have also driven and will talk about that later in the article.
While the Scorpio has always been an easy car to drive in the city, the Scorpio-N has retained that feature and started exceling in other environs as well. The SUV handles much better than before, offers great ride though slightly on the stiffer side but comes into its own with a complement of four people on board. It is extremely flickable for a vehicle of its size and reduction in height has also calmed the body roll that could have been expected. Steering feel has also improved over the other recent launches from Mahindra though it requires further development. But overall it is a vehicle that is both for those who love to drive as well as those who like to be driven.
VERDICT
Taking only the basics from the Scorpio, Mahindra has transformed a 20-year-old badge into a contemporary vehicle that is in sync with the times while offering excellent value for money across its wide model range. With added emphasis on safety, convenience and connectivity features as well as equipment lists that compare with vehicles that are either much smaller or much more expensive, the Scorpio-N is sure to carve out a big niche for itself. The recently developed diesel and petrol powertrains offer automatic as well as 4x4 options and can fit every bill and neneed.