We have seen a big surge in the sales of SUVs in India. The sub-compact and mid-size SUV segment have eaten up the sales of the C-segment and D-segment sedans. The old SUVs had their own charm and by that, I don't mean the soft-touch leather dashboard or feature-like steering. Its the mechanical feel, less to no safety nannies, no stability control to prevent you from rolling. All these things are very hard to find and today's SUVs and crossovers are potent enough to keep you cocooned. Today we are doing the first look review of the good old Mahindra Scorpio.
Mahindra Scorpio First Look Review - Exteriors
Despite its age, the Scorpio still looks fresh. The LED eyebrow DRLs with projector headlights look amazing in the night and the rear D-shaped DRLs is now the trademark of Scorpio. The front hood is high set and also gets a hood scoop for better cooling. The roof of the Scorpio gets a kink at the back to accommodate the last row passengers. If we talk about the dimensions, the Scorpio measures 4456mm in length, 1820mm in width, 1995mm in height and 2680mm in wheelbase.
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Mahindra Scorpio First Look Review - Interiors & Features
The interiors of the Mahindra Scorpio are a little dated and lack the quality. The dashboard is very short and the driver sits too near to the windscreen. However, this improves the visibility and you can see the complete hood of the Scorpio. The touchscreen infotainment of the Scorpio is placed flat on the dashboard which is hard to operate. The dashboard gets chrome-garnished Scorpio adding which looks very unique. The perceived quality of the interiors doesn't match with the price you pay. The next generation of the Mahindra Scorpio will be leaps and bounds better than the current model.
If we talk about features, Mahindra offers automatic AC, cruise control, touchscreen infotainment with navigation, steering mounted controls, height-adjustable driver seat, electric ORVMs, reverse parking camera, tilt steering, tyre-tronics, ABS, EBD, dual airbags, central locking, anti-pinch windows among other features.
Mahindra Scorpio First Look Review - Engine and Performance
Mahindra Scorpio was known for its diversified range of diesel engines till the BS6 norms came in. At present, Mahindra offers the Scorpio with only a 2.2-litre diesel engine which churns out 140bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Mahindra doesn't offer the 2.5-litre diesel which was on offer in lower trims before. There is no option of diesel automatic and four-wheel-drive system. We will get to see both diesel automatic and four-wheel-drive in the next-generation of the Mahindra Scorpio.
Mahindra Scorpio First Look Review - Prices and Rivals
Mahindra Scorpio doesn't have a direct rival as such. The only SUV which used to go head-on with the Scorpio was the Tata Safari. As the Tata Safari is now discontinued, the Scorpio is one of its kind. The reason we mentioned that Scorpio is not a regular SUV is that it simply isn't.
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The hydraulic power steering, ladder-frame chassis and superior driving position reminds you of what you are driving and makes it different from others. It comes with its sheer cons but we are looking forward to the next generation Scorpio which may cut all the cons. Talking about the prices, the Mahindra Scorpio is offered in four trims. The range kick starts from Rs 12.40 lakh and goes to Rs 16 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.
