Mahindra has finally revealed the much awaited Scorpio-N in India. It comes as the 3rd Generation of the legendary Scorpio, while the outgoing model will also be sold alongside as the “Scorpio Classic”. The company has been teasing the launch for over a month now.
Starting at INR 11.99Lakhs, the new Scorpio-N will be available in petrol and diesel variants with both manual and automatic options with 4WD. Mahindra claims the Scorpio-N will appeal to the “young and tech-savvy customers looking for a full-size authentic SUV”.
Design of the Scorpio-N:
The new Scorpio-N gets a design overhaul from top to bottom. Although keeping in line with the traditional decades old Scorpio look, the automaker has given more than enough touches of modernity onto their SUV. The front grille gets a 6-bar setup with the new “twin-peaks” Mahindra logo in the middle. Flanking the grille on either sides are a pair of distinctly designed LED headlamps. C-shaped DRLs present lower down on a newly designed bumper and sequential turn indicators provide a touch of modernity (Although be aware, you might not get the latter initially, owing to chip shortages). Mahindra has put an aluminium finished skid plate under the front bumper as well.
There is no longer a bonnet scoop present, but the middle part gets ever so slightly raised to aid in the car’s muscular appeal in what Mahindra calls an ‘elevated bonnet’. A tall stance gives the new Scorpio N an authentic SUV presence.
On the side, diamond cut alloy wheels complement a new black cladding all along the wheel arches. An overall haunch makes the car possess a XUV700 type feel. The car also gets its fair share of chrome bits all around the car, such as a chrome lining under the window and metal finished overhead rails.
Looking at the rear, this is where things get slightly subjective. The elongated tail lamp shape still remains, but it is an LED complex. Some might say the lights have taken inspiration from Volvo! The door still opens sideways with the handle garnished in chrome. The rear has now taken a rather flat look to it.
Interior and Tech:
The interior of the Scorpio-N gets the biggest overhaul of all. Premium-ness has never been the Scorpio’s forte, but Mahindra has decided to change things around this time. Leather wrapped dashboard with leatherette seats welcome you to a cabin you expect from a car of this price and age. The new SUV gets a claimed class-leading commanding seating position. A 17.78cm part-digital driver’s display is on offer along with a 20.32cm infotainment system with basic necessities like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also a selector knob for the different terrain modes available in the car. Mahindra has also put a 12-speaker Sony sound system with 3D immersive audio, but big names aren’t enough for car audio systems, history has witnessed.
Being a 2022 car, the new Scorpio-N of course comes with Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car features. Add to that, there are even voice command integrations with Amazon Alexa. Dual zone climate control, 6-way adjustable seats and options for both 6 and 7 seater configurations are some of the new additions over the older generation Scorpio.
Powertrain options:
Powertrain options include a 200HP mStallion turbo petrol engine with 380Nm of torque alongside a 178HP mHawk turbo diesel with 400Nm of plentiful torque. Both the engines will be available with 6-speed manual as well as automatic transmissions.
Mahindra claims the Scorpio-N to have a segment first “shift-by-cable” technology that offers excellent shift quality and driving comfort. In addition to that, the Scorpio-N will offer 3 different drive modes; obtusely named “Zip”, “Zap”, and “Zoom”. Needless to say, it shall definitely be able to cater to all sorts of daily as well as off-road needs.
Chassis and Dynamics:
Being an off-road capable vehicle, it was inevitable that the new Scorpio-N retains the body on frame construction. In the shocks department, a WATT’s Link suspension with a first in segment Frequency Dependent Damping technology and advanced shock absorbers get the job done. This time around, the automaker has gone forward with an electric power steering setup. With a diesel 4WD option on offer as well, the Scorpio-N gets something called “4XPLOR” terrain selection module with 4-low and 4-high gearings that intelligently optimises traction for different terrains. There also exists a mechanical rear differential for maximum traction whenever needed.
Safety:
Again being a modern car, the Scorpio-N gets a host of safety features. Top end Z8L variant gets 6-airbags, a driver drowsiness detection and both front and rear parking sensors. (Lower variants get only rear sensors). Disc brakes on all four wheels come as standard along with ABS and EBD. Upper variants get hill hold assist and hill descent control with ESC as well.
Price of the new Scorpio-N:
The new Scorpio-N starts at a modest INR 11.99Lakh for the bare bones base model, going up to INR 19.49Lakh for the top end Z8L diesel manual. Do bear in mind, the automatic and 4WD variant prices will be announced in a month. Mahindra claims the top end variant to undercut even the Toyota Fortuner in terms of features and capabilities by a whopping 45%.
But it needs to be seen whether a price tag south of INR 20Lakhs on road will be worth it for this off-road capable newcomer into the segment. On paper, Mahindra does seem to have played well enough with the pricing of the mid and top variants in terms of the feature to expense balance.
Bookings to open on 30th July with test drives beginning as early as 5th July.
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