Mahindra Scorpio mHawk

The change of heart is what it boils down to. This 2.2-litre mHawk engine is only 5 horses more powerful than the 2.6-litre CRDe and the peak power is rated at 121PS while the torque stands at a healthy 290Nm. It is not about the mere 5PS advantage but more about 80 kilos of reduction in the weight of the engine. This weight reduction has had a positive impact on driving dynamics. The 2179cc, V-Series engine features all-aluminium heads and a top mounted intercooler so that bonnet scoop now actually has some purpose apart from adding to sheer looks! The variable geometry turbine helps deliver torque at lower revs. The common rail system is developed by Bosch and features solenoid injectors that manage the fuel supply to the engine. The noise and vibration levels are significantly reduced owing to the chain drive system. All this techno gimmickry helps the Scorpio reach a top speed of well over 150kmph while the sprint to a hundred is dealt with in a shade over 15 seconds. But the work required to reach such speeds is immense since the gearbox is still vague and quite heavy. Perhaps some might argue about my fitness levels, but really, working the ‘box was painful and the clutch felt heavy too.

Constant progression towards fine tuning the ride and handling package shows and the Scorpio mHawk handles more confidently. Though not as taut as say an Innova, you don’t get the sense of flipping over despite there being considerable body-roll. The steering now feels connected and the feedback is good but since it is not a speed-sensitive unit, it does feel ponderous at high speed. To sort out the ride and handling characteristics, Scorpio went to Lotus Engineering and asked them to do some tweaks. The result of that is quite evident. The suspension setup remains essentially the same so you have the independent coil springs and double wishbones at the front and a multi link set-up at the rear to play around with. Anti roll bars are given at both the front and rear end of the car. To handle the reduced weight, the front suspension features new springs and dampers. The ride is not exactly plush but it’s not bad either but that bouncy nature of the suspension does irritate a bit. The brakes are good although the feel from the pedal is still spongy. ABS helps her stop well and in a controlled manner though she did wiggle her tail on a couple of occasions when we angrily stomped on the brake pedal.

What would you expect from a SUV that weighs over two and a half tonnes? Yes it is a diesel and a common rail one at that! Still, mileage figures are only but how we expected them to be. In city, the numbers were hovering between 9.5 to 10.8kmpl while on the highway with a steady throttle feed and the needle fixed at 80kmph the mHawk managed a credible 14kmpl, so not bad at all. With a tank capacity of 60 litres, she would easily cover 600 kilometers.

One would nod in absolute conformity about the Scorpio mHawk being quite an accomplished and comfortable mile-muncher. She has got the looks that attract, an engine that performs and handling that satisfies. And then the equipment list which includes a plethora of unique features. The Scorpio mHawk is not a cheap car by any means and stands tall in the territory of D segment cars. We would have been a happier lot had it had airbags and 4-wheel drive as well, but that’s on cards and you might see them in the coming months. It’s good to know that the Scorpio can now go all guns blazing, and can stop too! The Scorpio mHawk is a hardworking soul that does not beat around the bush about its accomplishments, and that is special.