Mahindra Scorpio

Positives:

• The 2184cc four-cylinder mHawk diesel engine with micro-hybrid tech makes 130bhp/300Nm and uses a six-speed manual gearbox.
• There are hardly any engine vibrations and feels smooth most of the time, especially when driving in the city.
• Due to the cable shift technology, the effort to shift gears in this manual transmission has been reduced considerably.
• A huge chunk of the 300Nm torque is available from low speeds (1,000rpm), so the Scorpio leaps once you release the clutch.
• For the same reasons, slow-speed driving can easily be accomplished using higher gears.
• The Scorpio has a strong mid-range power delivery and cruising at highway speeds is effortless and quiet.
• Absorbs small bumps and uneven roads with ease, suspension setup feels robust and built to last.

Negatives:

• The slight steering weight makes turning the Scorpio at slower speeds a bit of a task.
• The driver’s left leg has to deal with the heavy clutch pedal and the long pedal travel.
• There is side-to-side and constant motion when driving over rough road patches.
• Lacks the option of an automatic transmission and is only offered with a manual gearbox.

Mahindra Scorpio Key Specifications:

Positives:

• Gets two seating layouts: second-row captain seats with front-facing third-row seats (seven-seater) and second-row bench with side-facing third-row seats (seven-/nine-seater).

• Front seats are large and supportive and offer excellent visibility through the massive glass area.

• Gets automatic climate control with second-row air-conditioner vents, and a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with phone mirroring.

• The second-row seats are large enough for three adults, well-cushioned, and offer good under-thigh support.

• The boxy roof design ensures ample headroom, making the cabin feel airy and spacious.
• There is a small cubby space below the rear air-con vents for storing small items.

• Access to the third-row side-facing seats via the boot is reasonably convenient, these can be folded to expand bootspace.

Negatives:

• The cabin looks outdated, the fit and finish of the plastic needs a revamp, and it misses out on some expected features.

• There is no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity through the touchscreen infotainment system.

• The ports for AUX and USB, and Bluetooth connectivity are difficult to access due to the dashboard design.

• Accessing the centre console storage space and operating the air-conditioning controls while driving is difficult.
• The light-coloured fabric seat upholstery tends to attract dirt and will ultimately require periodic cleaning.
• Needs more storage space around the cabin; even the front door pockets miss out on bottle holders.

• Seating two people in the third-row side-facing seats will be a tight fit and uncomfortable.

Positives:

• Safety is limited to features like ABS, dual airbags for the driver and passenger, rear parking sensors, and panic brake indication.

Negatives:

• Passengers seated in the third-row side-facing seats are unsafe due to the absence of seatbelts.

Positives:

• The projector headlamps with LED DRLs, muscular bonnet with a hood scoop, and bold new front fascia design look aggressive.

• Gets the familiar towering LED taillamps, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys (silver-black finish) and muscular side cladding.

• It is tall and has that rugged SUV stance which is why it still appeals to buyers who appreciate that.

• The two-tone beige-black colours for the cabin and modern fabric upholstery make it look attractive and premium.

• The artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel, gloss-black accents, and faux wood inserts on the centre console enhance the cabin aura.

Negatives:

• A major portion of the cabin looks and feels dated and the overall quality does not mirror its price tag/segment.

• The seat cushioning is mostly flat and does not have attractive contours.