New generation vehicles most often are not radically different to the previous gen. Yet, the new Mahindra Scorpio-N and its predecessor are night and day apart. The improvements are long awaited, and Mahindra has not disappointed with the relaunch of their brand and the vehicles recently.
While significantly different, the new generation Scorpio-N builds on the legacy of the previous gen while also completely revolutionising its design, technology and performance.
The drive
The Scorpio-N is powered by an mHawk (Diesel) engine with 128.6 kW of power and 400 Nm torque, offered in both 6-speed Automatic Transmissions, and 4X4 as an option. It has three drive modes to match the driver’s mood: Zip for smooth riding (designed for traffic), Zap for the true Mahindra SUV performance and Zoom for a more engaging and exhilarating ride-quality.
On three occasions, the Scorpio-N’s power and responsiveness disappeared. It was like I was driving in limp mode or the traction control was causing it but in a modern vehicle this is unlikely. As of yet, I have not figured out if this was normal for the SUV or if there was something odd going on with the test vehicle.
The fuel consumption of the Mahindra Scorpion N is claimed at 6.9L/100km. This is definitely not what we managed to get but there is a potential reason why ours was less than desirable. Our fuel consumption was 12.1L/100km which leaves a lot to be desired in a diesel particularly. Granted, the SUV is large and a large portion of driving was in very congested traffic. Despite this, the consumption was very different from the claimed consumption.
Design
Mahindra’s approach was to create a vehicle with a strong and masculine stance on the roads. This is created through their signature wheel arches and the tall, stacked taillamp design to create a commanding stand on the rear, as in the front.
The kidney grille at the front of the vehicle with chrome accents running vertically downwards makes a striking design and brings attention to Mahindra’s new Twin Peaks logo.
Stepping inside
Quality of materials used in the interior are a mix of good quality and ‘could be better.’ The seats are dual-coloured leather and ergonomically designed (which Mahindra calls the best-in-class command seating position). In contrast, the dashboard has a very plastic sound and feel. Granted, many vehicles have plastic rather than leather dashes so it is not unusual and not a huge deterrent.
The boot of the Scorpio-N when the third row is up, is slightly smaller than certain other seven-seater vehicles. It does, however, keep valuables hidden from view. It is also large enough to fit school bags or a few parcels.
There is a door handle inside the boot. Not quite sure of its purpose because, I assume, Mahindra is not recommending carrying passengers in the boot.
The third row is typical in that there are space limitations. Yet, it is slightly larger than usual third rows, perhaps this is where the smaller boot results from. A missing feature, though, is drink holders.
Tech
As can be expected the Scorpio has a wireless charging pad. It is worthy of mention because it is one of the better sized and positioned wireless charging pads I have seen.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the USB ports. I prefer using my [C-Port] cable but the front only had USB ports. There is, however, a C-Port in the second row of seats.
The tested vehicle was the 4XPLOR, designed to tackle all terrains. It has intelligent terrain management technology where, with a touch, the Scorpio-N switches from 2WD mode into 4WD.
I found the controls to change the driving mode when off-roading very finicky. When turning the knob no change happened. I touched the symbols in case it was a touch sensitive. Still nothing. After a few minutes of trying, I gave it one last twist and suddenly it changed. Turning it off proved just as frustrating. It is unnecessarily complicated and sacrifices user-friendliness.
Mahindra is quite forward thinking in their parking assistance system. The rearview camera is not a basic reverse cam. At the top of the screen when in reverse, there are several options to select from according to the type of parking you are pulling into.
It provides guidance on the screen about manoeuvring into a specific parking type. If you select parallel parking, it indicates at what point to start turning. You can zoom in on either side or zoom in from the back –to see smaller objects not visible from other angles. There is also an option to activate the camera when not in reverse.
The stop/start function is one item of tech that has room for improvement. When enabled, it affects the responsiveness to such an extent that take-off is sluggish.
Switching it off, is another frustration all to together. I deactivated it at the next intersection I stopped at and to my amazement the Scorpio-N switched off all together. That took even longer to get going as it took me a second to figure out what happened and quickly restart, irritating me and those behind me.
Other tech includes keyless entry and exit, electronically opening boot, AC control in the rear, Immersive Audio Experience from the 3D Immersive Sound System from Sony, Android Auto and Apple Carplay and start button.
Safety
Scorpio-N has a5-star and 3-star ratings for Adult and Child occupants’ safety respectively. It is the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a 5-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (GNCAP) new crash-test protocols. This delivers safety, comfort and excitement with the authentic SUV attributes a driver expects.
A safety aspect that appealed to me is the vehicle’s measurement of attention levels. A useful feature to discourage distracted driving (I would just like to make it known that I scored full marks for this).
While toggles are quickly reducing in vehicles I still prefer them as most effective in reducing distracted driving. Many OEMS show there are ways to incorporate essential toggles and still look modern. Thus, I appreciate the ease of use the Scorpio-N provides with these, yet, the sheer amount may date the vehicle before its time.
Safety features include:
- 6 airbags: driver, passenger, side and curtain
- Disc brakes on all four wheels
- Hydraulic brake assist
- Electronic brake pre-fill
- 73% high strength steel structure
- 3 structural zones for protection during crashes
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- Automated brake wiping system cleaning the brakes of debris every few seconds in wet conditions
- Driver drowsiness alert
- ISOFIX child safety anchorage points
- Pole side impact
- Pedestrian protection
The Scorpio-N has a long list of competitors. The entry-level derivative is approximately R55 000 more than the cheapest competitor but has many additional features such as seven seats, more safety features and better performance. Compared to a vehicle closer in features, the top of the range Scorpio-N is R12 000 less. For shoppers in this segment, there is no denying that the Scorpio-N should be one of the top considerations.
Good to know
Engine: mHawk Diesel engine
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
Power: 128.6 kW
Torque: 400 Nm
Price: starting from R465 000
Warranty and service plan: 5-yr/150 000 km Warranty and 5-yr/100 000 km Service Plan
Read more MasterTests
1 comment