Mahindra Scorpio N

• I find the design to be simple, which focuses on the toughness and ruggedness you want from an SUV. The result is unmatched road presence.

• The Scorpio N has a mean looking face and the overall stance is complimented by 18-inch alloy wheels. The mid-spec variants get 17-inch alloys and the lower-spec ones get 17-inch steel wheels.

• What stood out for me were the thoughtful scorpion-tail-shaped daytime running lamps, and similarly shaped inserts around the rear quarter glass.

• While the front and side profile look great, I feel the rear could’ve had a better design. As it appears to be a little bland compared to the other profiles.

• I like the black-brown cabin theme of the Scorpio N as it goes well with the nature of this SUV, blending a premium feel with an outdoor vibe.

• Storage spaces are what you expect from a family SUV. First and second row passengers get multiple usable storage options, but the third row passengers miss out on cupholders.

• The front seats are wide and can easily accommodate people of larger frames easily.

• If you pick the bench seat version, you’ll get enough space to seat three passengers in the second row with no compromise in headroom, legroom, and knee room. However, this version lacks side support.

• Going for the captain seat version will offer you better underthigh and side support along with separate armrests for both passengers.

• The third row is adequate only for children as it does not offer enough space for adults to sit comfortably. Dedicated AC vents are also missing.

Features

These are some of the highlight features of the Scorpio N:

• It comes with a 5-star crash test safety rating from Global NCAP. The safety kit includes up to 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and front and rear camera.

• The cameras, however, aren’t of the best quality. The feed is grainy, and due to the screen’s low brightness, the feed can be a little difficult to see, especially in low light conditions. For such a large car, 360° camera should have been offered.

• With all three rows up, there is just enough space to keep a few laptop bags or a small duffle bag.

• But, once you fold and lift the third row, you get enough space to keep a full suitcase set (small, medium, and large), along with one or two soft bags depending on their size.

2.2-litre Diesel

• In city driving, the diesel engine makes your commutes easy with its linear acceleration. There’s more than enough power for quick overtakes and you will often be in first or second gear.

• Getting to triple digits won’t take much time on the highway and you’ll get a fun to drive experience.

• However, Mahindra could have done a better job with insulation as the engine is a little loud and can be heard inside the cabin.

• I would recommend the automatic for a smoother and convenient drive experience. It works brilliantly and manages to choose the right gear at the right time.

• This diesel engine delivers a fuel efficiency of around 13kmpl in the city, and 16-17kmpl on the highway.

• With the diesel engine, you get the option of 4x4. Pick this only if you intend to be adventurous in snowy/sandy conditions.

2-litre Turbo-petrol

• The petrol engine is more powerful than the diesel and gives you a similar city driving experience with a strong acceleration.

• It offers a similar fun to drive highway experience where you have ample power for cruising and overtaking. Lower vibrations and sound from the engine is a bonus.

• I would recommend the automatic here for quick and smooth gear shifts, just like the diesel. 

• The fuel efficiency here is lower than the diesel. In the city you can expect a mileage of around 8-10kmpl, and around 13-14kmpl on the highway.

• At city speeds, the ride quality is genuinely comfortable. Yes, there is a notable amount of side-to-side movement, but that’s normal for an SUV like this.

• At high speeds, you do face some vertical body movement inside the cabin, but it never gets uncomfortable. You can cruise at 100-120kmph all day long without fearing for broken patches

• The one-above-base Z4 variant offers a good interior and exterior package along with convenience features. 

• For a value for money proposition, the one-below-top Z8 variant makes sense as it offers some feel good features along with a premium cabin.

Does The Scorpio N Meet Expectations?

The Mahindra Scorpio N definitely lives up to the expectations of the nameplate, and in the case of tech, cabin, and comfort, it exceeds those expectations. It is a perfect offering for those who want road presence, off-road capability but also value premiumness and a good feature package.

Not only this, the Scorpio N will also give you a sense of power and authority, and will make sure that no tough terrain is tough enough to stop you.

Other Cars To Consider Instead Of The Mahindra Scorpio N

Tata Safari

Reason To Consider

• More features on offer

• Better, more comfortable ride quality

Reasons to Ignore

• No petrol engine option

• No rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive option

Hyundai Alcazar

Reasons To Consider

• Better equipped at a lower price

• Better chauffeur driven experience

Reasons To Ignore

• Low on space

• Not capable off the road

Mahindra XUV700

Reasons To Consider

• More modern styling

• Better equipped

• Better space

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as capable off-road