Mahindra Scorpio 2009-2014 EX 9S BSIII

Scorpio 2009-2014 EX 9S BSIII Review

Mahindra and Mahindra is one of the largest home grown utility vehicle maker in the country. Among these is the rugged Scorpio, which is offered in several trim levels, all of which are equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine. The Mahindra Scorpio EX BSIII is the mid level trim in its model line up. It is one of their bestselling sports utility vehicle that is perfect for Indian road and traffic conditions. The engine of this SUV is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which can generate 14 Kmpl on the highways. At the same time, under standard conditions on the city roads, it gives close to 12 Kmpl. It has the ability to produce a maximum power of 120bhp along with 290Nm of peak torque output. It is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which helps in accelerating the vehicle from 0-100 Kmph in close to 16 seconds. The exteriors are designed with an aggressive radiator grille, headlight cluster, body colored bumper and a large windshield. The company is also offering a two year or 50000 Kilometer warranty to attract the buyers. The company is offering it with quite a few exterior paint options, which includes Rocky Beige, Mist Silver, Java Brown, Fiery Black and Diamond White with metallic finish.

Exteriors:

This SUV is fitted with a number of striking features that gives it an aggressive look. It comes with a large wheelbase of 2580mm and a minimum ground clearance of 180mm. This SUV is designed with an overall length of 4430mm, a decent height of 1975mm and a total width of 1817mm, which includes external rear view mirrors as well. The overall dimensions are quite standard and can accommodate a minimum of seven occupants with ease. The side profile is fitted with black colored door handles and manually adjustable external rear view mirrors. The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a trendy set of 16 inch steel wheels, which are covered with P 235/70 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. The front facade is designed with a massive radiator grille with a few body colored slats and a chrome plated logo in the center. It is flanked by a large headlight cluster that is integrated with halogen lamps and turn indicators. The large body colored bumper has a wide air dam for cooling the powerful diesel engine quickly. On the other hand, the rear end has a stylish tail light cluster, a body colored bumper, an expressive boot lid and windscreen with a high mounted brake light.

Interiors:

The interiors of this Mahindra Scorpio EX BSIII trim are done up in a dual tone (Tan and Beige) color scheme. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. The front row seats have individual armrests and integrated head restraints as well, which provides additional comfort to the driver and front passenger. The middle row is fitted with sliding seats, which helps in improving leg room in the third row. The smooth dashboard houses a few features like AC vents , a large glove box, an instrument panel and a four spoke steering wheel, which is embossed with a company logo. The instrument panel comes with an electronic multi-tripmeter, a digital odometer, low fuel warning light, fuel consumption display, driver seat belt warning, a digital tachometer and many other functions. Other utility based aspects includes cup holders, mobile charging points in center console, ignition key ring, side steppers, remote fuel lid opener and other such features.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is blessed with a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2179cc . It is incorporated with a CRDI fuel supply system that allows the SUV to deliver about 12 Kmpl on the city roads. At the same time, on bigger roads it can generate close to 14 Kmpl, which is rather decent for this segment. This power plant can produce about a maximum power of 120bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 290Nm between 1800 to 2800rpm. It is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the SUV to attain a top speed of 156 Kmph, while it takes around 16 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

This variant has a robust braking and suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced at all times. The front axle is assembled by an independent strut with anti roll bar, whereas the rear axle is fitted with multi-link coil spring type of mechanism. Both the front and rear axle are further assisted by coil springs. On the other hand, the front wheels are equipped with a set of disc brakes, while the rear wheels get solid drum brakes. The company has blessed it with a rack and pinion based steering system , which is tilt adjustable and makes handling convenient. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.6 meters, which is rather good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This Mahindra Scorpio EX BSIII is the mid range variant, which is incorporated with quite a few features. The list includes HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioner) unit with rear AC vents, headlamp leveling device, remote fuel lid opener , 12V charging points for front and middle row seats, power windows, manually adjustable outside rear view mirrors and power steering with tilt adjustable function.

Safety Features:

This trim has quite a few essential safety aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. Some of these aspects includes a collapsible steering column, rear doors with child safety locks , fire restraint upholstery, seat belts for all occupants and central locking system. It also has side intrusion beams and crash protect crumple zones that provide extra safety to the passengers.

Pros:
1. Spacious internal cabin with comfortable seating.
2. Decent ground clearance.

Cons:
1. Engine noise and vibration can be reduced.
2. Absence of music system is a big minus.