Mahindra Scorpio 2009-2014 Mahindra Scorpio Gateway 4WD

Scorpio Gateway 4WD Review

Mahindra Scorpio is one of the best selling SUV, which is tailor made for the prevalent road conditions in India. It is available in quite a few variants, of which, Mahindra Scorpio Getaway 4WD is its pick-up version. The company has powered this utility vehicle by a 2.6-litre diesel engine under the hood that combines power and fuel efficiency as well. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, it can deliver about 10.22 Kmpl on highways. At the same time, when driven in city traffic conditions, it gives around 8.1 Kmpl, which is rather decent for this segment. The external appearance is quite decent with a grand deck. It is designed with a large radiator grille, body colored bumper, neatly crafted wheel arches, stylish body graphics and so on. The company has bestowed this variant with a lot of standard comfort and safety aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. Some of these include power steering, electrically operated external wing mirrors, HVAC unit, power windows and many other such features. At present, this utility vehicle is offered in three exterior paint options for the customers to pick from. These are Mist Silver, Rocky Beige and a Fiery Black metallic finish option. It is being sold with a standard warranty of two years or 50000 Kilometers, whichever comes first.

Exteriors:

This utility vehicle has a rugged body structure and is equipped with a number of striking features. To start with, its sides are designed with neatly carved wheel arches, which are fitted with a robust set of 16 inch wheels, which are covered with P 245/75 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. These wheels offer a superior grip on any road condition. Apart from these, it also has stylish body decals, which gives an enhanced look to the side profile. The door handles and electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors are painted in body color. Coming to its front fascia, it has a sleek bonnet, which comes with a scoop for cooling the powerful engine. The large windscreen is made of toughened glass and is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The bold radiator grille is fitted with a few body colored slats that gives the frontage an aggressive appearance. It is flanked by a well lit headlight cluster that is equipped with high intensity halogen lamps and turn indicator. Just below this, there is a body colored bumper that is incorporated with a wide air dam and a couple of fog lamps. On the other hand, the rear end is fitted with a radiant tail light cluster that is incorporated with halogen based lamps and turn indicator.   

Interiors:

The spacious internal section is designed with a dual tone color scheme and can easily take in five passengers. The cabin is incorporated with comfortable seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. It has individual arm rest for the front row seats. Its smooth dashboard is equipped with features like a spacious glove box, instrument panel, steering wheel with company logo embossed in the center and AC vents. This advanced instrument panel houses a number of warning and notification lamps like an electronic multi-tripmeter, a digital odometer, low fuel warning light, fuel consumption display, driver seat belt warning, digital tachometer and many other functions. Apart from these, it also has a number of utility based aspects, which include cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets and spaces for storage in center console. The power steering system comes with tilt adjustment function, which makes it convenient to handle. 

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is powered by a 2.6-litre, SZ CRDe, 4-stroke diesel engine, which comes with a turbocharger and has the ability of displacing 2606cc. This engine is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant has the ability to generate a maximum power of 115bhp at 3800rpm in combination with 277.5Nm of peak torque output between 1700 to 2200rpm. It is mated with a five speed manual gear box with Borg Warner electric shift transmission and it sends the engine power to all its four wheels. It enables the vehicle to achieve a top speed of 156 Kmph, while it takes around 16 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill. This diesel motor is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system for efficient fuel economy.

Braking and Handling:

The front axle is assembled by a double wishbone with torsion bar, while the rear is fitted with semi elliptical leaf spring, which has double acting hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. Both these axles are further assisted by coil springs, which further enhances the comfort. 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 class. 

Comfort Features:

This variant has almost all the necessary features essential for a comfortable journey. These include a tilt adjustable steering wheel, full fabric seats, individual armrest for driver and front co-passenger, electrically adjustable external wing mirrors, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, illuminated key ring, headlamp leveling switch, follow me home headlamps and side stepper. It also has an air conditioner and heater unit with front and rear vents. This trim is bestowed with a couple of 12V power sockets at both front and middle row for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. 

Safety Features:

This variant comes equipped with split intrusion beams and crash protection crumple zones, which enhances the safety of the occupants sitting inside. Apart from these, it is equipped with voice assist and vehicle security system, fire resistant upholstery, remote locking/unlocking, rear doors with child safety locks, collapsible steering column, front fog lamps and many other such aspects, which gives the occupants a safe driving experience. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel with all other required tools for changing a flat tyre. 

Pros:

1. Voice assist system and fire resistant upholstery are big plus points.
2. Decent ground clearance makes it perfect for dealing with terrains.

Cons:

1. Lack of music system is a big minus point.
2. A few more comfort and safety features can be added.