Review: New Mahindra Scorpio 2014 Edition, An Indian Trailblazer SUV

Introduction

One car that every Indian is truly proud off since last one decade and which technically ruled the Indian auto-mobile industry is the Mahindra Scorpio. Perhaps it is still one of the best-selling SUV vehicles in the highly aggressive car market. Without saying with none other than Prime Minister of India, H.E Mr. Narendra Modi was its patron when he was Chief Minister of State of Gujarat till few months back. Infact the entire election campaign in world's largest democracy was on shoulders of Scorpio & its fleet which Mr. Modi extensively used. Hence its a truly iconic swadeshi (indigenous) vehicle from house of Mahindra.

The 2014 Edition Mahindra Scorpio

The recent launch of new refreshing looking Scorpio 2014 edition just makes it better than ever and we shall tell you why. 

Getting to know about new Mahindra Scorpio 2014

One of the interesting fact that most of you may not know is the only parts borrowed from the previous Scorpio were the roof & doors, now that's a completely new car for you which takes your breath away. Scorpio comes with a new face and which gives one a very elite feel and gets now more macho look. The new grille with sharp chrome glitters as the radiance fall on it. Even the headlamps and the bumper have got a new face lift.

The rear of new 2014 Edition Scorpio

Build & Quality

The Grille: Hexagonal grille is profound now features smaller inserts that finishes finely in chrome. 

The Grille

The grille is followed by the hood that comes with a functional scoop that lays on it uses the same grille pattern which give a fine uniformity in overall looks.

Headlights: This is a true usp of this SUV, the head-lights feature projector lighting for the first time complemented by eyebrows and tail lamps LED lights but a word of caution that it is not a DRL (Day light Running Lights) like the ones you see in high end cars like BMWs, Audis & Mercs of the world . 

The parking lamps are actually in form of LED eyebrows that add to the rough & tough looks of the car. 

Sideways: Leaving the front fender aside, everything else remains unchanged which raised some eyebrows as this Scorpio is positioned to be a next-gen SUV after all. The headlamps cover around the fender has a mock vent (bezel) and the side cladding is untouched.

Wheels: An inch of promotion which allows Scorpio to come with 17-inch wheels that appeals to its overall SUV looks and the wheels fill up the arches quite well. 

Those 17-Inches wheel

Rear: The rear of the new Scorpio looks sturdy. On the upper part of the tailgate a black appliqué runs across which is a bold move from Mahindra as it add more flavor to appeal of the car. 

The Rear-LED Lights

Other external features: The rear window is smaller however it doesn’t affect view since earlier models had large rear windows any ways which was not needed at first place. Even the shape of the window shape is transformed slightly which gives it a unique and complex look with rear defogger grids bearing angular lines instead of straight ones. The LED lens tail lamps are new and bright. The bumper are just the same as before. 

Interiors: The first thing one would notice when inside is new refreshing futuristic dashboard, door-pads and steering wheel.The dash board come with black/light grey dual-tone is edgy with superfine finishing. The seats now features a blue-grey upholstery. The centre console is blessed with a high end plush Touch-screen infotainment system (in the top variants only).

The Futuristic Dashboad

 Instrument cluster is also renewed and blends well with rest of the interiors. The speedometer is still analogue in nature but you would find a digital-centre screen for displaying gear indicator. The steering wheel comes with mounted controls for easy navigation of Infotainment system. 

The Control Mounted - Power Steering

The inside space & storage: The light blue backlit theme is touches your mood very positively. The cabin is fairly large however Scorpio still offers very little storage points like the gear lever console has limited cubbyholes, and a very important let down is that are no bottle holders in the door pads. Also note that now the power window buttons,have moved to the doors which is definitely a long due expectation from Scorpio makers.

The Family SUV truly Spacious

Engine: No changes in this segment. The Scorpio is being offered in six variants, viz.:
S2, S4, S6, S6+, S8 and S10. 

• The S2 variant features the m2DICR 2.5-litre engine. 

• The S4,S6, S6+, S8 & S10 are energised by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel. 

• Also note that the transmission has been upgraded to the new-generation 5-speed manual from the Xylo mHawk.The gearshifts are now much smoother and gel quite well in the gearbox.The automatic variant will come with 6-speed torque convertor. 

• A new shift on fly system allows toggling between 2WD and 4WD mode which enables the driver not to halt vehicle is special usp of 4WD model.

• Turbo lag is observable however once you cross past the 2,000rpm mark, power delivery is bullish and uniform. 

• 120PS at 4,000rpm while max torque 280Nm produced between 1,800rpm and 2,800rpm give the new Scropio the much needed power on the highway.

• The next-generation model has a all-new chassis with a  new modular ladder construction uses a hydroforming manufacturing technique, a process widely aviation sectors. The key benefits of Hydroforming is that it helps weight reduction & increases the strength and stiffness. This makes it two kilograms lighter and 100 per cent stiffer. Good going Mahindra.

• The suspension is again unchanged largely which is a disappointment (double wishbone front and a multilink rear) and the only change is the new polyurethane bushes instead of rubber which makes it retain its original shape while less vulnerable to abrasion. Cruising over potholes and broken speed-breakers is even more effortless now, and vehicle is very controlled especially when on high-speeds.

• Another thing to notice is the turning radius has been reduced from 5.6m to 5.4m which not only makes it a leader on highway but also king in the city traffic. The steering system also features a new collapsible system.

Automatic climate control: The new Scorpio carries some of the existing features such as rain sensing wipers, auto lights, tyre pressure monitor, parking sensor, start-stop technology etc. For increased safety, features like dual-airbags and ABS will continue to be offered, a new Panic Brake Indication is also a new addition. 

Cheat-sheet

ENGINE	S2	S4	S6	S6+	S8	S10
Type	m2DICR 4 cyl 2.5 L, 4 stroke, Turbo Charged, Direct Injection, Common Rail Diesel Engine	mHawk 4 cylinder Engine, Variable Geometry Turbocharger with Intercooler, 4 valves per cylinder, Common Rail Direct Injection Technology
Cubic Capacity	2523 cc	2179 cc
Max. Gross Power	75 bhp (55.3 kW) @ 3200 rpm	120 bhp (88 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Max. Gross Torque	200 Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm	280 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm
GEAR BOX	5 Speed Manual
TYRES	P215/75 R15, Radial Tubeless	P235/65 R17,  Radial Tubeless
SUSPENSION	Hydraulic Double Acting, Telescopic Shock Absorber
Front	Double Wish-bone type, Independent Front Coil Spring
Rear	Multi Link Coil Spring Suspension with Anti-roll Bar
BRAKES
Front	Caliper Type, Ventilated Disc
Rear	Drum Type
FUEL TANK  CAPACITY	60 Ltrs
TURNING  CIRCLE RADIUS	5.4m	5.4m (2WD) 5.65m (4WD)
MAX GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT	2510 kgs	2510 kgs (2WD) 2610 kgs (4WD)
EMISSION	BSIV
DIMENSIONS
Wheel Base	2680 mm
Overall Width	1820 mm (Excluding ORVMs)
Overall Length	4456 mm
Overall (Unladen) Height	1930 mm	1995 mm

General Observation & Verdict

With the new refreshing looks and styling, the new Scorpio is indeed a positive step forward which makes it one of the most affordable SUV on Indian roads with the features it exhibits. We would have expected it to be a little less in price to trigger more competition however Mahindra's have played it safe by pitching it the segment which is alluring to most of the new car buyers these days.

Prices ex-showroom Delhi: (Click-here)

• S2: INR 8,40,000
• S4: INR 8,99,000
• S4(4WD): INR 10,11,000 
• S6: INR 10,15,000
• S6(Plus): INR 10,43,000
• S8: INR 11,32,000
• S10: INR 11,95,000
• S10(4WD): INR 13,05,000

You can also book the new Scorpio for INR 20,000 on leading eCommerce Portal : Snapdeal (Click-here)

UPs

• Macho SUV design & styling.
• Good on-road & off-road.
• Torqued engine & better turning radius.

Downs

• Suspension could have been better.
• DRLs were missing.
• Mileage is a concern.