Mahindra Scorpio N : The Mahindra Scorpio has been for years the tough, no-nonsense SUV that’s brimming with oomph and has loads of road presence. And the Scorpio N was not just a revival of an icon – it’s a reinterpretation of it for an all-new generation.
This one, the latest of the line, is about as far away from the original’s functional aesthetic as is possible, a mash-up of old-school rugged and contemporary chic.
The Scorpio N is no longer only a ladder-frame brute for dirt tracks and distant places. It returns now as the sophisticated, tech-heavy, SUV-cum-family hauler, daily driver and long-distance tourer that never lost sight of its essential nature.
Mahindra Scorpio N Exterior Design and On Road Presence
The Scorpio N, they’ve taken design rather seriously. It conveys a bold front grille with chrome slats and new twin-barrel LED projector headlamps, while the dynamic turn indicators and an upright stance give it a macho appeal.
The sculpted bonnet and squared-off wheel arches also help to enhance its SUV appearance.
It still has the oh-so-tall, go-commando build DNA from the last iteration, but feels a little more refined, a little more aerodynamic this time.
Mahindra has managed to strike a neat balance between aggression and elegance with the Scorpio N and while the latter gets a more premium appeal, it does not lose the strong road presence.
Cabin Comfort and Features
Climb into the Scorpio N and you’ll be faced with a completely reworked interior design. Out goes the old plastic and plain dash design. Since some of us wanted to see the world burn, in its place you’ll find a more layered, more two-tone dashboard with brushed metal accents and black and brown finishes.
Soft-touch materials have been used in key areas, contributing to the upmarket feel.
But most importantly of all, there’s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car suite. Features such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker Sony 3D audio system, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, and an electric sunroof are on offer as well.
Its instrument panel blends, analogue dials with seven-inch digital, display for driving data, navigation, fuel read-out.
Seating comfort is achieved as well. Up front, the seats are supportive and there’s good visibility, and the second-row seats have enough legroom and they recline. “For adults, I would say the third row is maybe best for short trips around town or for kids.
Engine and Performance
The Scorpio N comes with two engines options – petrol and diesel – from Mahindra. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol should deliver about 200 hp and some 370–380 Nm and the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit is provided with two different states of tune, the higher-spec version coming with exactly 175 hp as well as 400 Nm.
Transmission, My Way or a Six-speed auto, 6-speed manual option.
However, the big change comes with the fact that some diesels now get the option of 4X4, known as ‘4Xplor’ system. Along with that comes multiple terrain modes and low-range gear, and all that equates to the Scorpio N having real off-road potential.
Despite its ladder-frame construction, ride has vastly improved. It stays well-mannered on the highway, and it absorbs undulating pavement without the translation to a trampolinelike jostle or upset.
Pros:
Good road stance, good looking
Strong petrol and diesel engines available
Better ride quality, as compared to Scorpio facelifted models obtained previously among larger vehicles.
Nice interior with modern and updated features and tech
Optional 4WD with available terrain management for actual off-roading
Cons:
Adults will still be cramped in the third row
No panoramic sunroof even though the competition carries it
Top variants cost near that of mid-size monocoque SUVs
But the Sanctuary’s ladder-frame characteristics restrict it to four-wheel drifts around tight turns
Fuel economy is average too, particularly in petrol automatic
Mahindra Scorpio N Final Verdict
The Mahindra Scorpio N manages to straddle the fine line between an old-school SUV and a new-age family-oriented vehicle. It’s more of a complete change than an upgrade.
Once a rough-and-ready implement for poor roads or the adventurous there’s more to the Scorpio N than ever before – a comprehensive feature list, bold design remit, and a range of capable engines mean it slots neatly into life in the city.
Yes, it has its flaws. It’s not the most economical on fuel, and that third row is still a compromise.
However, for off-roading enthusiasts, the Scorpio N promises a real SUV feel with 21st century levels of comfort and tech and it sits. literally and figuratively.
If you want both muscle and practicality and a strong badging status, there isn’t too much to look beyond the Mahindra Scorpio N.