Mahindra claims that the Scorpio is the ‘big daddy of SUVs. Maybe in India, Mahindra. Here in the land down under we believe in showing up to the show not just talking about it. So today, we’ll take a closer look at the Mahindra Scorpio and see if it truly is the ‘Daddy of SUVs’ or can small SUVs like the Toyota C-HR take this show pony for a ride.

Pros

• Ladder frame chassis means better adaptability and even greater versatility
• Wider than Pajero Sport
• Suspension has been specifically tuned for Australia
• Decent sized sunroof
  

Cons

• Indian aesthetic may be too narrow for a broader appeal
• Shorter than Pajero Sport
• Swing open tailgate
• Fit and finish within the cabin are a bit wonky
• No inbuilt Satellite Navigation
  

What’s new?

• Entirely new exterior
• Sharper pricing
  

The Mahindra Scorpio is betted against the Ssangyong Rexton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MUX

Exteriors

Styling Elements

Thankfully, we are not tortured with the previous iteration which they called a design for a SUV. I’m not very sure what Mahindra was aiming for. The new design is much more sophisticated and has a sporty muscular look to it. Something that is actually going to fly in Australia, as compared to the abomination they had last time they facelifted a car.

Now the front grille has alot of chrome accents which are not overused but yes they do give the Scorpio is much blingier than necessary look. The front grille has been compartmentalised to be a bit smaller in order to let the air inlets be free and spacious. I like the squished honeycomb design that car manufacturers are going for nowadays. Apart from that, the headlight cluster has LED DRLs on the top and LED lights all over, even the foglights are LED which is quite impressive.

The taillights are part LED and part halogen but the weird part is that they’re unnecessarily tall in design. Maybe its Mahindra trying too hard, however, I’m just chalking this out to the Indian aesthetic that has been carried over to the land down under.

Another impressive detail that Australia has added is the firm metal side steps. There’s a good weight to those, the wring is the testament to how the sidesteps are atleast better than Hilux, Amarok and Outlander.

Colour Options

The Mahindra Scorpio is offered to the customer in 6 vibrant colours. All these colours add a little more personality to your drives, the colours are; Dazzling Silver | Deep Forest | Everest White | Napoli Black | Red Rage | Midnight Black

Unlike the norm in Australia, the colours are entirely free of charge. Which is really amazing however the colours only come in a glossy finish. No pearlescent or prestige tones.

Wheel Design

The wheel designs are pretty standard, given the ground clearance of the car, bigger wheels would just mean bigger problems for you. So Mahindra has given you a humble 18-inch wheels which aren’t too shabby at all. The wheel design is pretty dated or maybe that is something that still is relevant in India. However, these Indian memoirs are far too unnecessary in a car that claims to be the ‘Big daddy of SUVs’. I would respectfully like to inform Mahindra, that this is Australia mate, we have a test for that claim.

Interiors

Interior Layout & Space

The interiors sometimes feel like they’re less than what you anticipated and definitely is what Australians are usually accustomed to. For a simple example, Mahindra Scorpio has the smallest centre console storage space amongst all its competitors.

There are some scratchy plastics and piano black accents which may dull down the overall aesthetic of the cabin. Apart from that there isn’t much to complain, or compliment, about the Mahindra Scorpio.

Coming back to the second and third rows, thankfully, there is ample space for a decent 6ft tall adult to sit in the second row and third row comfortably. Sure maybe the knees will be a bit wedged into the back of the second-row seat, it isn’t the end of the world and the headroom is decent. The second-row spacing is the best thing about the Scorpio, there is so much space to move around, due to the design of the car, the sunroof sits atop the first row and then there is a certain incline to accommodate that extra headroom which makes it a joy to be driven in.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The seats are good. The upholstery is quite posh and premium. There is a darker tone that runs around the lighter breathable part of the fabric. However, a miss from Scorpio is that, while the driver’s seat is electronically adjustable, the other front-row seat is manually adjustable. We aren’t accustomed to that segregation either. It is usually the front-row and second-row segregation that we see.

Boot

The Mahindra Scorpio doesn’t have an official boot space when all seats are upstanding, that is sad. However, there are quite a few permutation combination you can use in order to store your luggage.

When the third row is folded down, there is quite a bit of space which can accommodate around 200 litres of boot space. However, the third row has a tumble feature which takes the entire third row and sticks it up against the second row and now the boot capacity has increased to around 400 litres or so.

Now the poorly thought out part about the boot space. Let’s say you need some extra boot space and you choose to collapse the second row down as well. You get a fold-and-tumble option on one of the second-row seats but there is only a fold option on the other second-row seat. All seats collapsed you get an L-shaped couch with a higher than usual ottoman like setting. Maybe you can make the most of it but for a family SUV, I don’t see a lot of purpose there.

Technology & Infotainment

In terms of technology, Mahindra Scorpio isn’t very impressive, even if it was I don’t understand how much of it could have been relayed given the 8-inch infotainment screen. Maybe a bigger screen and the 12 speaker system can be enough ti distract consumers from other lacking tech elements.

Technology Features

• WATT’s Link Rear Suspension
• Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control
• Wireless Charging
• Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD
• Electric Adjust ORVM
• 6-Way Driver Power Seat
• Selectable (Shift on Fly) 4WD
• Intelligent 4x4 System With Selectable Terrain Modes (Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, Sand) - Diesel (4WD )
• Mechanical Locking Differential
• Brake Locking Differential
  

Connectivity Options

• Adrenox Connect, Alexa Built-in*
• SONY ® 3D Immersive Audio 12 Speakers
• 8-inch touchscreen information display
• Smart Device Integration -  Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• AM/FM
  
  

Performance & Engine

Engine Specifications

Transmission & Drive System

The turbocharged engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission system but if you’re a traditionalist, you can also avail the Mahindra Scorpio in a 6-speed manual transmission. However, either way, the 400 Nm of torque won’t be able to give you that punch you’d want in a manual transmission, especially if the car is weighted with a family.

Additionally, while the gearbox isn’t winning any awards one credit which I’d like to give the Mahindra Scorpio is that the cabin noise is negligible. Sure the sound seeps in on coarse roads, but that goes for the best of cars.

Braking System

I’ll always speak highly about the cars that have rear disc brakes. I believe its 2024 and its time to be done with drum brakes in the rear especially SUVs or Utes or basically any car which has an AWD option. Drum brakes are far more efficient and while the race is always measured in time, I believe the stopping distance can also give you that edge that you may need when you’re braking suddenly or from a potential accident.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

The big daddy of SUVs may not get alot of things right but what it does do particularly well is provide an excellent fuel economy. The 7.2 litres of gas requirement for every 100km is quite well maintained. However, do accommodate aberrations which can be caused due to driving styes, terrain and other uncontrollable factors.

Overall the economy is pretty well and when we consider how heavy this car which is approximately 2000kgs, this economy starts making more and more sense.

Handling & Driving Dynamics

Mahindra shall be commended that they’ve taken an effort to tune the car, especially for the Australian conditions. Nowadays not alot of manufacturers do that, Hyundai used to do it but no more, I believe Kia is still trying to play with those rules but Mahindra has actually done their homework well.

The driving dynamics are tuned for Australian settings and thus we noted that there was immense body control and sway control on bumpy and erratic roads which is wonderful.

However, the steering offers just Tilt adjustment and not Reach adjustment which is another hindrance you may consider before investing in it.

Safety Features

In the Mahindra Scorpio, we may see some updates next year maybe but for the time being, the Mahindra Scorpio compares pale in comparison. It isn’t enough to be the ‘Daddy of SUVs’, you also need the safety of a mother as well. As you go through the list, do note that Autonomous Emergency Braking is not there yet.

• Front Camera
• Rear parking camera
• Traction control
• Various parking guidelines
• Stability control
  

Advanced Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Driver Drowsiness Detection
• ABS + EBD
• Parking Sensors (Front&Rear only in Z8L)
• 7 SRS Airbags
• Electronic TYeare Pressure Monitor System
• Ventilated Disc Brake
• E-call & SOS Switch
  

Crash Test Ratings

The Mahindra Scorpio has been awarded 0 stars by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program. It has joined the segment of the fewest cars with the poorest ratings possible. Mitsubishi Express, MG5 sedan and Mahindra Scorpio are the only ones at the bottom. The test was conducted in March 2023 and the rating expires not before December 2029. Following is a brief breakup of the crash test ratings.

• Adult Occupant Protection - 44%
• Child Occupant Protection - 80%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection - 23%
• Safety Assist - 0%
  

Ownership Experience

Owning a Mahindra Scorpio in Australia could be a unique and potentially rewarding experience, but it's essential to manage expectations. On the positive side, the Scorpio offers a rugged and affordable option in the SUV market. Its spacious interior and powerful engine make it suitable for towing and handling tough terrains, which could be appealing for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. However, there are some significant considerations. Mahindra isn't a mainstream brand in Australia, so resale value might be lower compared to established manufacturers. The availability of dealerships and service centers could be limited, potentially impacting maintenance convenience. Additionally, the Scorpio might not be equipped with the latest technology features or safety systems that are common in rivals. Test drives might reveal a ride quality that leans towards the utilitarian side, prioritizing functionality over comfort. Overall, owning a Mahindra Scorpio in Australia comes with a sense of adventure and a potential cost advantage. However, be prepared for a less-refined ownership experience compared to some mainstream SUVs

Major Drawbacks

• The swing open gate is the most out-of-time element about the Scorpio. We’re used to doors that lift themselves up and close themselves. What’s with the Manual Labour Mahindra?
• The built quality on the exterior is a bit flimsy. In Australia we aren’t very used to ends just sticking out or designs that are even a bit flawed, well Mahindra is testing us.
• Scratchy surfaces on high touch points and otherwise in general in the cabin. Drowns down the overall appeal of the SUV
  
  

Major Strengths

• Affordability is one of the most appealing features of the Mahindra Scorpio. Let alone the packages, you can ride away in one at just over $40,000 which is far too few bucks for this SUV.
  
• Excellent second-row spacing. There’s ample of headroom, legroom and even there is toeroom for those times when you want to wiggle your toes in comfort.
  

Maintenance & Warranty Information

All Mahindra owners enjoy a 7-year or 1,50,000km warranty. This is in addition to the fact that Mahindra vehicles are built to last and these won’t come in your way. This warranty will serve you well and serve you enough.

Service costs are also pretty affordable. Infact, the first service is free of charge as long as the driven distance is under 3,000km. In addition to that, the service prices are capped and all you need to do is visit the nearest Mahindra-certified mechanic or service house and get it done. Following is a table for the maintenance of Scorpio.

Verdict

While there is quite a bit to love about this car in general, especially for the Indian diaspora here in Australia, they’ll definitely have a trip down memory lane whenever they see this one on the roads. I believe it has failed the claim test for two simple reasons that they could’ve just simply improved upon. Safety tech is something that is standard in Australian conditions and maybe that was the first thing that I saw it was missing. Another letdown is the torque. The engine needs to be stronger, the vehicle a bit lighter and then maybe when you call it a small-sized SUV 400 Nm of torque is ample, but for a large-sized family SUV, 400 Nm of torque will feel like a baby pushing a car, nothing noteworthy.

Apart from that, I loved how the suspension system is adapted to Australian conditions which make owning it definitely easier in the long run. Given that this isn’t the biggest SUV, driving around the city also seems to be a breeze. These are some comfort factors that would make me invest in the Mahindra Scorpio. Let me know what you think.

Reference

Brochure

Owners Manual