When it comes to seven-seaters, Mahindra has always ruled the Indian market whether it was with the XUV500 or even the new XUV700 which has been a runaway success. Speaking of seven-seater Mahindras, the Scorpio was launched first in 2002 and has served many customers since then. Now, Mahindra has entered a new phase and made a bold yet impressive move with the new Scorpio N. The new Scorpio N is just an example of how Mahindra is shifting gears to offer a refined drive with advanced technology, comfort, and unmatchable style. The SUV has already managed to make headlines with its price. So let’s see what makes the new Scorpio N so remarkable:
Design
The Scorpio N is completely new from the ground up including its platform which means that it doesn’t share a single part with the older iteration. This modern modification of Scorpio gets a well-propositioned and muscular front with dual LED projector headlamps and dynamic turn indicators. The face of the SUV shines with a six-slat chrome grille with the new Mahindra logo in the middle. The fog lamps are surrounded by C-shaped LED DRLs which Mahindra describes as a Scorpion’s sting.
With its 18-inch alloy wheels, the new ScorpioN sits high and it is 206 mm longer and 97 mm wider than the previous Scorpio. The rear gets vertical LED taillamps and the tailgate still opens in the traditional sideways method. Overall, the new Scorpio N has a very butch and premium design.
Interior
The cabin of the car is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system paired with up to 70+ car tech features and has built-in Amazon Alexa and what3words. Sony’s 12-speaker sound system with roof-mounted speakers provides a premium surround sound experience. The wide electric sunroof keeps the cabin bright while the dual-tone black and brown theme of the interior with contrasting silver elements lends it a premium feel.
The switchgear, the rocker panel that houses buttons for various functions, and the steering wheel are similar to the XUV700. It also features an instrument cluster which is an analog unit with a large color MID and lastly, the center console houses the swivel wheel for Mahindra’s 4Xplor system to select the various terrain modes and 4 low.
Some of the features include a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, selectable drive modes, cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, and keyless entry with push-button. The second row offers the option of captain seats or bench seats depending on the variant. The seats offer good comfort, legroom, and headroom. The bench seat has a good enough width for three people and there is a recline function as well. However, the seats do not offer a sliding function for increasing the legroom. The third row is more suited for kids and it doesn’t get any A/C vents here either. The boot space is negligible just like other 7-seater SUVs in its class.
Safety
Apart from front and rear cameras with sensors, the ScorpioN is full of safety features like 6 airbags, ISOFIX child mounts, TPMS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Driver Drowsiness Detection, Brake Disc Wiping, Roll Over Mitigation, ABS, EBD, and Hill Descent Control. Considering Mahindra’s track record in safety, we can assume that the Scorpio N is one safe SUV.
Also read: Mahindra Scorpio N Variants Explained
Performance
The ScorpioN is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter Mstallion petrol engine delivering 202hp and 370 nm torque. While the 2.2-liter Mhawk diesel engine delivers 132hm and 300 nm torque in the lower variant, the higher variants get 175hp and 400 nm of torque. It also comes with Zip driving mode with limited power of 138hp while the Zap and Zoom mode delivers maximum power The 6-speed automatic transmission of the diesel variant makes the ride creamy and smooth. The diesel engine is well refined and it gets intrusive only at the higher RPMs. The numbers reflect very well in the real world and it is reasonably quick for its size. The power is delivered in a linear manner rather than an explosive way. Apart from being rear-wheel-drive, the Scorpio N also offers 4×4 which comes with Mahindra’s 4xplor system with terrain modes.
Handling
Mahindra has made great strides when it comes to the handling of the new Scorpio N. Mahindra has used an independent front suspension system and a five-link rear suspension. It also gets frequency damping just like the XUV700. The result is a good and predictable handling SUV that can be driven confidently. It is also much more comfortable than the previous iteration and passengers will no longer bounce around on rough roads. The steering wheel is now an electric unit which makes it very effortless at slow speeds in the city. It also offers decent feedback at higher speeds.
Conclusion
With huge improvements in terms of handling, performance, comfort, capability, and premium feel, the Scorpio N is one impressive SUV. Apart from this, the SUV will impress you with its offroad credentials too! Priced between ₹11.99 lakh and ₹19.55 lakh for the manual variants, the Scorpio N goes up against the likes of the Tata Safari, MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, and even its sibling, the XUV700! If you want the goodies and sophistication of the XUV700 and the offroad capabilities of the Thar in one package, the Scorpio N is the perfect SUV for you!