New Scorpio-N is a modern Mahindra for the cost conscious

The second-generation Scorpio-N recently replaced the long-running Scorpio as Mahindra’s contender in SA’s midsized SUV market.

Available as both a 4x2 and 4x4, the seven-seater is imported from India and as before is a bakkie-based SUV with a body-on-frame platform.

Mahindra’s newcomer shares nothing with the first-generation Scorpio and has been extensively modernised, shedding some of its predecessor’s utilitarian image. Despite its move upmarket it remains a relative bargain compared to bakkie-based SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Scorpio-N prices range between R465,000 for the entry two-wheel drive up to R590,000 for the range-topping 4x4, while a Fortuner will set you back R653,500-R915,400, and the Pajero Sport R764,990-R829,990.

The Scorpio-N’s Pininfarina-styled exterior adopts a more sophisticated look without losing the rugged vibe that identifies it as a robust adventurer rather than a city-slicker crossover. The interior has undergone a major overhaul, raised to a higher level of sophistication with soft-touch surfaces, leatherette seats and digitalisation. The latter comprises a 20.32cm touchscreen infotainment system that is generally easy to operate. It connects to smartphones via Bluetooth or two USB ports, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The bulk of the car’s controls are operated by physical buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, making for a more user-friendly interface than finicky digital menus.

The Scorpio-N’s 4,662mm length provides an interior that is roomy enough for four or five adults in reasonable comfort. The second row has adjustable backrests with fixed leg room, and middle seat occupants get their own controllable air vents plus a single USB charging port. The tight third row is suitable for children only, but folds down to provide extra cargo room. With the full-sized spare tyre mounted beneath the chassis, there is plenty of boot space.

In terms of safety the Scorpio-N is an attractive prospect. It achieved a five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test and comes standard with six airbags, driver drowsiness alert, ABS brakes and stability control.

We tested the range-topping Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8L 4Xplor which has a list of of bells and whistles as long as its name, some of the highlights being a Sony 12-speaker audio system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and wireless smartphone charger.

There is a notable improvement over the old Scorpio in terms of interior fit and finish but there are signs of cost cutting, for instance the low resolution of the reversing camera, and the steering being adjustable for height only, not reach. Also, the fuel-saving stop-start system is crude; the engine shuts down with a significant shudder and takes long to restart.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are improved over the predecessor model and the Scorpio-N rides quietly when operated within the national speed limit. At higher, nonlegal speeds, the noise becomes rowdier and we think this is partly due to the car’s chunky off-road tyres.

The vehicle also doesn’t feel quite as solid or refined as its abovementioned rivals, and its rough-road ride quality isn’t as good.

Penta-link rear suspension features watts link mechanism Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology for a comfortable ride experience, claims Mahindra. On regular roads the Scorpio-N glides along smoothly enough but the ride becomes restless and jittery on bumpy surfaces, particularly at the rear end.

The handling is adequately neat at medium pace but the top-heavy car won’t scythe through twisty roads with the agility of sportier SUVs.

Performance-wise there is little to complain about. Paired with an automatic transmission that shifts efficiently, the 2.2l turbo diesel engine feels punchy and refined, accelerating smoothly without significant turbo lag. It’s an easy cruiser and has enough grunt to make confident overtakes. It is fuel efficient too, with the test vehicle averaging 8.4l/100km.

When going off road the 4Xplor intelligent terrain management system allows convenient shifting on the fly from 2WD mode to 4WD, while there is a low range gear and a choice of four preprogrammed terrain modes: Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. A mechanical and brake locking differential (BLD) electronically locks up all axles in slippery conditions for maximum traction. With all this, plus a generous ground clearance, the Scorpio-N makes a very capable adventure vehicle.

Overall, the Indian vehicle has a more grown-up feel than its predecessor and remains well priced alternatives to a Fortuner or a Pajero Sport, but isn’t without compromises. As always you pay your money and you make your choice. There are reasons for the price saving in the Mahindra’s imperfect ride and not-as-solid feel, but for cost-conscious buyers it offers a lot of family practicality and features combined with true off-road ability.

Tech specs

Engine

Type: Four-cylinder diesel turbo

Capacity: 2.2l

Power: 129kW

Torque: 400Nm

Transmission

Type: Six-speed dual clutch auto

Drive train

Type: Rear-wheel drive, selectable 4WD high and 4WD low

Performance

Top speed: n/a

0-100km/h: n/a

Fuel consumption: 8l/100km (as tested)

Emissions: 174g/km

Standard features

ABS brakes, six airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control, rear park distance control with camera, keyless central locking, cooled glovebox, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sony 12-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charger, leatherette upholstery, sunroof, automatic headlamps, rain sensor wipers, climate control, cruise control, driving modes, tyre pressure sensor, electrically adjustable driver’s seat

Cost of ownership

Warranty: Five years/ 150,000km

Service Plan: Five years/100,000km

Price: R590,000

Lease*: R12,997 per month

* at 11.25% interest over 60 months no deposit

Competition

Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4x4, 110kW/400Nm — R709,800

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 D-ID 4x4 Exceed, 133kW/430Nm — R829,990

Mahindra Scorpio N 2.2D Z8L 4Xplor

WE LIKE: Improved refinement, price, off road ability

WE DISLIKE: Ride quality on bumps, steering isn’t reach adjustable

VERDICT: A more modern Mahindra for the cost conscious

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