A Heritage SUV That Still Dominates the Roads
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic continues to carry the legacy of one of India’s most iconic SUVs. With a tough, road-ready design and proven mechanicals, the Scorpio Classic appeals to SUV lovers who want durability, performance, and an authentic driving experience. While Mahindra introduced the Scorpio-N as a more modern alternative, the Classic remains true to its roots—rugged, reliable, and respected.
Bold and Timeless Design
The Scorpio Classic stays close to its original design language, featuring a high-stance, boxy silhouette, and a dominating road presence. Mahindra has refreshed it subtly to keep it relevant—introducing a new grille with the signature twin peaks logo, smoked projector headlamps, and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
Side profile highlights include muscular wheel arches, side cladding, and roof rails. The vertical tail lamps and rear spoiler add a sporty touch while retaining the SUV’s utility-first character. Riding on 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the Scorpio Classic carries a perfect mix of old-school charm and modern updates.
Interior: Practicality Meets Familiar Comfort
Inside the cabin, the Scorpio Classic continues to offer a functional and straightforward design. Mahindra has introduced subtle upgrades like a dual-tone beige and black dashboard with faux wood inserts, making the space feel more refined. The upholstery is comfortable, with durable materials designed to withstand rough use—ideal for both urban commutes and off-road adventures.
The second row offers generous headroom and legroom, while the third row is best suited for occasional use. Depending on the variant, the Classic comes with either a 7-seat or 9-seat layout, making it a practical option for larger families or rural transport.
A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity handles media and navigation. Manual air-conditioning, steering-mounted controls, power windows, and a height-adjustable driver seat round out the key interior features. While it lacks high-end luxuries, it prioritizes comfort and utility over flashy gimmicks.
Proven Engine Performance
Under the hood, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic is powered by the same 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, now tuned for better refinement and efficiency. It produces approximately 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine has been updated to comply with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms and features micro-hybrid technology with auto start-stop functionality for better mileage.
This SUV isn’t built for speed—it’s built for strength. The rear-wheel-drive setup, strong low-end torque, and ladder-frame chassis allow the Scorpio Classic to handle bad roads, hilly terrain, and rough loads with ease. Ride quality has improved over earlier versions, thanks to better suspension tuning, and body roll is relatively controlled for such a large vehicle.
Safety and Build Quality
While the Scorpio Classic doesn’t come packed with high-end safety features, it includes essential elements like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, engine immobilizer, and reverse parking sensors. The build quality is rugged, and the vehicle is known for its durability, especially in semi-urban and rural environments.
Its tall stance provides great visibility, and the hydraulic power steering gives it a heavy, confident feel, especially while cruising on highways or navigating rough patches.
Variants and Value
The Scorpio Classic is available in two variants—S and S11. The base S variant offers the fundamentals at an accessible price point, while the S11 variant brings in more convenience features like alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers, the 9-inch infotainment system, and power-adjustable ORVMs.
Despite newer rivals in the market, the Scorpio Classic holds its ground by offering tried-and-tested performance, low maintenance, and high resale value—especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It knows its audience—those who value strength over sophistication, real-world usability over trendy features. Whether it’s being used as a family SUV, a utility vehicle, or a rugged rural transporter, the Scorpio Classic remains a dependable workhorse. With modern updates wrapped in a familiar package, it continues to deliver what Mahindra fans have loved for years: a true-blue SUV built to endure.
