The Mahindra Scorpio-N marks a significant transformation in the legacy of one of India’s most iconic SUVs. Retaining its muscular stance and off-road DNA, the new Scorpio-N steps into modern territory with improved tech, refined interiors, and enhanced driving dynamics. Mahindra has clearly aimed to strike a balance between traditional SUV toughness and contemporary comfort, and the result is nothing short of impressive.
Design and Exterior
The Scorpio-N maintains its bold and upright silhouette, but with a more refined design language. The front features a commanding chrome-lined grille, new twin-pod LED projector headlamps, and signature DRLs that add a premium touch. The sculpted bonnet, high shoulder line, and pronounced wheel arches underscore its rugged character.
In the rear, vertically stacked LED tail lamps, a chunky bumper, and a roof-mounted spoiler give the Scorpio-N a sportier look. It stands tall and wide, with excellent road presence, especially in darker colors. The design is clearly evolutionary but much more premium than its predecessor.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Scorpio-N, and the difference is night and day compared to the older model. The cabin now features dual-tone interiors with soft-touch materials, leatherette seats, and a neatly laid-out dashboard. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The driver’s seat offers great visibility, and the overall ergonomics are SUV-appropriate. There’s ample legroom and headroom in the first and second rows. The third row is best suited for kids or short trips for adults, especially in the 7-seater configuration.
Other comfort features include automatic climate control, a sunroof, wireless charging, and a decent 12-speaker Sony sound system on higher variants.
Performance and Engine Options
The Scorpio-N is offered with two engine options — a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel, both available with manual and automatic transmissions. The diesel unit comes in two states of tune and feels refined and punchy. The petrol engine, too, is smooth and responsive, delivering strong mid-range performance.
Mahindra’s new 6-speed automatic transmission complements both engines well. Whether you’re cruising on highways or climbing steep inclines, the power delivery remains consistent. Additionally, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup comes standard, with 4X4 available on higher diesel variants.
Ride and Handling
Built on a new ladder-frame chassis, the Scorpio-N offers significantly better ride quality than its predecessor. The suspension soaks up potholes and uneven roads with ease. While it’s still an SUV with some body roll in corners, the overall handling feels much more stable and confidence-inspiring.
The steering feels lighter at low speeds, which makes urban driving less stressful, while firming up nicely at highway speeds. For an SUV of this size and nature, Mahindra has done a great job fine-tuning the dynamics.
Safety Features
Mahindra has packed the Scorpio-N with safety tech, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold and hill descent control, and traction control. It has also received a commendable 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest ladder-frame SUVs in its category.
Variants and Pricing
The Scorpio-N is available in multiple variants – Z2, Z4, Z6, Z8, and Z8L – each catering to different customer needs. While the base variant is priced attractively, the top trims offer a near-premium experience. The pricing strategy is aggressive and ensures value for money across the board.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Scorpio-N isn’t just a facelift – it’s a reimagining of a classic SUV. It combines the toughness and road dominance the Scorpio name is known for, with modern-day technology, premium interiors, and better driving manners. Whether you’re an urban commuter, a weekend adventurer, or a rural road warrior, the Scorpio-N makes a strong case for itself.
