Mahindra SA has an interesting strategy right now… If you want a modern, stylish and well-appointed medium SUV (with a 7-seat configuration, no less), then you can look to the XUV 700, However, if you’re the adventurous type and want to go “off-grid”, traverse 4×4 trails or simply explore the bundu, then the Scorpio-N could be your port of call.
What’s New?
The Mahindra Scorpio-N looks familiar, but it’s all-new from the ground up. Again, it’s based on a body-on-frame configuration but, impressively, it was the first vehicle of its kind to score 5 stars in Global NCAP crash testing, which suggests the brand invested substantially in improving the model’s structural rigidity. There’s a double wishbone suspension up front and a Pentalink (Watt’s linkage) setup at the rear.
The Scorpio-N offers best-in-class cabin space with generous equipment and feature levels across the range. Some of the highlights include the excellent Sony audio system, a sizeable infotainment touchscreen that’s Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatible, a wireless charging pad, USB ports (front and rear), and a mercifully potent climate control system that dealt ably with the searing temperatures (beyond 40°C) we experienced on the West Coast.
Customers can choose between 6 exterior colours, while the cabin trim is a rich chocolate brown/black combination with seating for 7.
What’s on Offer?
From launch, there’s a solitary powertrain for the 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives, with 3 trim levels to choose from. The engine is an updated version of Mahindra’s mHawk 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which produces outputs of 128.6 kW/400 Nm and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mahindra claims a consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km, but it’s unclear for which version (4×2 or 4×4) that is.
All derivatives have selectable drive modes, cutely named Zip, Zap and Zoom, while the 4×4 derivative we drove additionally featured off-road settings called 4EXPLOR, which incorporates self-explanatory modes such as Normal, Grass/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand. The Scorpio-N is primarily rear-wheel driven, but drivers of all-paw versions can switch between two-wheel drive (2H), 4 high (4H) and 4 low (4L).
What’s the Mahindra Scorpio-N like to drive?
First impressions count for a lot and while the Scorpio-N’s overall design suggests a “generic boxy 4×4”, we liked the imposing and premium stance of Mahindra’s newcomer. Those daytime-running lights at the front are eye-catching and, when clad in the right colour (we might add), the vehicle really looks the part.
When you climb inside, you’ll find the cabin looks and feels reasonably well assembled. For what’s essentially a 4×4 adventure vehicle, the Scorpio-N has flashes of luxury and comfort, such as a sunroof – a virtual “must-have” in our market.
There’s no shortage of power from the Scorpio-N’s tried-and-trusted 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor, with eager throttle responses and reasonably smooth gearshifts. The driver’s seat is comfortable and commanding – you get an excellent view of your surroundings, which is just as well, because the quality of the front and rear camera isn’t great. The rest of the features and trim quality are pretty good, though.
Okay, but what about the newcomer’s off-road capabilities? The Mahindra Scorpio-N was tested at the Klein Tafelberg training facility! It’s not your average 4×4 trail and features some challenging climbs, descents and what feels like more sand than in Namibia. Only the toughest, dedicated 4×4 vehicles are able to traverse such terrain, and yet, the Mahindra Scorpio-N was able to complete the course, despite having only 187 mm of ground clearance and road-biased tyres.
The key factors at play were the clever automatically-locking diff and the selectable off-road modes. When its low range was engaged, the Scorpio-N performed admirably; it impressed even the 4×4 course instructors, some of whom admitted they thought they’d be recovering stricken Mahindras on the day.
How much does the Mahindra Scorpio-N cost in South Africa?
The new Scorpio-N derivatives are sold with a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km warranty. It’s interesting to note that the prices below will only be valid until the end of March 2023.
| Scorpio-N 2.2D Z4 6AT 4×2 | R465 000 |
| Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 6AT 4×2 | R510 000 |
| Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 6AT 4×4 | R560 000 |
| Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8L 6AT 4×4 | R590 000 |
Ready to get your new Mahindra Scorpio-N? Contact Raceview Motors Mahindra Alberton to arrange a test drive. Finance Today! Drive Tomorrow! We deliver countrywide (T’s&C’s apply). We are ready to accept your trade-in today for your new Mahindra Scropio-N!
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