Top 7 changes in the new Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio has been around in the Indian SUV space for a while now, and over time it sure has seen quite a bit of improvement. Mahindra not only brought in cosmetic upgrades, improved on the equipment list and handling and of course a refined engine. But with it being it market for almost a decade and a half, the Scorpio demanded a generation change. And that is exactly what Mahindra has done. The new Scorpio brings with it the winds of change; we list down all the things that are new in it.

Exterior Design:  

The Mahindra Scorpio always had the butch looks that are a prerequisite in any SUV, but it lost its charm since it had not got a design upgrade for a while, even more so when pitched against the likes of the Renault Duster and the Nissan Terrano. But in the new Scorpio, the Chakan-based manufacturer claims to have changed every panel except for the doors and the roof. The black-chrome grille, projector type headlamps, the long rectangular bonnet with the air scoop and the massive front bumper give it a masculine stance. The silhouette of the new Scorpio remains more or less similar to the outgoing model but the flared wheel arches and the Scorpio badging on the rear door work well in making it look different. At the back, it gets a large plastic panel on the tail gate and LED taillights. The new Scorpio then is surely a smart design that not only retains its DNA but enhances it even further. 

Interior styling:

Moving on to the inside, it has been as been well reworked as the exterior design. The new Mahindra Scorpio gets a new dashboard, a redesigned steering wheel, a new door trim and seats. The quality of plastics is a huge improvement over the outgoing model as is the choice of colours. The grey dashboard and seats ensure that the cabin feels airy. The overall fit and finish has also been improved. The twin-pod instrument cluster is in synch with the youthful appeal of the new Scorpio. 

Ergonomics:

Unlike the outgoing model, the ergonomics of the new Scorpio are a lot better. The buttons on the centre console, the dials of the climate control as well as the stalks behind the wheel are a lot sharper. The effectiveness of the aircon has improved too. The new Scorpio even gets individual arm rests for the driver and front passenger. 

Equipment:

This is one aspect where Mahindra has really upped the game. From steering mounted controls to an integrated 2din audio system the new Scorpio has it all. The top-end S10 trim gets a touch screen multimedia system with satellite navigation, rear AC vents, electronically controlled ORVMs, parking sensors, climate control and cruise control. With regards to safety, the new Mahindra Scorpio get two airbags for the driver and the front passenger, anti-lock braking system and a seat belt warning system. 

Chassis:

The ‘new’ prefix to the Scorpio doesn't just come because it has gotten a cosmetic upgrade but also as its underpinnings are entirely new. The new ladder frame chassis is now 6kg lighter than its predecessor and is yet twice as stiff. The stiffened frame helps improve upon the overall ride and handling. Further, the front and rear tracks have also been widened to ensure that the car has a smaller turning circle. Most importantly, this new chassis is also going to form the base of the new Mahindra Bolero and Xylo. 

Ride and Handling: 

Aside from the chassis, the suspension geometry has also been transformed and with that the addition of an anti-roll bar at the back has really helped in improving the overall ride quality overall any sort of road. Despite the fact that the ride quality is still a little jouncy, it isn’t uncomfortable at all. The larger 17-inch wheels instead of the outgoing model’s 16-inch configuration, makes it even easier to just ride over potholes of any size. It can even go round bends fairly well, especially by SUV standards. 

Price:

Mahindra has nailed it with respect to pricing. Mahindra launched (Also Read: New Mahindra Scorpio launched in India) the new Scorpio at a starting price of Rs 7.98 lakh with the top of the line S10 variant costing Rs 11.46 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). Considering the restyled interiors, the improvement in overall build quality, increase in equipment and of course the change in the driving dynamics the new Mahindra Scorpio sure is an interesting value-for-money proposition. Moreover with the Renault Duster priced between Rs 8.97-Rs 12.36 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) it is considerably cheaper than its competition. . With the combination of smart pricing and a good package, the new Mahindra Scorpio is here to give its rivals a run for their money.