The Mahindra Scorpio has been around for more than a decade. As a
result, it’s an SUV that is familiar to most. Over the years, there have
been several significant updates - new engines, updated interiors and
improved dynamic ability amongst them. This new Scorpio, however, is
more new than just an update. Mahindra & Mahindra’s
second-generation Scorpio, the new W105, is a car that is seriously
improved – a genuine leap forward over the current generation. So what
exactly is new and what’s carried over?
What’s new?
The biggest change on the new Scorpio is the all-new chassis and suspension system, which will also form the basis of a new generation of cars from Mahindra. The new modular chassis is considerably stiffer than the outgoing frame and it is much safer too. The all-new front suspension is lighter and sports service-free hubs, whilst the new rear axle is now supported by a newly added anti-roll bar. The wheelbase is the same, but the Scorpio now sits on a track that is substantially wider.
The exterior changes are easier to spot. The doors and roof are carried over, but the all-new front end is what gives the Scorpio its new identity. The traditional fan-shaped grille has been replaced by a more striking and modern one with blade-like chrome slats. There are projector headlamps along with attractive LED ‘eyebrows’, and the all-new bumper seems like it is wrapped around a hidden bull bar. The larger 17-inch alloys look great, but the gap in the wheel arches at the rear means the wheels look smaller than they are.
The impressive 118bhp, 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine continues to power the car, and you still get the lower-powered 75bhp CRDe-based M2DICR for the lower variants. Also carried over are ABS-equipped brakes, but M&M has now put in its new 5MT320 five-speed manual transmission from the updated Xylo.
The height and wheelbase of the new Scorpio are exactly the same as that of the outgoing model, but this new one’s marginally longer and wider. Even with the new chassis, the gross weight of the 2WD and 4WD Scorpios remains unchanged at 2,510 and 2,610kg respectively. However, Mahindra says that the fuel efficiency of the new SUV has gone up by nearly one kilometre per litre, from the previously-claimed 14.7kpl.
The Scorpio’s interiors have aged faster than the exterior, so it’s just as well that Mahindra has spruced up the cabin with an all-new dashboard, plenty of exciting features and brand new seats. The dash is a neat, clean and angular design with the top of the dash is finished in matte black and the lower half in a nice shade of beige. The power window switches have been shifted from the centre console to a more handy location on the doors, and the fuel filler cover release is also conveniently located behind the steering wheel and metallic highlights inside the cabin look good. There are, however, some cheap-looking bits, like the door handles that you think might break off if you pull them too firmly, and the plastics are still not up to scratch either. Poorly executed joints and seams tell you that overall quality still isn’t quite up to Japanese standards, but in fairness, it’s a big step up from the earlier Scorpio.
For those of us who had gotten used to the design of the Scorpio, the new car looks like an ode to the current car but with a bit more flash to it. It’s undergone a modernisation change and feels more confident thanks to the new chassis. The steering feels nicer and the ride has improved. Though it doesn’t feel like a generation change, it is a step-up from the current Scorpio.
What’s it like to drive?
Mildly retuned and with a different set of gear ratios, the 118bhp mHawk engine has been further honed in the new Scorpio. There's a bit of vibration below 1,000rpm, but low-end response is strong as ever and the Scorpio skips forward effortlessly in a way that belies its weight. Spin the engine harder and there’s a corresponding increase in power as well, which also feels great. This sensation of plenty of torque and power carries on if you shift up early. But past 3,800rpm, the engine starts to strain and gets a bit vocal.
However, the mHawk is pretty smooth for a big diesel; in fact, it’s the most refined engine in its class. There are, however, some vibrations around 2,000rpm, especially when you get off the throttle, but it’s not obtrusive. What’s less than perfect is the gearbox, which feels quite notchy and needs an extra shove to slot through the gate. The clutch is a bit heavy too, so shifting gears in the new Scorpio isn’t exactly fun.
The biggest change on the new Scorpio is the all-new chassis and suspension system, which will also form the basis of a new generation of cars from Mahindra. The new modular chassis is considerably stiffer than the outgoing frame and it is much safer too. The all-new front suspension is lighter and sports service-free hubs, whilst the new rear axle is now supported by a newly added anti-roll bar. The wheelbase is the same, but the Scorpio now sits on a track that is substantially wider.
The exterior changes are easier to spot. The doors and roof are carried over, but the all-new front end is what gives the Scorpio its new identity. The traditional fan-shaped grille has been replaced by a more striking and modern one with blade-like chrome slats. There are projector headlamps along with attractive LED ‘eyebrows’, and the all-new bumper seems like it is wrapped around a hidden bull bar. The larger 17-inch alloys look great, but the gap in the wheel arches at the rear means the wheels look smaller than they are.
The impressive 118bhp, 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine continues to power the car, and you still get the lower-powered 75bhp CRDe-based M2DICR for the lower variants. Also carried over are ABS-equipped brakes, but M&M has now put in its new 5MT320 five-speed manual transmission from the updated Xylo.
The height and wheelbase of the new Scorpio are exactly the same as that of the outgoing model, but this new one’s marginally longer and wider. Even with the new chassis, the gross weight of the 2WD and 4WD Scorpios remains unchanged at 2,510 and 2,610kg respectively. However, Mahindra says that the fuel efficiency of the new SUV has gone up by nearly one kilometre per litre, from the previously-claimed 14.7kpl.
The Scorpio’s interiors have aged faster than the exterior, so it’s just as well that Mahindra has spruced up the cabin with an all-new dashboard, plenty of exciting features and brand new seats. The dash is a neat, clean and angular design with the top of the dash is finished in matte black and the lower half in a nice shade of beige. The power window switches have been shifted from the centre console to a more handy location on the doors, and the fuel filler cover release is also conveniently located behind the steering wheel and metallic highlights inside the cabin look good. There are, however, some cheap-looking bits, like the door handles that you think might break off if you pull them too firmly, and the plastics are still not up to scratch either. Poorly executed joints and seams tell you that overall quality still isn’t quite up to Japanese standards, but in fairness, it’s a big step up from the earlier Scorpio.
For those of us who had gotten used to the design of the Scorpio, the new car looks like an ode to the current car but with a bit more flash to it. It’s undergone a modernisation change and feels more confident thanks to the new chassis. The steering feels nicer and the ride has improved. Though it doesn’t feel like a generation change, it is a step-up from the current Scorpio.
What’s it like to drive?
Mildly retuned and with a different set of gear ratios, the 118bhp mHawk engine has been further honed in the new Scorpio. There's a bit of vibration below 1,000rpm, but low-end response is strong as ever and the Scorpio skips forward effortlessly in a way that belies its weight. Spin the engine harder and there’s a corresponding increase in power as well, which also feels great. This sensation of plenty of torque and power carries on if you shift up early. But past 3,800rpm, the engine starts to strain and gets a bit vocal.
However, the mHawk is pretty smooth for a big diesel; in fact, it’s the most refined engine in its class. There are, however, some vibrations around 2,000rpm, especially when you get off the throttle, but it’s not obtrusive. What’s less than perfect is the gearbox, which feels quite notchy and needs an extra shove to slot through the gate. The clutch is a bit heavy too, so shifting gears in the new Scorpio isn’t exactly fun.
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