Mahindra Scorpio N

The Scorpio N is only the third generation of the SUV in two decades. It's much more premium and feature loaded than before, and with it, Mahindra is targeting SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner.

Mahindra Scorpio N exterior design and dimensions

The Scorpio N’s design retains some elements from the previous iterations of the SUV. It still has the long bonnet, and a distinct two-box shape but it is now smoother and curvier. The detail are more subtle and better integrated like LED running lamps and fog lamps shaped like Scorpion’s sting! It looks nice and muscular from the side and one can notice another scorpio’s sting design feature on the rear-most window. The 18-inch alloys on higher variants also balance rugged and sporty well. he rear design feels lacking in character and is visually rather similar to some Volvo SUVs.

Mahindra Scorpio N interior and features

Not only is the interior of the new Scorpio N a major step-up in terms of design but Mahindra has also brought about a tangible improvement in quality. The chocolate brown theme looks rich and it borrows some elements from the XUV700 like the steering wheel. Mahindra has kitted the Scorpio N well with features like 8.0-inch touchscreen with AdrenoX software, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps and wipers. In terms of safety features, the Scorpio N gets equipment like tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPSM), ESC and six airbags on higher variants. Notably, the SUV recently scored a five-star safety rating for adult protection under Global NCAP’s new crash test protocols.

Mahindra Scorpio N performance

The Scorpio N is available with either a 203hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 175hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The petrol engine impresses with its strong performance and the power is focused on low to midrange, perfect for a big and heavy SUV like the Scorpio N. The auto gearbox isn’t quick shifting but offers smooth shifts. The Scoprio N also comes with three driving modes.

Mahindra Scorpio N ride, handling and comfort

The Scorpio N is around 500kg lighter than the previous model and it also has a stiffer chassis and body structure. It gets a new suspension with frequency dependent damping, which slacken over high-frequency bumps, but stiffen up around corners. As a result, the Scorpio N feels a lot sure footed around the corners. The steering is nicely calibrated and the brakes are strong, if a bit too grabby. The ride quality is improved too but there is still a bit of bounciness, especially at the rear.

Mahindra Scorpio N: off roading

It’s only the diesel variants of the Scorpio that get 4WD. Dubbed 4Xplor, Mahindra’s says it’s their most advanced 4X4 system yet. It gets low-range gearbox, brake-locking and mechanical-locking diffs – with a set of terrain modes accessible via a rotary dial. Off the road, the Scorpio N is not quite as capable as the Thar but with generous ground clearance, and a claimed 500mm of water wading ability, it’s certainly no slouch.

Mahindra Scorpio N price and verdict

The Scorpio N is now a much better all rounder with massive improvements in almost all areas. The interiors are more premium, it gets more features and the ride and handling package is more sophisticated than before. What sets it apart is that the Scorpio N has no direct competition. The new avatar of the Scorpio will only continue the dominance it founded 20 years ago.