Mahindra Scorpio Classic review, first drive

Despite the introduction of the all-new Scorpio-N, the older model soldiers on as the Scorpio Classic with minor revisions to the exterior and interior as well as changes underneath the skin.

Scorpio is one of the Indian car market’s most iconic badges having firmly established itself as a household name over the years. Despite the introduction of the new, significantly more modern Scorpio-N, the previous generation version continues to be on sale as the Scorpio Classic with an updated exterior, interior and features list along with changes underneath the skin.

Visually, the styling has been carried forward largely unchanged save for a handful of minor changes. The grille has been reworked and incorporates the new Mahindra Twin Peak logo. The headlamps have been refreshed as well and the bumper gets an update complete with new fog lamp enclosures coupled with LED DRLs.

Over to the side, the ORVMs no longer feature turn indicators which have moved below to the faux air vents on the front fender and the Scorpio branding on the side cladding has been tweaked too. It sports new-look two-tone 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, while at the back, the stacked tail lamp setup has been reintroduced, although the bits that actually light up and the ‘double D’ LED pattern have not been fiddled with.

The interior too has been carried over largely unchanged. What’s new here is the seat fabric that replaces the previous iteration’s leatherette upholstery and faux wood finish around the centre console. Replacing the 7-inch touchscreen is a bigger 9-inch Android based display, but it misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In terms of features, there’s automatic climate control, driver’s seat height adjust, electrically operated ORVMs, cruise control and power windows all around.

Safety kit includes dual front airbags, rear parking sensors and a camera. Second row occupants get AC vents and buyers can either opt for captain seats or a bench. Our test car had the former along with a third row bench. The captain seats are quite comfortable and offer fore and aft and recline adjustments. Space in the third row, even with the second row moved all the way forward is tight and ideal for children or shorter than average adults. While the third row gets three point seat belts for two and is the safer choice, traditionally majority buyers have opted for the versions with jump seats.

The Scorpio Classic borrows the lighter, more efficient 2.2-litre mHawk Gen-2 diesel motor from the Scorpio-N with 132bhp of maximum power and 300Nm of peak torque. Power is sent only to the rear wheels, no 4x4 option on offer, and the upgraded 6-speed shift-by-wire manual ‘box feels more car-like in terms of operation. As before, the engine is extremely tractable with 230Nm available from as low as 1,000rpm negating the need to work the gearbox while driving within the city. Mahindra has made revisions to the suspension to better mitigate body roll and improve ride quality overall. Road imperfections at lower speeds, especially sharper bumps are felt, as is typical of most ladder frame SUVs, but ride quality improves massively as speeds build up. Quick directions changes at higher speeds won’t inspire any confidence though and this is, as has always been the case, an SUV that likes to take it easy.

At Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for this top-end S11 grade, Mahindra has shaved off around Rs 3 lakh from the older S11 diesel manual’s asking price. At this price, you can opt for more modern alternatives and even mid-level trims of the new Scorpio-N, but the sort of customers the Scorpio has attracted over the years are likely to be drawn to the Scorpio Classic purely because of the unmatched respect and authority it commands on the road.