2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8L 4XPLOR

Mahindra’s latest utilitarian 4x4 SUV showcases what lies beyond the horizon for the Indian firm trying to establish its new identity.

New heights for Mahindra

When the Mahindra brand arrived in South Africa, its offerings were seen as less savoury options than those of the firm’s competitors. Now, these products are held in higher regard thanks to the impressive XUV700 and the recently unveiled Mahindra Scorpio N.

The latter ushers in a new era for the Indian firm, with its workhouse roots now far less apparent than before. The first demonstration of the Scorpio’s abilities took place in Port Owen, where the Indian SUV’s on- and off-road skills were put to the test, from a leisurely drive along tarred roads to stretches battling unforgiving mountainous terrain.

The Mahindra Scorpio N comes in three distinct diesel-powered variants: the Z4, Z8 and Z8L. The Z4 is priced at R465 000 while the Z8 is offered in a 4x2 (rear-wheel-drive) configuration priced at R510 000, or R560 000 for the 4x4 configuration. The range-topping Z8L is priced at R590 000.

Acting as the second harbinger of the firm’s new identity, the Scorpio arrives adorned in a new generational guise. Mahindra’s largest Twin Peak badge bearer thus far is presented as a versatile multi-tool with a more palatable design than before. Its face is dominated by the presence of a slotted grille with six chrome dividers that flank the Twin Peak badge. The grille seamlessly transitions into the headlamp array, curtailed by the lowerlying square fog lamps. Broader rear haunches are a new feature of the Scorpio’s design, which aids in adding some depth to an otherwise rather stout and upright frame. A rakish roofline complemented by a contoured flank adds to the Mahindra’s fresh appeal. The conservative rear features vertical taillamps alongside the barn-style rear door. While the exterior design of the Scorpio N showcases an evolution of the firm’s model range, the interior is where the biggest improvements are seen.

The latest generation of Mahindra’s offerings caters to an audience that seeks a more luxurious driving experience, without compromising on any robustness. The Scorpio N, despite being capable of some serious offroading escapades, manages to insulate its passengers with a plush and stylish interior. Seated in the driver’s chair, the Scorpio’s elevated seating position becomes immediately noticeable and aids in the driver’s commanding view of their surroundings.

The interior is a medley of coffee-coloured leather seats complemented by a slew of black accents found on the sides of the seats, along the door sills and even along the centre console.

The cockpit is dominated by the presence of a 10,3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which is standard across the model range. As we have found with other brands fitted with similar systems, it does become somewhat of a hassle to operate or control while driving owing to features tucked away in menus. Comfortable seating up front is accompanied by a spacious second row, and seats six and seven (comfortable for children) aid in the Scorpio’s efforts to position itself as an adventurous people-carrier. Another feature that further accentuates the Scorpio’s luxury SUV aspirations is the impressive 12-speaker Sony sound system utilising a new immersive 3D sound design.

Powering the Scorpio N is Mahindra’s mHawk 2,2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that has been uprated to produce 129 kW and 400 N.m, paired with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Although this is an efficient four-pot power plant, there is an unmistakable diesel clatter from the engine at low revs, and it tends to become a bit boomy when putting pressure on the accelerator. The engine, however, performs well in this application. The steering is light without feeling vague, which aids in the comfortable driving experience and is a very welcome trait for long commutes.

When taken off-road, the Scorpio N comes to display its impressive ability to tackle tough terrain, from dunes and mud pits to steep, rocky inclines and jarring trails. The shift-on-the- fly dial used to switch from 2WD to 4WD is easy to use and offers different driving modes such as sand, mud, or dirt. On the whole, the Scorpio N is capable of tackling most terrain while providing a reasonably luxurious and insulated driving experience. The new Mahindra Scorpio N serves as the second act for the firm’s new Twin Peak generation and does so with great success thanks to a product that’s more refined than before without detracting from what made the previous model worth further consideration. As a well-equipped all-terrain SUV that begins its range below R500 000, the Indian firm looks to have provided the South African market with a very well-positioned product.

• 01 Sizeable windscreen affords the driver great visibility.
• 02 Vertical taillamps are a unique Mahindra touch
• 01 The sculpted flank is complemented by chunky roof rails.
• 02 Coffee-coloured interior and large infotainment system.
• 03 The drive mode selector falls easily to hand
• 01 The 2,2-litre mHawk four-cylinder is a capable power plant.
• 02 Slotted grille characterized by the chrome linings give the Scorpio amore standoffish appearance than before.
• 03 The cumbersome barn door is not ideal for opening the boot in tight spaces

TECHNICAL DATA 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N 2,2D Z8L 4XPLOR

• Price: R590 000
• Engine: front-mounted, 2,0-litre, inline-four turbodiesel
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic
• Max Power: 173bhp / 129 kW @ 3 500 r/min
• Max Torque: 400 N.m @ 1 750–2 750 r/min
• Acceleration 0-62mph 0–100 km/h: 11.2sec
• Top speed: 114mph / 184kph
• Fuel consumption: 7,4 L/100km (combined)
• CO2 emissions: 174 g/km
• Rivals: Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner
• + off-road capability, value for money
• — third-row seating reserved for children