Following in the footsteps of the previous generation Mahindra Scorpio is not easy, but at first glance the brand-new Scorpio-N has moved the goal posts tremendously for this rugged and now sophisticated SUV from the Indian manufacturer.
To showcase the universal popularity of the new Scorpio-N, which was shown to South Africans last year, it received record bookings in India, hitting the 100 000 mark in under 30 minutes and now it is officially also available in South Africa.
What’s new?
The Scorpio-N is built from the ground up with no carryover components from its predecessor. Emphasis was placed on all the key aspects like performance, capabilities, technology, sophistication, ride and handling, NVH, interiors, appearance and safety.
The new model became the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a 5-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (GNCAP) new crash-test protocols, which came into effect from 1 July 2022.
From the outside, the Scorpio-N takes forward the machismo factor with its signature wheel arches and a much more streamlined body design.
At the back, the metallic Scorpio tail element is seamlessly integrated into the beltline with a stacked taillamp design.
The front seems wider than before with the new headlight and grille layout contributing to a wider look that combines the front and back end look nicely as a unit.
This comes with a choice of six body colours – Deep Forest, Napoli Black, Everest White, Red Rage, Dazzling Silver and Grand Canyon.
On the inside, the customer will be just as surprised with a new premium feel and touch and layout that seems light years away from that of the previous model.
The Scorpio-N greets passengers with top-notch craftmanship – rich coffee-black leatherette upholstery, commanding seating position, centre console encased in robust metal-finished dual rails, advanced infotainment system and much more.
The Scorpio boasts a new Audio Experience by adopting a 3D Immersive Sound System by Sony. The gateway to this line-up of future-ready experience is through an integrated 20.32 cm infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
Engines and 4x4 system:
The Scorpio-N is built on our new third-generation body-on-frame platform and now boasts class-leading structural rigidity, off-road capability and exemplary on-road manners. It is powered by an mHawk (Diesel) engine with 128.6 kW of power and 400 Nm torque, offered in both 6-speed Automatic Transmissions and 4X4 as an option.
The 4x4 system is designed to conquer all terrains with the 4XPLOR intelligent terrain management technology, says the manufacturer. With a mere touch, the electric shift-on-the-fly 4Wheel Drive System transforms the Scorpio-N from 2WD mode to 4WD.
The Scorpio-N also gets three drive modes to match the driver’s mood: Zip, Zap and Zoom. Zip for smooth riding, especially through traffic, Zap for true Mahindra SUV performance, and Zoom to ramp it up for a more engaging and exhilarating ride-quality.
Safety:
The Scorpio-N features 6 airbags, and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) features an automated brake-wiping system that cleans the brakes of debris every few seconds in wet conditions. It also comes standard with driver drowsiness alert, ISOFIX child safety anchorage points and a host of other safety features.
The first-in-segment Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, in combination with the Scorpio-N’s advanced shock absorbers featuring MTV-CL technology, is devised to offer a comfortable ride experience.
Pricing:
Scorpio-N 2.2D Z4 6AT 4x2 (R465 000), Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 6AT 4x2 (R510 000), Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 6AT 4x4 (R560 000) and the Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8L 6AT 4x4 (R590 000). This special introductory prices will be valid until 31 March 2023.
The new model is now available at local Mahindra dealers.
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