Mahindra Scorpio Classic: The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is the spiritual successor of one of India’s most beloved SUVs.
Though Mahindra has announced the new-gen Scorpio-N, the Classic version continues to be on sale for buyers who want a rugged, value-for-money vehicle which offers strong road presence, and a tried-and-tested reliability.
With some slight revision to its design, engine and comfort, this attractive yet workmanlike vehicle is more for the get-up-and-go crowd.
Tough and Familiar Design
At a glance At a Glance, the Scorpio Classic manages to retain a lot of the muscular design bits which made it a household name in India. The SUV’s boxy profile, tall stance and wide track give it an aggressive, commanding road presence.
In this 2018 model, Mahindra has given a mild update in the form of a new twin-peaks Mahindra logo on the front grille with chrome inserts, refreshed front bumper and LED DRLs cluster on the headlamps.
The machine-cut alloy wheels are new design and rear still has the evergreen vertically stacked tail lamps with smoked treatment.
The minor changes are enough to keep the Classic looking fresh but not too far removed from what made it a classic in the first place.
Roomy, practical Interior
The interior of the Scorpio Classic also gets a subtle freshening-up. The design is still predominantly utilitarian, but Mahindra has introduced a new dual-tone black and beige theme, complete with new seat upholstery, to give the cabin a homelier feel.
The dashboard is straightforward, with buttons and dials in the right places.
The SUV gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB and AUX but misses a more contemporary feature like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At the top level, rear AC vents, power windows, steering mounted controls and central locking are equipped as standard.
What still works in the Scorpio’s favor, however, is space. With 7 and 9 seat designs, it offers plenty of space for both people and cargo.
There’s plenty of headroom thanks to that high roofline, while long journeys are pleasant thanks to the upright seats, especially in the country or on bad roads.
Dated but Refined Engine
Under the hood of the Scorpio Classic is the reliable 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine in an enhanced state of tune, producing 130 bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque.
This engine is mated with a 6MT gearbox, which now offers smoother shifts than the previous model due to a modified cable-shift system.
The engine is now BS6 Phase 2 emission norms compliant and is more fuel efficient that the previous iteration.
Performance of the Scorpio Classic has been tuned for practicality – loads of low end torque is just what you need for carrying loads for tackling inclines and for venturing off the beaten path.
It’s not quick, but it has enough accelerative pull for assertive overtaking manoeuvres and highway cruising.
On the fuel side, expect a mileage figure between 15-16 km/l, which is decent for a ladder frame diesel SUV of this volume.
Ride Quality and Handling
Solid and Indo-Ventilated seats The Scorpio Classic’s sturdy, ladder-on-frame construction is the perfect platform for our longevity-proof solid and Indestructible seats.
It offers a more comfortable suspension too, albeit slightly rearward biased and that is something you don’t even notice over slightly bad roads.
Ride quality There is very little to complain about the Low Speed Ride for potholes and harsh joints.
But with a high-set driving position, it does wallow around corners, its girth and height coming through, while high-speed composure is not its forte.
The steering is on the heavy side at low speeds, but solid and stable on the freeway. Braking is sufficient via disc up in front, while drum does duty at the rear.
Pros:
Sturdy-looking with a great on-road presence
Tried-and-true diesel delivers strong low-end torque
Tall seat height and roomy interior
Built to last: solid workmanship, rugged, so suitable for countryside and robust usage
Several seating configurations for big families or commercial use
Cons:
Interior design is dated and tech features are few
Petrol or auto option missing
An average amount of body roll and high-speed handling
Ride is still jittery when empty
Doesn’t offer as many cutting-edge safety and infotainment features
Mahindra Scorpio Classic: Final Verdict
Forget about the modern gadgets and the urban polish – the Mahindra Scorpio Classic is about the dependability, the power, and the go-anywhere ability. It still appeals to those who want a rugged S.U.V.
that can handle rough roads, carry people or cargo, and last for years with little fuss.
For country customers or a fleet or just somebody who needs no-bullshit SUV with heritage, the Classic Scorpio still has a lot to offer in a market going increasingly soft-roader.