Five things we love about the Mahindra Scorpio-N – and the price is our favourite

The second-generation Scorpio-N arrives in South Africa, featuring a Pininfarina-styled exterior, a more modernised interior, and enhanced off-roading prowess. Built from the ground up, the seven-seat midsize SUV is available in 4x2 and 4x4 variants with a best-in-class cabin space. 

Here are five things we love about the Scorpio-N, including why we think it is one of the best value-for-money SUVs in the market. 

The 4Xplor system offers effortless switching between 2WD and 4WD modes during off-road adventures. It also has a range of pre-programmed terrain modes, including Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. The Scorpio-N features a mechanical and brake locking differential (BLD) that electronically engages all axles for maximum grip on slick surfaces. Combined with its ample ground clearance, this vehicle proves to be highly capable of thrilling outdoor explorations.

The Scorpio-N showcases a roomy, elegantly designed interior that looks and feels more upmarket than its predecessor. The interior presents an exquisite blend of chocolate brown and black tones, along with seats crafted from synthetic leather. Additionally, it comes with a panoramic sunroof, a 20.32cm infotainment touchscreen that seamlessly integrates with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, USB ports for connectivity, and a Sony 12-speaker audio system. Moreover, the cabin provides ample legroom for passengers in the second row and ensures optimal climate control for those seated in the rear.

The power comes from an updated version of Mahindra’s mHawk 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine pumping out 128.6 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed auto gearbox that delivers smooth and responsive gearshifts without a significant turbo lag. All variants employ selectable drive modes, namely Zip, Zap, and Zoom, that alter the throttle response and steering feel accordingly.

The all-new Scorpio-N stands out as a pioneering automobile, achieving an impressive 5-star rating in rigorous crash tests conducted by Global NCAP. This accomplishment reflects the brand's significant efforts in enhancing the vehicle's structural strength. Moreover, the SUV incorporates numerous safety features to ensure a secure driving experience. These include ABS with an EBD system, dual front airbags, secure ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill hold control and descent control mechanisms, the driver drowsiness alert system, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

This is our favourite thing about the Mahinda Scorpio-N! Equipped with seven seats, four-wheel drive capability, impressive off-road performance, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a 5-year/100,000 km service plan along with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, this bakkie-based sports utility vehicle is unrivalled in the South African market, especially considering a starting price tag of R465,000. The price is especially appealing when considering its competitors’ pricing:  the Fortuner ranges from R653,500 to R915,400, while the Pajero Sport is priced between R764,990 and R829,990. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Attention all petrol heads!

If you love cars, the MotorHappy blog is where it’s at. Visit our blog to learn all about the latest models to hit SA’s roads, as well as car and driving tips, and updates on the latest motoring news. 

Imagery was sourced from www.mahindra.co.za