MAHINDRA South Africa launched the all-new Scorpio-N, a car that is set to change the game and start serious competition in the SUV segment in Mzansi.
Not only is the Scorpio-N looking good, but it’s got incredible 4x4 capabilities that are lacking in many of its competitors, and I’m talking some big and popular SUVs.
The car is far from the brand’s original Scorpio, but the new Scorpio-N is taking things up a notch with design and technology.
According to Mahindra SA’s product and marketing head Ben Pillay, the all-new Scorpio-N became the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a five-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s new crash-test protocols, which came into effect from 1 July 2022.
“Body-on-frame means that the frame or chassis of the Scorpio-N was built separately from the body which is engineered to ensure a safe drive and comfort of the car,” he said.
Built at their Chakan Plant in Pune, India, the Scorpio-N was designed and developed at a cost of R3,4 billion, which includes the setting up of a world-class, highly automated manufacturing line.
Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, said this car is based on their new philosophy informed by their very capable engineers.
“Since revealing our new brand promise, we have made it a reality with the launch of the extremely capable Pik Up Dusk, Dawn and Storm and the modern XUV700. The Scorpio-N continues on that legacy being the first highly capable SUV engineered for real adventure,” said Gupta.
The car appears bigger, bolder, more powerful and sophisticated, and it is loaded with safety and technology features.
The metallic Scorpio tail element is seamlessly integrated into the beltline, swinging all the way to the top of the window, giving the Scorpio-N more of a sting.
The interior is as impressive to the eye with top-notch craftmanship, rich coffee-black leatherette upholstery, best-in-class high seating position, centre console encased in robust metal-finished dual rails, an advanced infotainment system and more, taking the premium-ness to the next level.
It is true, the performance of the Scorpio-N will leave many in awe.
We got to experience it in the sandy and rocky Klein Tafelberg Training and Adventure Centre, also used for training by the army, with serious sand and rocky obstacles. The Scorpio-N was up for the challenge and performed wonderfully.
The brand said the Scorpio-N is engineered for those looking for a new-age authentic SUV.
“Built on our new third-generation body-on-frame platform, the Scorpio-N boasts of class-leading structural rigidity, off-road capability and exemplary on-road manners,” said Pillay.
All variants are powered by a 2,2-litre mHawk (diesel) engine, which offers 128kW and 400Nm, and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Scorpio-N is ready to take on all types of terrain with aplomb using its 4XPLOR, first-in-class intelligent terrain management technology.
With the touch of a button, the electric shift-on-the-fly 4Wheel Drive System transforms the Scorpio-N from 2WD mode into an all-conquering, capable 4WD beast.
The Scorpio-N gets three drive modes to match the driver’s mood: Zip, Zap and Zoom.
Zip is for smooth riding, especially through traffic, Zap for true Mahindra SUV performance, and Zoom to ramp it up for more engaging and exhilarating ride-quality.
Safety is not compromised as the Scorpio-N features six airbags for the occupants: driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags.
It’s got disc brakes on all four wheels, hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake pre-fill.
Incorporated in the design is 73% of the structure being made from high-strength steel and three structural zones to improve crash performance.
After a well-deserved lunch that followed an almost impossible drive at Klein Tafelberg, I was trusted to get us on time for the flight and those who saw us will tell you that the Scorpio-N ticks all the boxes.
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
Scorpio-N 2,2D Z8L 6AT 4x4 – R590 000
