Anxiety grips us as we embark on our long-awaited inter-country adventure, but the arrival of the big daddy reassures us. With every throttle, uncertainties dissipate, making way for an unforgettable journey. Join us as we delve into our experience with the Mahindra Scorpio-N, the perfect companion for this epic escapade.

Shot by: Anand George for Drive Around the Globe
Infographic Image Courtesy: Official Mahindra Auto Website

How does the Big Daddy look?
At first glance, the big daddy is a head-turner, retaining its tall, rugged SUV stance but now infused with a refined touch. The design is smoother, with subtle details replacing the ostentatious elements of its predecessor. The new fascia, featuring a three-dimensional grille flanked by complete LED headlamps, exudes maturity and premium charm. Though the exterior upgrades are evident, the rear styling doesn’t captivate as much.

How is the Scorpio-N from the inside?
Stepping into the Scorpio-N, you’re greeted with a substantial improvement in interior quality. The cabin feels premium, adorned with rich brown accents, piano black, and brushed silver trim. The dashboard maintains its rugged SUV essence but with modern touches. The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring AdrenoX software, adds to the sophistication. Dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and advanced connectivity options enhance the overall cabin experience, creating a feature-rich, airy, and well-lit space.

How comfortable is it to live with the Big Daddy?
The Scorpio-N offers a commanding driving position appreciated by SUV enthusiasts. Front seats are generously cushioned, providing a comfortable view of the road. In the middle row, you have the choice of captain’s chairs or a bench, both offering ample space. Even with a tall frame, there’s plenty of room.

The significant change lies in the forward-facing third-row seats, enhancing safety and a premium feel. However, they’re best suited for children and short-framed adults due to limited legroom and the absence of AC vents or charging points.

How about luggage space with the Scorpio-N?
Scorpio-N’s cargo space, especially with all rows in use, leaves something to be desired. Folding the third-row seats frees up more room, but the design can still impede luggage space. Mahindra introduced a false floor in the boot, creating a flat loading area, a practical addition.

How modern and safe do you feel with the Big Daddy?
Mahindra significantly upgraded Scorpio-N’s features. The standout is the touchscreen infotainment system with AdrenoX software, wireless phone charging, and connected car technology, including Amazon Alexa integration. Safety features like parking guides, ESC, disc brakes for all four wheels, ISOFIX child seat mounts, six airbags, TPMS, and a drowsiness detection system ensure a secure journey.

How powerful is the Scorpio-N?
Available with two options, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines both impress. The turbo-petrol variant boasts strong low-end torque, making manoeuvring this hefty SUV a breeze. The diesel engine, with generous mid-range torque, complements Scorpio-N’s character. Both engines come with a smooth six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

How does the Scorpio-N ride and handle?
The engineering team at Mahindra invested substantial effort, resulting in an improved chassis and suspension setup. This translates to better body control and reduced body roll, enhancing cornering confidence. The electrically assisted steering provides a balance of feedback and ease of use. While not a sports car, Scorpio-N handles corners with more confidence. The ride quality has improved, though some bumpiness remains, characteristic of a ladder-frame SUV.

How does the Big Daddy tackle tricky situations?
Scorpio-N retains its off-road prowess, especially in 4×4 versions. The new 4XPLOR system, with selectable terrain modes, enhances capabilities on challenging terrain. With substantial ground clearance and water-wading ability, it adeptly handles off-road adventures.

Should you pick it over anything else?
Absolutely. With peace and comfort at your fingertips, Scorpio-N’s pricing starts attractively, escalating with higher variants, especially with automatic and 4WD options. The move upmarket brings desirable features and improved quality, making it a compelling choice in its segment. Although Scorpio’s distinctive character has evolved, it remains unrivalled as a body-on-frame 4×4 SUV in this price range.

In conclusion, the Mahindra Scorpio-N marks a significant leap forward for this iconic SUV. Successfully blending ruggedness with modernity, it offers a premium interior, advanced features, and improved dynamics. With off-road prowess and unique positioning, Scorpio-N continues to dominate the segment it helped create two decades ago, reaffirming Mahindra’s triumph in the SUV arena.