Finally I managed to find time,get off my lazy rear and write my initial ownership report. As the title says , its the Scorp' Mhawk that won my heart.
As most of you know I had sold my baleno at 38k clicks(
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-t...-fast-car.html) and was looking for a diesel SUV. My budget was 10 lakhs which in today's world is pretty less for a SUV in India with all the bells and whistles(ABS and Airbags et all).
Was pretty sure of what I wanted and ABS was top in the list. Having driven a sedan for over 3 years which never had ABS was a matter of concern for me. Way back in 2006 when I picked up the baleno there were hardly any sedans under the 7 lakh price tag with ABS (correct me if I am wrong).
My options for now were
1 - Dicor
2 - MHawk
With only 2 of these which would fit my budget, I test drove both extensively. With so many horror stories floating around about the Dicor I decided against it. I love the Dicor for its looks , however reliability was a matter of concern for me.
My better half was keen on the Mhawk from day one itself and eventually I too gave in for the Scorp. We booked the MHawk SLE , 7 seater with ABS which is a standard fitment with the refresh model.
Dealership and buying experience
The vehicle was booked at India Garage, St.Marks Road. The owner Mr.Vijendra is a close family friend of ours and every thing went really smooth from the booking to the delivery of the vehicle. Special care and interest was taken from the dealership's owner itself to ensure I got what I wanted.
I personally carried out the PDI when the vehicle was loaded off the truck. Blessing in disguise, I reached the yard 20 mins before the arrival of the truck. Hence got to do the PDI myself and informed the sales rep. Made a note of the chassis and the engine number and left the place.
Loan
Applied for a loan of 5 lakhs with SBH and loan was dispersed at 8% ROI for the first 14 months and from the 15th month at 9%. Got a free savings accounts with the bank. I had to wait for 10 days and I was very much mentally prepared for it. I had already digested the fact that the bank would take its own sweet time, so waited patiently.
Everything went really smooth and the vehicle was delivered on the promised date. Its been 3 weeks now and I have found time only now to post this report.
Having moved from a sedan to a SUV has its own drawbacks. I already managed to put it on 2 wheels twice
. Tried to corner like I used to with the baleno and I could feel the left side loose traction. No panic braking nothing, kept a cool mind and bought her back to the road.
I am yet to get used to the high driving stance, the notchy and lousie gear shift, the clutch and the massiveness of the vehicle itself.
Every other time I find myself scrambling around for the power window switches.Would have loved to have them on the driver side door.
Need to digest the fact that I am driving a SUV and cannot swerve or take corners like I used to with a sedan.
The NVH levels are a bit too high for likes.
The interiors are too bland for my taste. Beige and tan is not what I would like to have for interiors in my car, but then I cant complain since I have no other options.
Accessories for now
1 - Nudge Bar/Bull Bar
2 - hella Rally Eye 3003 ( sourced from Satya -
blueraven316)
3 - Hella Black Grill horns( these are pretty loud)
4 - ICE
- - KDC-BT7043U
- - Boston Acoustics sxi 606 Front Door components
- - Rear Door eFX 6 x9
- - 2 Amps from my older car ( eFX and Volfenhag)
- - RCA cables from Stinger
- - Power cables from Sound Quest
- - Distribution Block from eFX.
Pending
- - eFX components for the center doors
- - Subwoofer.
If time permits I will get this done this weekend at Satya's place.
5 - 3M Tints from the dealership
6 - The Scorp' came with
Bridgestone Duelers from the dealership.
I am yet to get the seat covers and the alloys. Currently from the looks of it I would have to keep the alloys at bay for about 2/3 months. I am all broke now and if anyone is into charity please PM me.
The vehicle has clocked 800 odd kms and I have already done one trip to my in-laws farm at that banks of Kabini near HDKote.My 1st lesson at off-roading began here with the vehicle going all over the place in slush en-route the farm. She never got stuck and I managed to get her back on the pathway to the farm.
As of now she has returned a mileage of 11kms / ltr with both city and highway driving. The torque is addictive and I am grinning from teeth to teeth.
Disclaimer : All pictures have been taken at my in-laws farm on the banks of Kabini in HDkote. I am still coping up with the fact that I have to learn to shoot a white colored vehicle.