[wheelguy]

Hi Silver Knight,

Nothing to wonder, one has to experience Scorpio to know it, Scorpio buying is more about experience and emotion than about rationale. A 20 lakh Seltos or Creta or Harrier cannot ever give you the feeling of driving a Scorpio. I have driven Scorpio a few times, I'm smitten by it, coming from a Nano it didn't take me any time to accustom whereas whenever I drive other cars it takes me few minutes to adjust to it.

Also unlike Tata which didn't manage the Safari brand very well, Mahindra managed to update Scorpio from time to time while keeping the core characteristics intact.

[vivekgk]

In the rural markets especially of Northern India, there are only 2 options. Bolero and Scorpio.

Search youtube for "Scorpio accessories" or "Bolero Accessories" and you'll get gyaan on how to convert the base model Bolero or Scorpio into luxury variants, with features that Mahindra didn't even dream of offering, such as projector HID headlamps/fog lamps, illuminated LED front grilles, luxurious seat covers that would put a Merc to shame, and wheel upsizes ranging from 18 inch to 22 inches, complete with PCD conversion kits if needed. You will also find 10.3 inch android touchscreens, JBL speakers all around, including subs and amps. Lakhs go into customisation of each vehicle.






Why do all this to a Bolero or Scorpio though? They're simpler mechanically, and easily serviced by roadside mechs. Parts are available easily everywhere in rural India. Not to mention, they're tough and reliable and handle every kind of abuse thrown at them, including show-offs like jumping over obstacles, donuts, tug of wars, ans every other stunt you can dream of. Which other RWD vehicle can you buy under 15 lacs with 120/140 PS?

There's also the government market, which is increasingly buying Scorpios, again for the same reason. It's a cheap, powerful, abuse-friendly vehicle with no competition. With the Innova prices going past 25 lacs, these are the only highway friendly option available for escorting those Minister-mobiles. Besides, at every election cycle, there is a sudden spike in sales of Scorpio and Bolero, due to parties buying them up for campaign use. Nothing beats a convoy of 25+ white Scorpios/Boleros to create an impression of power.

The majority of these civilian Scorpios/Boleros sold are white, to look similar to the Politico/Government vehicles. I guess that helps in commanding immediate respect.

[Mannu]

We had a 2.6Crde model with us for about 10 years and done more than 2.5 lac kilometres. It was all about ruggedness and reliability. So much so that I had driven it 16 hours at stretch numerous times and sometimes over non existent roads.
Whenever it was to choose a vehicle for a out station trip, this always trumped other sedans baring the time we had XUV500. The XUV500 never felt as solid as the Scorpio.
In the hinterlands it's the macho image of Scorpio that sells and it's a good workhorse.

[Silver Knight]

True that. Mahindra managed to keep the Scorpio brand alive compared to the Safari with some updates or the other. And hindsight, currently there are no core tough SUVs in that price bracket, for most of their owners, it's primarily a UV with passenger 'car like' comfort.

[karan0009]

One of the major reason for Scorpio's consistent sales is repeat customers. Folks in rural parts (specially Northern India) and into construction business are loyal Scorpio customers. There is literally no upgrade available in the market which can be considered as an alternate. I have a few friends into construction business and they change from one Scorpio to other in every 3-4 years.

[prateekswarup]

In North East, the Scorpios are replacing the not available gypsy for upcountry & inside tea-garden usage.

Earlier it used to be Bolero, but Scorpio offers a more premium in-cabin experience. With the interior road washed out due to floods, something with high GC, good torque and reliability is always required.

We had one for 10 years, clocked 1.5 L kms & my father bought another one this year - for the following points:

1. Sufficiently narrow track to use in the garden where you have limited width of road
2. Gem of an engine
3. Superb torque
4. Ride quality at low speeds over non existent roads
5. Maintenance - M&M spares availability and costs
6. Fuss free ownership - simple machine, easy to use & maintain
7. Space to do those city runs to get weekly rations as well as carry the family along.
8. Road presence - you sit on high, good visibility & it does make traffic move if they see a one in the rear mirror on the highways.

Clearly for upcountry markets, in the price band, there is nothing better than a Scorpio because of the sheer value & status it offers. Bolero would probably come in second. Please also note that most of the people in these markets are move people movers than enthusiast that care about cornering & steering feel.

I'm waiting to take the new one at home for a test-drive and see if it continues to live up to the image. My father, on the other hand swears by it (even the new one).

[GTO]

- I see the Scorpio as the poor man's Fortuner. Especially in white colour and with all the goodies the new models get. Both of them have one more thing in common = ride quality that I'd never be able to live with.

- The "Scorpio" nameplate is now a powerful brand with crazy goodwill.

- It's the only body-on-frame SUV with 3 seat rows in a sea of 5-seater monocoques. Body-on-frames are tough and abuse-friendly.

- Excellent track record of reliability.

- Style & presence.

- Other contributors such as the 'proper SUV' driving position and feel, beautiful diesel motor, strong resale etc.

Manson loved the Scorpio so much that he got two of them! IIRC, with well over 1 lakh km.

[wheelguy]

Originally Posted by GTO

- I see the Scorpio as the poor man's Fortuner. Especially in white colour and with all the goodies the new models get. Both of them have one more thing in common = ride quality that I'd never be able to live with.

Couldn't agree more. You summed it up well in few words Scorpio = Fortuner in budget. Yes the ride quality is not livable at all, but one will not complain if he is in the driving seat, that's where we got to love Scorpio, that seating position too is lovable. Add to it the ruggedness and ease of maintenance.

[vivekgk]

Originally Posted by GTO

- I see the Scorpio as the poor man's Fortuner. Especially in white colour and with all the goodies the new models get. Both of them have one more thing in common = ride quality that I'd never be able to live with.

- The "Scorpio" nameplate is now a powerful brand with crazy goodwill.

- It's the only body-on-frame SUV with 3 seat rows in a sea of 5-seater monocoques. Body-on-frames are tough and abuse-friendly.

- Excellent track record of reliability.

- Style & presence.

- Other contributors such as the 'proper SUV' driving position and feel, beautiful diesel motor, strong resale etc.

Manson loved the Scorpio so much that he got two of them! IIRC, with well over 1 lakh km.

Adding to that, The Scorpio actually has a taller driving position than the Fortuner.

Reg the ride, I haven't ridden in a newer Scorpio, but apparently, the ride quality is worse compared to the Bolero , even with the latter's leaf springs. How is that possible?

I don't think Mahindra will stop sales of the current Scorpio for at least 5-10 years, considering the sales that they have now. IMO, they are likely to name the new Scorpio the Scorpion, which is a name they have trademarked, and let the current Scorpio continue as is, maybe with lower trim levels which are the top selling models. The current top end models sell for Safari2021 money and make no sense unless "Nothing Else Will Do" for you...

Incidentally, I'm in the market for a used one.

[Ganapathy]

As an owner of 2 Scorpios in the last decade or so I can vouch for its reliability and its old school charm. Its driving position is out of the world. Yes, it has its drawbacks, quite a few, but in my honest opinion nothing you cannot live with.

I have taken it on a quite a few long trips and it has never disappointed. The latest Scorpio is quite refined as compared to the older versions and the high end model had quite a few segment firsts, like TPMS, Automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers in those days if I am not mistaken.

I switched over to the TUV 300 when I changed my vehicle last. Not a decision I am proud off. Every time I see a Scorpio drive past it churns a lot of nostalgia in me.

Ever so rarely in the automobile world does a brand transcend in to a cult legend , In my opinion Scorpio is one of the few brands which has managed this transition successfully.

[balenoed_]

Originally Posted by vivekgk

I haven't ridden in a newer Scorpio, but apparently, the ride quality is worse compared to the Bolero.

Not true, or probably may be subjective. Owning a brand new 2020 model Scorpio, I can vouch for its ride quality. The latest variants (I am not sure since when onwards) is a lot more refined and stable. I haven't driven a Bolero so cannot compare as such, but I am sure Scorpio is superior to Bolero.

Originally Posted by vivekgk

The current top end models sell for Safari2021 money and make no sense unless "Nothing Else Will Do" for you...

I assume you mean to say the top end of Scorpio sells at Safari lower end variants.

As mentioned by many, Mahindra needs to be commended to keeping the brand live by adding almost every other feature that are around time to time. Cruise control, TPMS, Projector head lamps, Auto wiper/head lamps, Follow/Lead me head lamps, Cornering lamps, GPS, Apple car play/Android, Arm rests at front, Alloys, Hydraulic assisted bonnet.. Not to mention 2.2L in the hood and an average of 14-16Kmpl mileage. Some of it that even the Korean brother do not have.

The next proper SUV with all this features and more are only at Rs.30 Lakhs+.

[AZT]

I think we need a special mention of Bollywood here. Every few years we have a Singham, Singham 2 or Simmba which does more marketing for this car than any TVC can

Posting a good quote below.

This one in our list of Indian Cars & their stereotypes will be familiar to all the Bollywood action enthusiasts! Rohit Shetty is often seen using Scorpios for stunts that no normal car can do! You have seen flying Scorpios, speeding Scorpios and what else, you have seen Singham stepping out of a drifting Scorpio as well! Scorpio now has an image in the minds of people as a car that is meant to do stunts! Particularly in Haryana and UP, you can also spot some great pieces with wide tyres and shiny alloys. Scorpio is the heartbeat of Haryana! Therefore, it is also stereotyped to be a Haryanvi car and as mentioned above, a Rohit Shetty car!

https://gomechanic.in/blog/indian-cars-stereotypes/

[akshay4587]

In the next 4 days our Scorpio will turn 11, with 93K kms.
Usage has dropped in the last few years, since we have got another few vehicles too.

From 2001-2010 We had a Bolero GLX, and Scorpio was the natural upgrade.
The other two options in our budget then were the Safari and Innova.
Safari was ruled out due to Tata Niggles, and Innova due to MPV looks since dad has always been a fan of SUV's.


Over the last 11 Years and 93K kms, Our Scorpio has been as reliable as say a Fortuner/Innova with no breakdowns or issues to speak of apart from Minor niggles. Has been extremely Fuel efficient, and power is decent too. What I hate about it is lack of space in the driver's seat.
To adjust the seat, I have to open the door!!!!

Dad uses it primarily for road trips to the hills and he swears by it. We Won't sell it ever due to some personal emotional attachments with it.

She now Shares the SUV space with a Thar Crde 4WD and a Endeavour 4WD AT.

[Sheel]

There are 2 kinds of people who drive a Scorpio IMO.

The first kind is the taxi type. And most of them find the ride acceptable. When you load the body on frame Scorpio with more than 4 people and luggage, ride flattens out a lot and we all have seen taxis being loaded with over 7 or 8 people.

Second type is the cheaper alternative to Fortuner kind.

And there are few minorities like me, but we are not even in decimals, so...

BTW, I too am driving a 4WD S10 from Dec '14 with over 90K on the odo and very minor initial irritants aside, it has been a Toyota for me. Link of my ownership.

[Fiestaboy]

Down south, Scorpio is seen as a Macho vehicle for all politicians.(During 2010's almost all the villains in Tamil films fly in Scorpio )

My brother is a politician & i believe he is running his 5th Scorpio now.
Every 2-3 years he changes his vehicle & as GTO said, it remains same white color & with same number for the past 10 years with running serial alone getting changed.

Moreover the ground clearance & availability of parts for sure help achieve their current status.

Until my final year in college, my dream vehicle was Qualis/Scorpio.
During a college symposium, i was able to get a ride in a Scorpio & even in passenger seat, i just couldn't accept the body roll it offered. From that day, i removed Scorpio from my wish list, but even today a white or black Scorpio in top trim will make me stare for few seconds.