Test Driven - The new Scorpio

ST7677 · 30th March 2006, 14:12

You can never trust these Car Magazines.
Especially Overdrive - it just writes what mfg wants them to write, in return they get the inside stories and new launch developments...

directinjection · 30th March 2006, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeroid

Somebody should teach them how to drive. I'll be happy to do the test for them.

On the other hand, the Scorpio with a shorter and squarer wheelbase should be able to take the slalom better than the longer Safari. High speed stability is another issue.

I was keenly looking forward to your comments on Safari's poor ranking in the ACI test. You seem to be more than happy with Safari's cornering stability and handling. But aren't you using wider rubber? (255/65/16 if I remember correctly, instead of the stock 235/70/16) I am sure that must be contributing to YOUR Safari's stability.

Steeroid · 30th March 2006, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by directinjection

You seem to be more than happy with Safari's cornering stability and handling.

Handling - yes. Its very stable, brakes in a straight line and even the occassional panic stop from 120kmph hasnt upset the vehicle.

Cornering stability is about as good as you can expect a 2.5 tonne monster to have. I have no issues because I have regulated my expectations - dont expect it to handle like a sedan. However, I'd like to see it go better around mountain twisties in 4X2 mode.

I didnt have many issues with the OE tyres - they just squealed like hell so braking sounded scarier than it really was. Plus the whole town would wake up if you took a U-turn at night - the tyres were really loud. The new tyres grip better when braking, too - there are fewer instances of the tyres losing grip on very hard braking (I'm talking about > 100kmph).

If you drove sanely, the OE tyres might be considered sufficient except for the squeals.

PRADEEP KUMAR · 30th March 2006, 15:31

Nice to hear good feedback on scorpio by BHPians.Do you think the tyres grip beter b'cos they are tubeless or b'cos of the new suspension?did you feel less NVH than the preceeding crde model?

suman · 30th March 2006, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by PRADEEP KUMAR

Nice to hear good feedback on scorpio by BHPians.Do you think the tyres grip beter b'cos they are tubeless or b'cos of the new suspension?did you feel less NVH than the preceeding crde model?

Pradeep. Steeroid is talking about his Dicor, not about the new Scorpio...?? Not sure where you read that the Scorpio tyres grip better......

manver786 · 30th March 2006, 18:21

hi folks,

yesterday I test drove the Dx version and found it to be stable. The grabbing of brakes too has been taken care of. I felt quite comfortable driving at high speed (110) and then braking. It swallowed the potholes quite easily without tossing the passengers. Overall it is good package. AC even at the rear was quite effective.

suren · 30th March 2006, 22:41

@manver man did they allow u to press to 110 in a demo car...???

bigman · 30th March 2006, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by suman

Its just a question of which vehicle performs the best in even conditions that's all; there is a timing in which the vehicles complete the test and the one that goes through the fastest is the winner. Read ACI for details of how they went about it.

I understand that, but pitting MUV like the Innova and Tavera against an SUV does not make sense. Of cause the SUV is not going perform as well as a MUV.

If they are going to do comparative tests then at least the vehicles should be of the same type. It is like me doing an off road test and putting a Maruti 800 against a Safari 4x4. It is obvious which vehicle will perform better in such a test.

hari_rama · 30th March 2006, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by ST7677

You can never trust these Car Magazines.
Especially Overdrive - it just writes what mfg wants them to write, in return they get the inside stories and new launch developments...

haha u read the overdrive forums & u can see one of our fellow tbhpians raising voice against overdrive on account of a comparo b/w chevrolet optra & corolla

rejika · 31st March 2006, 00:00

April issue of ACI has a special report on handling of these vehicles. In this "Rock n Roll" test Safari scores the worst 1.5/5 followed by new and old Scorpio 2/5, 2.5/5 . Tavera gets 3/5 but Innova is the clear winner with 4.5/5 points. My decision to buy Innova is vindicated :-).

manver786 · 31st March 2006, 09:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by suren

@manver man did they allow u to press to 110 in a demo car...???

suren, it was not a demo car. I was told in Delhi they are yet to start registration as the approval from RTO is awaited (Minister was away). It was a new vehicle. I noticed one thing it was quite noisy outside whereas inside cabin was quiet. over a good car.

Hells Bells · 31st March 2006, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by manver786

suren, it was not a demo car. I was told in Delhi they are yet to start registration as the approval from RTO is awaited (Minister was away). It was a new vehicle. I noticed one thing it was quite noisy outside whereas inside cabin was quiet. over a good car.

They allow you to touch the sky if you make the dealers believe that this is the car you have been waiting for

I did 125 on Scorpio, 120 on Fiesta and same on Aveo...all demo cars..all test drives

tvrspeed12 · 6th April 2006, 05:00

hi,

i currently own an older scorpio (not the crde version, but not even 2 years old)

i was thinking of changing for the newer one because of the new engine and because they offered some good deals on exchange.

first impressions after a fairly lengthy test drive where - interiors are identical except for a feature here and there.

brakes are vastly, hugely and without doubt improved. the old one has very vague braking, new one is excellent. they are actually quite proud of this and the guy i was test driving it with actually told me to try the braking by slamming on the brakes. braked straight and true.

engine is better, but not enough to warrant a change. power outputs are the same if i recall correctly, just more silent and a little smoother. if i was buying now i would definitely go for the crde, but because i already have one, wont bother.

handling is the same, and although vague, this is an suv! a big high car which isnt supposed to handle the same as a low down sedan.

my scorpio is driven on the highway a lot (drove it goa from bombay for new years). confidence inspiring when driven below 100, which i think is enough for a car like this.

manver786 · 7th April 2006, 19:06

hi tvr,

could you please let us know the repairs, if any, required by your car as I am planning to go in for a used one as I believe in less than a years time they would be coming with a long wheel based version.
thanks

tvrspeed12 · 8th April 2006, 13:20

hi manver,

i haven't had any reason for any repairs as yet..no tyres changed...no brake pads changed...no clutch replacements.
apart from regular services no extra costs so far..touch wood.

and we regularly take the car on the highway..mumbai to pune n lonavla several times. and mumbai to goa once.

the engine is still pretty silent compared to other deisels ive had (tata estate hehe) and ac is extremely effective

a couple of things tho.. if you are buying used..definitely check the brakes to see if they are fine. and check the suspension. i take mine offroad really often and have had no problem, but no harm in checking.

If you need anything else let me know .

cheers

30th March 2006, 14:12	#31
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,054 Thanked: 73 Times	You can never trust these Car Magazines. Especially Overdrive - it just writes what mfg wants them to write, in return they get the inside stories and new launch developments...
	() Thanks

30th March 2006, 15:31	#34
PRADEEP KUMAR BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: CHENNAI Posts: 386 Thanked: 28 Times	Nice to hear good feedback on scorpio by BHPians.Do you think the tyres grip beter b'cos they are tubeless or b'cos of the new suspension?did you feel less NVH than the preceeding crde model?
	() Thanks

30th March 2006, 18:21	#36
manver786 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: delhi Posts: 50 Thanked: 50 Times	hi folks, yesterday I test drove the Dx version and found it to be stable. The grabbing of brakes too has been taken care of. I felt quite comfortable driving at high speed (110) and then braking. It swallowed the potholes quite easily without tossing the passengers. Overall it is good package. AC even at the rear was quite effective.
	() Thanks

30th March 2006, 22:41	#37
suren Newbie Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Madras Posts: 17 Thanked: 0 Times	@manver man did they allow u to press to 110 in a demo car...???
	() Thanks

31st March 2006, 00:00	#40
rejika Newbie Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20 Thanked: Once	April issue of ACI has a special report on handling of these vehicles. In this "Rock n Roll" test Safari scores the worst 1.5/5 followed by new and old Scorpio 2/5, 2.5/5 . Tavera gets 3/5 but Innova is the clear winner with 4.5/5 points. My decision to buy Innova is vindicated :-).
	() Thanks

6th April 2006, 05:00	#43
tvrspeed12 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 44 Thanked: 20 Times	hi, i currently own an older scorpio (not the crde version, but not even 2 years old) i was thinking of changing for the newer one because of the new engine and because they offered some good deals on exchange. first impressions after a fairly lengthy test drive where - interiors are identical except for a feature here and there. brakes are vastly, hugely and without doubt improved. the old one has very vague braking, new one is excellent. they are actually quite proud of this and the guy i was test driving it with actually told me to try the braking by slamming on the brakes. braked straight and true. engine is better, but not enough to warrant a change. power outputs are the same if i recall correctly, just more silent and a little smoother. if i was buying now i would definitely go for the crde, but because i already have one, wont bother. handling is the same, and although vague, this is an suv! a big high car which isnt supposed to handle the same as a low down sedan. my scorpio is driven on the highway a lot (drove it goa from bombay for new years). confidence inspiring when driven below 100, which i think is enough for a car like this.
	() Thanks

7th April 2006, 19:06	#44
manver786 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: delhi Posts: 50 Thanked: 50 Times	hi tvr, could you please let us know the repairs, if any, required by your car as I am planning to go in for a used one as I believe in less than a years time they would be coming with a long wheel based version. thanks
	() Thanks

8th April 2006, 13:20	#45
tvrspeed12 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 44 Thanked: 20 Times	hi manver, i haven't had any reason for any repairs as yet..no tyres changed...no brake pads changed...no clutch replacements. apart from regular services no extra costs so far..touch wood. and we regularly take the car on the highway..mumbai to pune n lonavla several times. and mumbai to goa once. the engine is still pretty silent compared to other deisels ive had (tata estate hehe) and ac is extremely effective a couple of things tho.. if you are buying used..definitely check the brakes to see if they are fine. and check the suspension. i take mine offroad really often and have had no problem, but no harm in checking. If you need anything else let me know . cheers
	() Thanks