[scorpi0N]

Originally Posted by ags82

Nice write up and thanks for sharing your experience. I am in two minds, either N Z8 Select AT or XUV 700 AX5 7 seater AT petrol. Neither have power folding ORVMs and some nice to have features. But covers the most needed. Can power folding mirrors be added as add-on from showroom itself?

Thanks
Not too sure if power folding mirror can be installed at showroom. It's not listed in the accessories brochure.

Originally Posted by Rahkehs

Can you share some photos and cost of Radiator Protection please.

Here’s an image from the accessories brochure.


Costed approx ₹14k.

Originally Posted by LordSharan

Fairly detailed and quite informative I must say. It's good to see petrol variants being favoured for such a large BoF SUV, given the low mileage figures, and how our perpestive towards overall ownership of car is evolving.

Following two reasons primarily for going for petrol:

1. Expected running to be less than 10k KMs per year.
2. Avoid DPF issues.

Just a personal preference.

Originally Posted by DicKy

Because the ScorpioN is, what Safari fans dreamt the Safari of becoming.

My entire second section beautifully summarised in this one line!

[LordSharan]

Originally Posted by DicKy

Because the ScorpioN is, what Safari fans dreamt the Safari of becoming.

I believe most ScorpioN BHPian owners would buy a Safari in a jiffy if TATA had given it a proper 2nd generation instead of slapping the Safari badge on the 7 seater Harrier.

The sales figures tell the story that TATA went wrong.

Not all wrong though.
Safari is quite a decent vehicle as of now - with JLR heritage to boast of. It's very much comparable with Scorp on features, would beat it in ride and handling.
Only things that I'd probably change is a 4x4 system, a more powerful engine (XUV7OO has one) and better quality control by Tata on final product out of factory.

4x4 system wouldn't be a difficult engineering problem to solve, engine could be a challenge - not sure if they can plonk a new one or have the permissions/ability to tune the fiat sourced multijet. The third one is what public has been begging for.

Also note - a TBHpian's and a regular citizen's buying preference vary, by a huge margin - somewhat drastically opposite most of the times. We (or our preferences) aren't stastically significant to judge the actual sales performance of a vehicle.

[Rahkehs]

Safari is quite a decent vehicle as of now - with JLR heritage to boast of. It's very much comparable with Scorp on features, would beat it in ride and handling.
Only things that I'd probably change is a 4x4 system, a more powerful engine (XUV7OO has one) and better quality control by Tata on final product out of factory.

Also note - a TBHpian's and a regular citizen's buying preference vary, by a huge margin - somewhat drastically opposite most of the times. We (or our preferences) aren't stastically significant to judge the actual sales performance of a vehicle.

This current Safari is by no means even a shade of what the Old Safari Dicor/Storme was. It’s a monocoque, comparable with XUV700 and not to Scorpio-N. Scorpio sells four times compared to Harrier/New Safari and I am sure if Safari were Ladder Frame RWD SUV, some of those buyers would choose Safari.

[sayakc]

Hi Scorpi0N,

I purchased one, little more than a month ago - but its the Diesel 4x4 variant. Your thread is inspiring enough for me to write an ownership review thread

I had a few highway drives and (touched wood) the experience has been good so far - the punchy engine along with the spacious interiors makes long distance touring very relaxing.

I was driving a Swift for the past 15 years - so in terms of features it is a huge leap for me personally.

Sharing one snap.

Best Regards,
Sayak

[Aditya]

Exceptional, unbiased & detailed ownership reviews of cars have started going to our homepage reviews box. It's the ultimate stamp of trust from Team-BHP (as a platform) because lakhs of visitors every month check out reviews from there & make purchase decisions.

Your review has also been included here. Thank you so much for sharing .

[scorpi0N]

Trying to Decode Sales Numbers for Scorpio N

So, for some reason Mahindra doesn't disclose the sales data for Scorpio and Scorpio N separately. Take for instance the recent car sales data for September 2024 (September 2024 : Indian Car Sales Figures & Analysis), one can see the numbers for Scorpio but not for Scorpio N and Classic.

I tried to do some back calculations based on an update shared by Mahindra on their official instagram page in February, which indicated that by February 1, 2024 there were 1 lakh Scorpio N on the street.

The delivery of Scorpio N started in September, 2022. This means that in 17 months (September 2022 to January 2024), a total of 1 lakh Scorpio N were sold.

During this same time (based on monthly car sales data released on teambhp), a total of 1.05 lakh XUV 700 and 83k Thars were sold. The total sale of Scorpio during this time was 1.66 lakh which means 66k Scorpio Classics were sold. The breakup along with estimated monthly average is as below.

The data seems to indicate that at least till January 2024, Scorpio N and XUV 700 sales were very close to each other. This was slightly surprising for me as I have seen very few Scorpio Ns in Mumbai where XUV700 is ubiquitous. It is possible that Scorpio N is much more popular than XUV700 in non-metro cities and small towns perhaps. Now, when I come to think of it I did spot one Scorpio N in McCluskiegunj (A Weekend Drive to the Forgotten McCluskiegunj), which is perhaps one of the remotest towns/villages in India.

This does seem to indicate that Scorpio N has been a success in terms of sales. Then why Mahindra still produces the Classic? Just for record, I think that Mahindra Classic is a phenomenal vehicle! Anyway, if Mahindra had to move to a second generation Scorpio then why not move completely?

One can note that based on estimates, Scorpio Classic sales have been robust! Who is buying these vehicles? Now, this is just my guess, but I think Mahindra has a captive Scorpio Classic client base in many government organisations. I have noted that a significant portion, if not the entire, of the Mumbai RTO fleet, BMC fleet and many Navy cars in Mumbai are Scorpios (Classic and old generation Scorpios). Also for many politicians, who would want to travel with their bodyguards, Scorpio Classic with its sideways back seats is more practical perhaps. I guess Mahindra doesn't want to disturb this captive client base and, hence, is continuing the production of Scorpio Classic!

[vikas8890]

A great detailed review of the Scorpio N. The Scorpio N has taken the Scorpio brand forward by leaps and bounds. The old model which continues as Scorpio Classic looked bold, muscular and powerful. The Scorpio N looks classy while being muscular and powerful.

The Scorpio classic has its takers. I know people who like the new Scorpio N but prefer the Classic model for its looks and image.

The length of the Scorpio N is 4662 mm. The Thar ROXX is of similar size to the older Scorpio model at around sub 4.5 m length. Mahindra should use the Thar ROXX underpinnings to develop a 5 seater Scorpio N(name it Scorpio). There are many people who would love a smaller Scorpio N over the Thar ROXX. This would not entail a huge development cost for Mahindra and cater to many more prospective customers.The smaller Scorpio N along with the upcoming XUV5OO(or XUV5XO) would help Mahindra cover a major market segment in India as well as abroad.

[argho]

Originally Posted by vikas8890

Mahindra should use the Thar ROXX underpinnings to develop a 5 seater Scorpio N(name it Scorpio). There are many people who would love a smaller Scorpio N over the Thar ROXX. This would not entail a huge development cost for Mahindra and cater to many more prospective customers.The smaller Scorpio N along with the upcoming XUV5OO(or XUV5XO) would help Mahindra cover a major market segment in India as well as abroad.

Agree completely.

A shortened version of the XUV700, as a 5 seater "XUV500 N" with the 2 litre turbo engines, and AWD , would be a hugely desireabale vehicle.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by vikas8890

develop a 5 seater Scorpio N(name it Scorpio). There are many people who would love a smaller Scorpio N over the Thar ROXX. This would not entail a huge development cost for Mahindra and cater to many more prospective customers.

A smaller ScorpioN with the same underpinnings would be godsend for those who would want a smaller ScorpioN but don't want the jeeper image of Thar/Roxx.

But we all know it is highly unlikely. Mahindra would be scratching their heads when someone asks for a smaller vehicle when they already give larger vehicles at the price of smaller competitor vehicles. Guess the Thar would be the smallest BoF model from Mahindra. Though something is cooking in Mahindra regards to Bolero as there are reports from ACI that the inside name of a next gen Bolero variant is Bolero Sports.

Originally Posted by argho

A shortened version of the XUV700, as a 5 seater "XUV500 N" with the 2 litre turbo engines, and AWD , would be a hugely desireabale vehicle.

A smaller version of XUV700 would definitely be awesome. But other than some noise when the XUV700 was launched, there was no other further rumours. Even if it comes, would be based on a new FWD monocoque platform and won't have AWD. Also expect the 1.2l turbo petrols and 1.5l diesel. Not the bigger 2000cc+ engines. Maybe even expect the 1.5l turbo petrol that has been developed but not yet been put to use.

[Communist]

Such a nice and detailed review, scorpi0N. I am also a Scorpio-N (Petrol) AT owner, so agree with most points.

Just one thought for prospective buyers on fuel efficiency in my experience. I am coming from Creta, so have been struggling with fuel efficiency - I get 5KMPL in city and 9KMPL on highway. Felt this needs to be put out there for prospective buyers that fuel efficiency can shock even the most non-cost conscious buyers. To get 12-14, like you rightly said, cruise control is the way. If we were to drive enthusiastically (and I don't think I am the most or very enthusiastic or sprightly), the FE can be concerning.

[carhead]

Originally Posted by Communist

Such a nice and detailed review, scorpi0N. I am also a Scorpio-N (Petrol) AT owner, so agree with most points.

Just one thought for prospective buyers on fuel efficiency in my experience. I am coming from Creta, so have been struggling with fuel efficiency - I get 5KMPL in city and 9KMPL on highway. Felt this needs to be put out there for prospective buyers that fuel efficiency can shock even the most non-cost conscious buyers. To get 12-14, like you rightly said, cruise control is the way. If we were to drive enthusiastically (and I don't think I am the most or very enthusiastic or sprightly), the FE can be concerning.

No offense but isnt 5kmpl tad too low? Translates to INR 20 per km. Surely the claimed ARAI figure must be higher?

[s2K_scorpioN]

Originally Posted by carhead

No offense but isnt 5kmpl tad too low? Translates to INR 20 per km. Surely the claimed ARAI figure must be higher?

I can share a few insights here.

The turbo petrol is super, super sensitive to throttle inputs. Same traffic conditions can yield widely varying mileages, ranging within 5-8 KMPL. In my case, Bangalore rush hour traffic, I can do 7.5 KMPL with the AC on. Mind you, I'm very judicious with my throttle inputs. In Hyderabad's relatively less congested traffic, I event hit 9-10 KMPL in the city.

On the highways, the same story goes. you can cruise between 100-110 KM/hr and get anywhere from 10-13 KMPL - all depending on your right foot. If you hit the sweet spot of 98 KM/hr where the Scorpion shifts to 6th, you can get upwards of that, with a combination of cruise and your right foot.

ARAI's milage claims, up until recently, have been on highly controlled laboratory based readings. You'll get idealistic results with this. They've since changed the drive cycle to reflect more real-world driving on our roads, but you should still take their claimed mileage with a pinch of salt.

The mStallion's throttle response is specifically tuned to delicate throttle inputs. Just a feathered touch, can get the vehicle up to city speeds. Leveraging the petrol engine's peppy nature, and the diesel like torque of the mStallion, such a feat is possible.

[scorpi0N]

Some Updates

1. On FE

Adding my two cents on FE. I struggle to get above 7-8 KMPL in Mumbai in medium traffic. In heavy traffic, such as the crawling one at rush hour on western express highway, it can drop to barely 2-3 KMPL. One evening when I was driving there and had very low fuel, the DTE on MID was vibrating from 35 to 55 KMs. I got a sense of what range anxiety feels like.

Nevertheless, I believe the low FE is due to the way mStallion has been tuned. In terms of engineering, as mentioned during interviews/ podcasts by Mahindra Engineers, its a very efficient engine within its class. I believe the way it has been tuned to mimic a diesel engine, to provide much of the torque even at low RPMs, have made it such a guzzler. But, then again the performance and power of the engine have been truly outstanding.

A comparision of mStallion and mHawk torque and power outputs as put up by an engineer on youtube (notice the similarity in torque outputs)


I have been able to live with it as my running was expected to be low. In 9 months, I am still to touch 3,000 KMs. My Figo, for quick city commutes, has also roughly done the same distance in the same time.

2. Detailing and Ceramic Coating

I noticed a couple of scratches on the car body recently and decided to take it for paint correction at Detailing Dons, Mahalakshmi.



I had first connected with Detailing Dons in July/August last year when I was considering getting the car ceramic coated or PPFed. Eventually, I had gone for ceramic coating as I felt it was more VFM given my needs. The uses which I required were paint protection from UV rays, some safeguard from bird droppings and to increase the ease of cleaning. Over time, I feel that the paint is holding well. I am not sure which is more responsible – the ceramic coat or the inherent good paint quality of Mahindra.

To quote from official team-bhp review

The paint quality is pretty good and Mahindra uses a double-layer clear coat to get a wet finish for their cars.

I have also felt that the paint quality of Mahindra is really very good. And I received positive feedback regarding the same from detailing studio staffs.

I had been charged about 24k for ceramic coat and was promised one more maintenance coat. Given this history with them, I booked an appointment and took the car there last week. I was told that they will remove the existing coat, do paint correction and apply a new coat as part of my earlier package.

Heavy cut compound being applied


Paint correction being done


The results (before and after)


Scorpio ready for delivery after application of ceramic coat


Overall, I was very satisfied with my experience there.

[scorpi0N]

A Drive to the Picturesque Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, situated amidst the Sahaydri range. It’s located about 150 kms from Mumbai. The region is known for its natural beauty, with greenery, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

As with any other part of the Western Ghats, the place and the route really come alive during monsoons with lush greenery all-around and beautiful natural waterfalls. I had, accordingly, planned this trip for July/August last year. But, it didn’t materialize. However, the thought of visiting Malshej remained at the back of my mind.

Some close relatives were planning for a visit from US in January, and so I thought maybe we could all go out for a short stay there and made all the bookings for stay.

However, the Trump election changed everything. It was getting riskier to travel after the new administration takes over, and so their visit was preponed to December. Their visit was also cut short so we only had 1-2 days maximum for any trip. Short on time, and as we had heard about camping near Pawna lake, we planned for a day camping at Pawna with everyone. It turned out to be a bittersweet experience, and I would not recommend those Pawna camps to families.

Anyway, the earlier booking to Malshej was still there and I hadn’t cancelled it. Had kept it, just in case we felt like going. As it turned out, things sort of worked out. We didn’t have a busy schedule and the weather was quite pleasant, so we thought may be we’ll just go visit. So, off we went.

During this time of the year, as expected the drive wasn’t particularly scenic. However, it turned out to be very peaceful experience, and there was a quiet charm in driving through the winters on a sunny day. The drive takes about 4 - 5 hours from Mumbai. We chose the route via Karjat.



The initial stretch till Karjat is expressways and wide-laned highways. We broke the journey near Karjat, at The Plate restaurant. Can happily recommend this wonderful place.




After that, it was mainly two-laned roads through villages, with long quiet stretches followed by 5-10 minutes through the village market area. We had started about 10 AM and were driving through this stretch in the afternoon. The atmosphere felt serene—most people seemed to be indoors, likely resting during their siesta. Occasionally there were signs of activity here and there. Leaves drifted down as a gentle breeze was passing through. It was an enjoyable ride.

The last stretch was half-an hour drive through the ghats.






The car returned about 10.3 KMPL for the trip. Wife sitting in the second row did mention that body roll was more noticeable during this trip relative to the last one for Pawna, where there were six occupants against three of us in the current one.

While by now I’ve gotten used to a lot of things about the Scorpio-N, the mStallion engine is, however, something which continues to impress. Its refinement is truly amazing and it has never disappointed when power is needed, whether its for a quick launch after standstill or overtakes in a narrow window. It has made the Scorpio into such a fun-to-drive vehicle.

We reached the place were we were staying around 3 PM and stayed for a couple of days. At this time of the year Malshej Ghat is very picturesque. Days are sunny and very pleasant. Its neither very cold nor warm. The temperature is just right. One can just roam around or lay down by the lake side with a good book and some cakes!

Some pictures...

[Gaur]

Originally Posted by s2K_scorpioN

The turbo petrol is super, super sensitive to throttle inputs. Same traffic conditions can yield widely varying mileages, ranging within 5-8 KMPL. In my case, Bangalore rush hour traffic, I can do 7.5 KMPL with the AC on. Mind you, I'm very judicious with my throttle inputs. In Hyderabad's relatively less congested traffic, I event hit 9-10 KMPL in the city.

On the highways, the same story goes. you can cruise between 100-110 KM/hr and get anywhere from 10-13 KMPL - all depending on your right foot. If you hit the sweet spot of 98 KM/hr where the Scorpion shifts to 6th, you can get upwards of that, with a combination of cruise and your right foot.

Even i have pretty similar observations, only difference being mine is a Petrol Manual.

In Mumbai regular weekday traffic i would barely get anything over 7.5kmpl, 8kmpl would be possible only late nights, generally i would average pretty similar to your figure of 5-8kmpl.
On bad days i have seen as low as 3.5kmpl-4kmpl as well.

However few months back i have shifted to Pune which has relatively less traffic and better roads compared to the warzone that Mumbai is now and i easily get around 8-10kmpl regularly.

On a recent Pune-Mumbai-Pune round trip i was able to get 13kmpl overall, which included city traffic as well, on the highway section i was able to see a max of 14.8kmpl on the MID, driving with cruise set at 95kmph.

one major advantage with the Manual gearbox is that i can shift to 6th pretty early, infact i am already in 6th the moment i cross 75kmph, automatic as i understand doesn't shift to 6th until 90kmph.

Manual to Automatic i feel would be a difference if ~1-1.5kmpl for similar driving conditions.