@BHP1: If it is between the Innova & the Scrpio, and if you are going to drive yourself, I would recommend the Scorpio SLE without a doubt. Despite the slightly tacky looks (subjective), the refreshed Scorpio is a superb package. The Mhawk engine is superbly fun motor, the new seats are a lot more comfortable than the previous generation Scorpio and the ABS is a big plus.
The Scorpio is a reliable vehicle to live with, and service costs aren't going to break the bank either.
On the other hand, if you are going to be driven around, the Innova is one of the most luxurious vehicles than can be had this side of 50L barring the tinny body shell. The space and seating comfort is outstanding, but driving one around yourself can get a little boring over a long period of time.
Disclaimer: The following is strictly my opinion.
Very recently I was considering the Safari as I thought it would have been the ideal balance between driver fun and passenger comfort. After more than a handful attempts I finally managed a test drive of the Safari. I got a brand new test drive vehicle tro lay my hands on, just a day old with all the plastics yet on. I was mostly the first person to take it out for a spin.
Following are some of the observations I made through the test drive:
- Rust on the rear door inside panel, unacceptable for a brand new vehicle.
- Rubber tubing alongside the windows was not aligned.
- The Aircon vents in the dashboard were loose, and one of them could do a full vertical rotation.
- The plastics were of sub standard quality for a 10L odd vehicle.
- The view from the driver's seat was the best thing about the Safari, hardly a blind spot.
I was simply put off by the build quality, and had the Safari off my list almost immediately. This after I have been wanting to own a Safari for really long now.
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Originally Posted by extreme_torque All I can say is it will fare as good if not better than any other 4X2 pseudo SUV's around. As far as I amm concerned, if I am buying a 4X2 Safari or Scorpio, I am only buying an imposter... not the real thing.
And guess what.. going by what Mahindra is doing, they arent even selling the real thing. |
I will not comment about the Safari as I do not have any extensive personal experience to generate a response from, but could you be a little more specific about the the pseudo SUV characterisitics and pretence of the the Scorpio.
I have recently parted with my 2004 Scorpio which had clocked 110,000 kms odd. Anyone around me would vouch for the luggage load my Scorpio used to ferry around, sometimes over a 1000 kgs, and all this without a niggle and over some very bad roads. It would glide over rough patches
Through all of this:
- The suspension was not worked upon even once, simply because it did not require one.
- I did not face a single breakdown in almost 5 years besides an electical niggle, which again was mostly a failure on part of the battery supplier.
- It mostly required only regular brake pad changes.
- One clutch assembly change at 80K.
- Zilch mechanical failures
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Originally Posted by bhp1 True, Innova's high speed composure is brilliant.
I would like to know more about the driving position, as I always thought Innova's driving position was comfortable! |
I did some respectable speeds in the Innova just last weekend. The Innova feels extremely composed upto 100-110 kmph. You could stretch this to 120 probably but beyond a 120 kmph the noise levels and the construction of the shell do not inspire much confidence. Also, the Innova is just so comfortable to be in that one does not feel like speeding.
The driving position of the Innova is just perfect, I have not driven a utility vehicle with a better seating postition barring the blind spots. The Safari excels in this regard, the view from the cockpit is just perfect.
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Originally Posted by extreme_torque Bashing.... seriously where? If saying that Innova is more driveable than Scorpio amount to bashing then yes I am guilty |
I have owned both simultaneously for a full year, and I can without a doubt say my 2.6 non CRDE Scorpio is more driveable than the Innova. Try going uphill in both vehciles back to back, the difference will be most evident.
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Originally Posted by extreme_torque Again that was my opinion. Tata gives you a 4X4 option ever since in Safari even when there were engine changes, 3.0 Litre or the new 2.2 DICOR so if you want you can buy it which is not the case right now with Scorpio. |
This is about production policies and economies of scale, does not describe the characteristics of a vehicle.
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Originally Posted by extreme_torque Well the point is whatever it is... a 4x4 version of either Scorpio or Safari is much more capable and 'real' (for the want of a better word) than the 4x2 version. A 4x2 version of either of them is a huge compromise if you compare it to an Innova.... |
Ever tried going over a bad patch in an Innova, and then a Scorpio? The Scorpio and the Safari literally much bad roads, and neither need a 4 x 4 for doing that. Like someone else pointed out earlier in the thread, the 4 x 4 is simply a tool, does not necessarily mean than a 4 x 2 similar vehicle is not almost as capable. Infact one would usually only see a seasoned driver take on roads that could be taken down under more effectively by a 4 x 4 equipped vehicle, and IMO a good driver usually knows his way around, with or without 4 x 4.
manson.