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Mahindra Scorpio-N: A Skoda Yeti owner's perspective

Tire size on the Z8L is 255/60 R18 All-season. For reference, XUV700 gets 235/65 R18 and the Thar gets 255/65 R18.

BHPian nerd1200 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Checked out the Scorpio-N at my local M&M dealer and came back with mixed feelings about it. Coming from German cars/CSUVs, some features/characteristics feel new while others feel like glaring omissions. Keeping that comparison detached as much as possible, here are some observations I would like to add.

Note - The display car was a Z8L Petrol AT

  • As others pointed out, omitting Auto dimming IRVM is almost criminal at this date. However some aftermarket fix might be available for that.
  • My biggest gripe with the car is its boot space - the tumble mechanism eats quite a bit into the otherwise generous boot space. A flat folding 700'esque mechanism would've been appreciated here.
  • Lack of split folding option moderates practicality too.
  • When tumbled off, the floor isn't flat. So packing-in suitcases, boxes and similar items would be annoying. Packing in your luggage for a longish trip would be a time-consuming affair for sure.
  • When tumbled off, the seat did not seem to lock in place and a tether for fixing it in that position was unavailable. Essentially, when you've folded the seats down, it'll just keep moving and probably create a ruckus during the drive.
  • In the third row, there are reading lamps on either side (missed in XUV700) as well as a charging socket. However there are no hooks or tethers of any kind to hang/latch your stuff onto.
  • Interestingly, there is a single led license plate light for the XUV700. Thankfully such cost cutting measures haven't been employed for the Scorpio-N and it gets a proper pair of lights. Not that it matters a lot, still.
  • No AC vents for the third row.
  • Second row seats do incline, unlike what some journos mentioned in their review.
  • One touch tumble for the second row seat works well - single handed operation.
  • The side step is not an accessory, it's available by default on all variants. It's a solid metal part which felt sturdy, might double up as a rock slider.
  • There is a plastic engine protection plate. The underbody cladding/protection needs to be inspected. XUV700 has its brake lines and other wiring routed underneath exposed even on AWD variants. Cut costs where one does not see, huh Mahindra?
  • Seat height adjust is missing for front passenger's seat. Stupid omission. Might become a deal breaker if your partner is about 5ft tall.
  • Lumbar support adjustment is apparently available across variants and is not limited just to Z8L.
  • Memory seats & welcome ingress is missing vis-a-vis XUV700 (or even my 7yo Yeti)
  • Another stupid omission - No height adjustable seat belts.
  • Bonnet is heavy - absence of hydraulic lift makes it more evident.
  • Z8 4x4 MT apparently gets R17 steel wheels with a cover - On a 20+ lakh car!!!
  • 4x4 variants' customers will have to make do with a single cup-holder at the front while 4x2 owners get a couple.
  • Steering adjustable for rake only? Seriously in 2022?!
  • Auto up & down windows with anti-pinch only for the front doors.
  • The center console is raised like in premium cars - lends the SUV's interiors a premium feel apart from aiding ergonomics.
  • Stowage spaces inside the car is sparse for its size. Cooled glovebox is too shallow to be of utmost utilization.
  • Both front doors get request sensors. XUV700 gets it only on the driver's door.
  • There's a nifty phone holder pocket embedded within the back pockets of the front seats. Er, simply clever?
  • Speaking of the headliner, it is a premium feeling soft fabric one.
  • Middle row gets an independent blower control. Read in the spec sheet that Z8 & Z8L get a separate A/C unit for the rear. Should aid faster cooling of the cabin in the absence of third-row or B-pillar vents.
  • Tire size on the Z8L is 255/60 R18 All-season (which the SA tried to pass off as A/T). For reference, XUV700 gets 235/65 R18 and Thar gets 255/65 R18.

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