Re: 2014 Mahindra Scorpio Facelift (W105). EDIT: Now launched at Rs. 7.98 lakhs I did a test drive and check of the new Scorpio at the Mahindra dealer in Patparganj Industrial Area today. I checked out the S10 2WD model.
My impressions are tabulated below: Looks
1. Overall, the design looks just about ok. Since the Scorpio greenhouse is an older design, the tweaks made to the front and back don't seem to gel with the greenhouse.
2. The front actually looks quite alright. With the more upright grille, it makes the front look higher than the older version. Also, the intercooler intake vent is now integrated into the bonnet, which looks quite nice.
3. Personally, I didn't like the grille design with the tiger claw chrome marks. Also the grille is quite flimsy to touch. A small bang will break it, for sure.
4. Its the rear that takes a beating. By putting that black plastic panel, they have attempted to make the Scorp look wider, but unfortunately, all it does is make it look like an afterthought. Couple that with the smaller rear glass (smaller by quite a significant margin) and the back looks like it has been squished.
5. In the interiors, the higher dashboard has resulted in reduction in visibility outside. The dashboard itself is designed quite well, with a butch, rough and tumble look. Quality
This is where I feel let down. The quality of materials both outside and inside (except for the sheet metal) seems low grade. The dashboard plastics etc feel quite low rent (like the Mahindra Verito, Xylo etc). Hard and cheap. The inside door handles, rear ac vents etc all feel low grade and belonging to the Verito category (or worse).
The grille, the plastic cladding at the back, the padding in the doors etc all seem basic.
The quality of the upholstery, stitching etc also don't leave an impression of 'quality'. Comfort and space
1. Cabin is very cramped, both in the front and in the rear.
2. With the higher set dashboard, it feels quite tight in the front, though it gives a nice butch, off roader feel (like the LR Defender).
3. There is absolutely no space between the driver's right leg and the door armrest, which I think will get very uncomfortable over long drives.
4. The rear seat is a really FLAT bench, with no contours or support whatsoever. Also, the centre pull down armrest is way too small to be of much comfort.
5. The airconditioning seems to be working fine. The climate control system is welcome indeed. However, it won't be there in the lower variants.
5. There are no roof / pillar rear ac vents, even in the top model. There are only two small floor vents.
6. If a tall driver pushes his seat back, there is no space for the passenger at the rear (I guess this is same with the present Scorpio).
7. The door pads are also very hard and bland, with no bolstering / support. This might not be comfortable on long drives. Drive
1. The engine is the same MHawk, so it behaves the same way. There is a nice initial thrust and the engine revs quite freely.
2. Engine is quite silent and smooth inside. I guess sound deadening is quite improved.
3. The gearshift is still notchy, but I guess it is an improvement over the older one. The throws are also a little lesser.
4. Engaging 2nd (upshift or downshift) looked like a problem, with the gear refusing to slot in easily. Some amount of shoving was needed.
5. Acceleration is brisk, but somehow I could feel the lack of torque as compared to the 140bhp engines. Handling and braking
Though I couldn't take it on an open road, I did get a very short straight, where I accelerated to about 80kmph. It felt stable enough. What I couldn't do was check the boat-like wavering at speed, which happens with the older Scorpio.
I took it to some rough unpaved areas around the industrial area, where it took the bumps etc with ease. It felt 'Ladakh Ready', so to say. However, possibly due to the short wheelbase, it did feel a little wobbly. Verdict
The new Scorpio is indeed an improvement over the older one, but I am afraid it seems more cosmetic than functional. The hydroform chassis doesn't seem to improve the vehicle much, simply because the wheelbase is the same and the centre of gravity is the same. I couldn't feel much improvement due to the change in suspension either. Since I couldn't drive it on the highway, I can't comment on high speed manners. However, I don't think it will instill the kind of confidence that the Safari Storme does, as compared to the Safari DICOR.
Overall, I think it will continue to appeal in the traditional Scorpio buyers market. The S4 4X4, of course, will be what most people here in TBhp will be interested in. This is a segment ignored by everyone and that's where Mahindra has hit a bull's eye.
All the best to the new Scorp! |