[sayakc]

The Story of My Mahindra ScorpioN Z8 4X4 MT

After a long and happy 15 year association with the Swift, we bought home a ScorpioN in September,2024. It has been a shade over 3 months and 5000 kms of owning the vehicle now and I feel an 'initial ownership' experience is due. It is with that thought in mind that I write down this thread to share my experiences so far. The original intention was to write a 'technical review' of the car - but after a 3 month struggle figured out that my expertise on the technical aspects of the automobile are quite limited and so, I would like to focus on the areas that I can 'feel' and 'understand' well. These include: a bit of history and background, likes and dislikes in the ScorpioN, driving the car and finally move on to some of the short trips we did in it.
So, loosely speaking, this thread is catalogued into 2 sections:

The Car

Introduction
15 years with the Swift
Buying Experience, Likes and Dislikes
Features in the 'N' that stand out for me
Driving the Scorpion

And, the journeys (so far)

Maiden Trip to Mukutmanipur
Puja Trip to North Bengal

[sayakc]

15 years of owing the Swift

15 years is a long time. And when I reflect on those 15 years, certain changes that I would like to highlight from a 'drive and travel' perspective are:

• From someone aspiring to go on 'his first road trip', my travel catalog shows that I have completed 70+ road trips in these years
• Our highways and the way we travel have changed: When I think of those road trips to Digha, Mandarmani and the bruised NH-34 to North Bengal I still get nightmares.
• The automobile industry has undergone a sea change (and I experienced first hand when walking into the showroom in 2024)
• [Non-travel, but couldn't resist posting ] Heck, even the Central and State governments have changed their colours
• And...I leave aside the personal aspects of life!

But in all these years - I think of the very first day of when we bought the Swift home on a rainy Shoshti (first Day of Durga Puja), the one thing I still vouch for is the hassle-free, reliable ownership of the car - be it the rains, on the desolate stretches, or in the winter or rough hill roads - the car never skipped a beat and that is how I would like to remember it. Along with the reliability is its peppy, fun to drive nature and the thrill which I always experienced on the highways.

Of course the car came with its own limitations. Instances include: the military stopped from taking the car to Bum La because of snow, it experienced severe clutch burn on an aborted trip to Chatakpur, could not drive it to the safari in Simlipal because hatchbacks were not allowed, or a tricky off the road section near Pelling. And in the past 6 months it started to show signs of ageing: the window roll up/down button simply broke one day, yet another time the gear shifter stopped working one fine morning, and with the Road tax, CF, scheduled service due coming up this year we thought it is better to give it a fitting farewell than holding it for any time longer.

So, after 135K kms in almost 15 years - 50% of which was on the Highways, we decided that the exchange was overdue. In fact, all of my colleagues and acquaintances who had purchased their first car at about the same time that I did, had moved on to their second cars, with some even moving to their third .

The Swift served us really well. Its peppy drive and reliability and the many memories in it are what we would like to treasure . Here is a collection of some photos - apart from the travelogues which I have written over the past few years.

15 years of absolutely stress free ownership


On the way to Misty Mountains, Uttarakhand


At Netarhat


At Shergaon, Arunachal


In the Kuldiha forest, Orissa

[sayakc]

Background, Buying Experience, Likes and Dislikes in the Scorpio-N

Background:
As the decision to purchase a new car was finalized - the criteria that we had decided on was a reliable, comfortable, abuse friendly body on frame 4WD vehicle which can carry us to the remotest parts without breaking a sweat. This originated from the fact that I had to abort many last mile journeys because the Swift could not travel in tough destinations. We were not too finicky about features and electronics.

The one car that comes to the mind foremost with the above specifications is the Toyota Fortuner - but with the 4WD variant costing 46 Lacs in Calcutta, it was way beyond budget for us.

The next car that comes is the ScorpioN - a very handsome, much mature and evolved version with all the right bells and whistles - but the reliability aspect was a gamble that we had to take.

I was surprised at myself how easily the ScorpioN was a close 2nd to the Fortuner. A few years ago, I would be ogling at the Fortuner, Pajero SFX, Endeavour and (more financially practical) Safari. But the thought of the Scorpio never crossed my mind even in the wildest of my fantasies. I had always detested the looks of the vehicle, its boxy appearance, curved headlamps, elaborate tail lights - Somehow the image which the Scorpio carried in my mind was that of a refined tractor with a bone jarring ride quality - used to perform stunts as they show in the movies.

But the 'N' was way too different from its predecessor - and we zeroed on it.

Buying Experience:
We booked the car in the 3rd week of August at Royal Motors with the expectation that the car will ready to be delivered within a month. I have a few special words about Arup Bhattacharya (Sales Manager) - who was professional, competent and effective communicator throughout the buying process - and we keep in touch even now. He shared the location and trailer details as soon as the car was picked up from the Plant.
The car arrived in the stock yard in the 2nd week of September. We waited for a week to take the delivery of the car and on 21-Sep-24 - kept the entire incident a surprise for my mother (who had been at my sister's place for the past 5 months) - and did not even get an inkling of a thing - thinking that we were going to book the car on that day and wondering why was it taking so long to get a simple booking done!

On the day of delivery.


Some goodies which were handed over with the car.

So far I can say that the gamble (on reliability) is paying off and (touched wood) I hope it remains that way for the years to come - like it was with the Swift.

What I love about the car:

• Awesome to cruise on the highways - feels very stable, provides a dominating view, night driving is also very easy - courtesy the powerful headlights.
• Very spacious, fatigue after driving for long is much lesser. The second row is easily the most comfortable place in the cabin.
• The ScorpioN is big (though the outer size does not seem to find its way into the cabin) - and that is imprinted in its overall body language. It is easy to drive - the big mirrors provide a wide view. Light steering helps in pottering around the city.
• On the highways, its peppy and engaging to drive and sometimes I feel that I am driving my Swift only with a far more powerful engine.
• Happened with a colleague who owns a Harrier. When he checked out the ScorpioN he said "but you purchased a ScorpioN and this one does not look like the old one at all?" and all the time admiring its chocolate brown interiors, simple yet stylish dashboard and interiors. Which points to the fact that the previous image which he had in mind and how Mahindra has upped the game. I have found this expression of surprise from a couple of other acquaintances too.

Cons:

• I am a sedate driver and normally cruise at 100 kmph on the highways. In the Swift I did exceed the 100 kmph mark a few times but in the ScorpioN - I don't feel confident to exceed that mark.
• Not sure if its intentional - but the horn needs to be pressed with 'extra force'
• Electronics and reliability - Haven't faced issues yet - but there is a lot of feedback about unreliable electronics.
• Absolutely detest the rear design - looks like an overgrown WagonR. There was an ample scope to work on the rear.
• The last row is practically useless for an adult - its cramped and not at all suitable for long journeys. With the last row occupied, luggage space is greatly reduced.
  There are numerous other 'cons' - pls refer to the official review for the same.

A look at the interiors.

[sayakc]

Ride Quality and Driving the ScorpioN

The ScorpioN is an excellent highway cruiser. Its power to weight ratio might not be its strength - but it definitely does not feel underpowered. I have driven it at 100 kmph for extended periods and it cruises with panache. A dominating view of the road and large ORVMs aid in the driving experience. Needless to say, the family feels very comfortable in this vehicle after spending 15 years in the cramped cabin of the Swift. On vacations, we fold the last (third) row for luggage. I don't think the last row will ever see much occupancy in the times to come.
City driving is any way a very boring exercise and the 12 kms roundtrip to office which I do each day - is certainly not the most enjoyable activity in this car.
Recently I took the car on a 1 km long muddy patch with some steep turns and the car handled (as expected) with poise.

Some other minor points, from my experience are:

• The brakes seem to gather an extra bite at higher speeds (> 90 kmph)
• Steering is super light in city speeds.
• I can feel that the steep hill roads where the Swift would have easily required the 1st gear, it can be done in the 3rd gear of this car
• The road presence - cannot be overemphasized and smaller cars move away when they see the N in the ORVM. The ScorpioN does not try to 'hide' that its a big car
• Car is very stable and planted on the road at high speeds, of course, being a sedate driver, I am not too keen to corner it at high speeds.
• Fuel tank capacity of 57 litres (and a current mileage of 12) ensures that I dont have to fill up fuel in the Calcutta - Bagdogra runs. I remember filling up fuel twice in the Swift in the same journey.
• People have said "they dont feel a thing while going over potholes and bumps" - but I disagree - the vibrations are lesser than what I faced in the Swift - but definitely not nil.
• Same with "drove all day long there is hardly any fatigue" - but here too, having made multiple 16-20 hrs journeys in the Swift, I can say that the fatigue is less but definitely not NIL!

[sayakc]

Features in the ScorpioN which stand out for me

I had hardly driven any car other than the Swift in all the 15 years of owning it. And being not really a "car guy", I have not been aware of the advancements and incorporation of technology in the automobile. So, my view on 'features' will always be biased: take the keyless entry for an example - it was possibly a 'nice to have' feature in 2009 but in 2024 its present in all the cars (or upper variants) or compare the instrument cluster of the 2009 Swift with the MID of today which provides an array of information from Mileage, average speed, trip timing etc. - these are beyond comparison now.

Here are some photos and short narratives on the interiors and features of the car:

The first row.

The piano black surfaces look glossy, but accumulates a lot of dust.

Steering mounted controls - are handy in controlling music, phone calls, switching radio channels.

Android Auto is helpful (I used to carry CDs in the Swift - not any more )


The MID throws a lot of relevant information: Average speed, trip duration, mileage, fuel range, temperature, warnings and alerts e.g. - TPMS.

Adrenox connect: Though the app itself is quite slow - it transmits several data e.g. - tyre pressure, monthly mileage, trips, top speeds, even clutch pressed/km etc. Most of the time it also spots the petrol bunks easily. I dont find some of the other features e.g. - opening the sunroof/rolling up/down the window panes etc. not that useful.

The home page of the app


Fuel information


Navigation which shows the speeds ranges.


Tyre pressure.


The sunglass holder is a nice touch. The vanity mirror lighting up is also nice.


Rear camera and the sensors makes maneuvering an ease. Never feels that you are driving such a big vehicle.




Rear AC vents - enables fast cooling.


Coffee brown door pads - looks nice.

[sayakc]

The Kash Phool drive to Mukutmanipur

On 28th September, a week after getting the car delivered, we rolled out on a sunny, bright, morning from our home to test and stretch the legs of the car to Mukutmanipur. Durga Puja was barely 10 days away and with the cotton like clouds rising in the skies and kash flowers swaying along the highways - the was clear that the Durga Puja was near.

We took a longer route via the Durgapur expressway - Durgapur Barrage and on towards Mukutmanipur. Standstill traffic at Dankuni and numerous diversions on the highway slowed down progress. We reached the Peerless resort in the evening. I had been to Mukutmanipur once and that was back in 2015. In these 9 years all I saw was there was hardly any change. Even as I recollected the faces of some of the attendants. We were allotted a cottage with interconnected rooms overlooking the Kangabati dam. It was hot and so, we watched the sun set over the dam from the large glass windows of the room.

While having a dinner of Rice, dal, chicken curry, I realized that the food was pathetic and its quality has degraded over the years.

On the way to Mukutmanipur.


View from our cottage at the Peerless Resort.




The cottages where we stayed.

Of the things to do at Mukutmanipur - is to take a boat ride to the Deer park, drive to the forests in Jhilimili and the Sutan watch tower. The road from Mukutmanipur to Jhilimili is singularly beautiful with deep forests, winding roads, interspaced with Elephant corridors. After a typical Bengali lunch at Rimil Lodge, we visited the Talberia dam through interior village roads. The placid waters of the lake in a forested setting looked like a wallpaper.

While returning we took a narrow village road that cut through paddy fields and hillocks and saw returning groups of cattle herders and farmers as the sun turned into an orange ball of fire, slowly setting into the horizon.

Lunch at Rimil Lodge, Jhilimili


Talberia Dam.


A muddy stretch near the Sutan watch tower. I was in a dilemma whether to explore this stretch - then decided against.


Another day gets over as the sun sets in the plains of rural Bengal.


















Testing the headlights- a fool of me only to realize later that I should have been on the other side of the car












The entire route from Mukutmanipur to Bishnupur is dotted with a number of forested stretches.




Lunch at Banalata.

During return, we took the road via Bishnupur - Arambag. The road condition till Bishnupur was not only smooth but also beautiful, lined with several stretches of forests. We had lunch at the Banalata resort and then its was a rough drive - with potholes, heavy traffic - and finally reached home in the evening.

[sayakc]

Trip to Cooch Behar and an excursion to the Jayanti river bed

Onwards Journey to Cooch Behar:

On Ashtami morning, we rolled out from our Calcutta apartment at 0800 HRS. Our destination being Cooch Behar (my home town). Spoke to Golam-da (gmhossain) who whatsapped the the route via Kalyani Expressway - a first time for me. After the rough and extremely heavy traffic experience of the Mukumanipur trip, driving the ScorpioN on the (mostly) 6 lane expressway with the October morning sun peeping through the sunroof with music for company and the 'Pujo' feel in the mind was a revelation.

We had packed some breakfast from home because we were not sure of breakfast joints along this 'new route' and were thinking of having the breakfast when we rejoin NH-34. But as we started to cruise on NH34 we found a BP Ghar at Birohi - and found a number of vehicles parked. So we entered the restaurant, which was teeming with travellers and had aloo paratha and tea - of decent quality. During the Durga pujas, the truck traffic is regulated resulting in almost empty highways. We had a forgettable lunch at a dhaba - that amongst its other quirks had a grape tree growing in its confines.

Darkness fell near Kishanganj and and when the headlights were lit up, I could see the long throw of the projector lamps. My eyes, hitherto accustomed to the poor throw of the halogen headlights of the Swift could relate to the stark difference. Added onto the darkness is the battered road quality of the Dalkhola - Islampur stretch - but we were able to brush aside most of the potholes with ease. We reached Dhupguri around 8.30 PM with Cooch Behar another 60 kms away. But due to numerous Puja pandals, blocked roads - the last 60 kms took a good 3 hours.

The first time on the tarmac of NH-34.


Found these grapes growing in the dhaba where we had lunch.


On the road.

An Excursion to the Jayanti river bed:

The reason of going to Buxa ,as old timers will know is the Jayanti river bed. A couple of year ago, I had taken my Swift to a short distance to the river bed - but did not try and experiment with the stream/river crossings. The ScorpioN, however, is an ideal vehicle to cross over the Jayanti river bed to the other side.

Jayanti is a short 60 kms drive from our Cooch Behar home and takes 1.5 hours. The lush green forests and blue hills on the horizon as one crosses Alipurduar has an effortless charm around it. We got the entry permits done at the forest check post and proceeded through even deeper vegetation. This stretch is very narrow with the leaves and branches brushing against the car. It was on this stretch that many years back we saw a single, wild elephant cross the road. But what proved to be a bummer this time was the authorities have completely banned taking personal vehicles on the river bed - with only govt gypsys being allowed.Anyway, red tape is something which is beyond our control and after a homely lunch at a make shift restaurant, we proceeded towards Buxa - there was no point trekking the 4 kms as it was already late afternoon. But the sound of the crying cicadas, chirping of birds under the canopy of the tall trees is something which we will remember for a long time.

Some photos on the way to Buxa and Jayanti:

The Return to Calcutta:
The return to Calcutta was one of the smoothest in recent memory. We started at 0700 HRS and reached home at 2030 HRS.

Saw these at Behrampur bypass as dusk was approaching


The return trip was a very smooth one. 14 hrs door to door to cover ~740 kms. I still recount that first drive in 2010 when I needed 2 days to cover the same distance. Bad roads coupled with lack of experience played a major role.

So, with these 2 trips, I was able to break the ice with the car. And with that as a background I planned the third trip of the year: Year end holidays to the hills of Sikkim - to the Biksthang heritage farmhouse.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[ron82x3]

Super review, Sayak da! I still remember our meet last year at Arsalan, where you were discussing the various car options you were considering.

Congratulations on your purchase! Wishing you many happy miles and hoping you reach many trekking base camps with ease and fun.

[sayakc]

Year End Holidays to Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse

As I stand on the balcony of our cottage, I can hear the sound of trickling water – overnight dew which had accumulated on the tin sheds and were rolling down now, onto the leaves of the plants and blades of grasses. The solitude of the morning was only disturbed by a chirping bird - possibly a flycatcher. A serene, cold breeze was blowing from the east, sometimes ruffling my jacket. And in an cloudless, indulgent sky…the first rays of the sun fall on the Kanchenjunga that is staring right in front of us – separated by miles of lesser hills - the monolith turns into pink then gleams like gold and in the next half an hour burns bright white. The Sleeping Buddha has awoken!

It was after a long time that we were in the Sikkim hills – but this primitive occurrence never ceases to amaze us. And then reality hits – my exposed fingers are numbed by now , so much so that pressing the shutter becomes an arduous task.

A couple of days ago..
We had left our Calcutta home, to the jingle of Christmas carols as we barreled down the Kalyani Expressway - the newest alignment to reach Siliguri. At our newly discovered favourite spot – BP Ghar at Birohi – we had a filling breakfast of Aloo parathas.

Amongst other things like nolen gur and koraishutir kochuri, the winters bring along with it the advent of yellow mustard fields. And at Raiganj, with the orange glow of the setting sun in the background, the sight of the mustard fields stretching far and wide into the horizon through a thin layer of the accumulating mist, is a sight that I will remember for long! The rest of the journey to Marina’s Motel, Bagdogra was a routine affair , as we checked in to the hotel at 9 PM after a straight 12 hours journey.

Marinas’ Motel used to be our favourite haunt during our stopovers to the Darjeeling and Sikkim hills and hold much nostalgia for us. But times change and so do everything around us – and some changes are for the worse – the erstwhile warmth of Marina’s was replaced by a cold transactions this time around and I have serious doubts if I will ever stay at this place in the near future.

Packed and ready to go!


The next day, as we reached Biksthang.


Evening tea - the sandwiches were devoured as soon as they arrived. Hence no photos!


The next morning as the first rays of the sun fell upon Kanchenjunga.



Kanchenjunga main.










The snows glistening in the intense sunrays.


The entire Sleeping Buddha.


Kabru North and South.










A slice of sun lit up the the breakfast place.






The 'N' resting in the garage after a long haul.


The heritage section of the Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse where the owners stay.


Out on an excursion.


At the dinner table.

[sayakc]

The next day, we had a relaxed start from Bagdogra – but a relaxed start resulted in massive traffic till Sevoke. We broke for some tea and noodles near Teesta Bazaar. With the arrival of winter, the Teesta has turned meek and calm and ambled slowly in the distance. Road construction and moving convoy of vehicles kicked off dust that rose in the air.

Verdant green mountains, flowing streams, smoke rising from the chimneys of the huts in the valley - the feel of mountains well and truly kicked in after crossing over to Sikkim. I remember in one of my earlier journeys, on a motorcycle in 2013, the feeling of having ‘left the city behind’ would be felt as we crossed the Sevoke Military station. But days have changed!

View from the cottages.








A close up view of Kanchenjunga

We arrived at Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse, our abode for the next 3 days, after a 4 hour drive. Almost suddenly we felt that the noise of the whining engines were far away and we were transported to a zone of pervading silence only to be broken by the cry of an insect or the chirping of birds returning home. The evening was spent on the open air deck as we sipped into some Darjeeling tea and munched onto some sandwiches. Calm and serene, we watched as the lights were lit up, and the cold winds picked up. Dinner was served in the restaurant located in the heritage building – built with 3 feet wide walls – which served as an erstwhile detention center.

The pathway to enter the cottage.






Some lovely orange orchards dotting the hill slopes.








Somehow looking at the snow peaks after a year's gap, I wasn't getting enough and went shutter happy everytime I saw the peaks.

On the third day, we woke up to the blissful morning that I had described in the opening. The entire day remained cloudless as Kanchenjunga towered over the Biksthang valley for the entire day. In the afternoon, after a hearty lunch, washed down with Lassi made with milk from the farmhouse’s cow, we went on a drive to Rinchenpong – merely 15 kms away.

Darjeeling’s oranges are quite famous in this region – but was not aware that the Sikkim hills too were famous for their own variety. We saw orchards blooming with oranges on either side of the road to Rinchenpong. The roads on which we had driven till the previous day were mostly wide with gradual slopes. But on the way to Rinchenpong, the road turned narrow and with some steep inclines. Within the confines of my driving skill and having driven my Swift on multiple hill roads, I can safely say that I could have driven up the car only in the first gear – but here I was doing the same in the Scorpio-N in the third comfortably. At Rinchenpong, the Kanchenjunga range appeared to be magnified in size and the cold was intense too.

Dinner was again another elaborate affair. A word here about the food at Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse is due. Most of the food was local, organic produce – and the rice, masoor dal, milk and a variety of vegetables coming right from the farm. We were served some of the tastiest and at times over the top menu – which needed to be edited out for being too filling. Momos, Fried rice, chilli chicken, chicken curry, dal of different types, cutlets, pastas, stuffed parathas – you name it!

Exploring Biksthang and towards the Rinchenpong monastery.






A soup of local vegetables.


The lunch spread.


Lassi - from the cows of the farm.




Dinner of momos, Chinese and polished off with Caramel custard.

[sayakc]

And then came the last day at Biksthang. And to reflect the mood, streams of cloud filled up the sky. The sun was mostly behind the clouds – but the majestic Kanchenjunga range was visible. This day, I had planned for a bit of fun – as we took an offroad track to the Lhuentse Gompa. This was 29th December and with the Sikkimese New year, which follows the lunar calendar, slated for the new year on the 31st December - rituals were planned at the Gompa.

The track appeared to be steep and rocky and engaged the 4X4 Low for the first time. At the end of a kilometer ride we were the Gompa - and I was about to boast about my tough 4x4 vehicle - but then I see an Alto and WagonR s standing in the parking lot - which goes on to say, how much more of driving there is to learn! Here is a video of the drive:

Soft Offroad Trail to Lhuentse Monastery

Getting a much deserved wash.

We packed our bags in the evening and the next morning we left Biksthang. The drive was a long one – we stopped at Khanna Hotel, Bagdogra for lunch; Mother’s Hut at Krishnagar for dinner and finally reached home at 1 in the night. 6 months ago we had a forgettable lunch at Mother’s hut – but today’s dinner – of the Dum chicken curry, Dal fry, Chicken Tikka Masala and rice was a stunner!

See you again till the next journey.

[Mile_Breaker]

Wonderful to know that you are enjoying 'N' to the fullest ! We often think that a big size SUV would be difficult to handle where as in my experience it is just the opposite. The towering front view, big windows and orvms providing a clear all round view only just aids the driver more than a low hatchback or sedan. And now you have that 4x4 insurance as well for bad roads. Would like to see 'N' in more difficult terrains putting all gears in use.

[Garth2016]

How has Mahindra's service been so far? I am thinking of going for the Scorpio N, but kind of on the fence.
Any operational niggles that you see in your car?

[Samba]

Congrats on your new acquisition. Wish you 1000s of happy miles ahead.

The ScorpioN 4Xplorer is the perfect choice for an explorer like you. Now we can hope for some travelogues on the road less traveled.

This car makes a lot of sense among the sea of FWD CSUVs. A rugged body-on-frame SUV with acres of space, far improved ride quality than its predecessor (the old-gen Scorpio), and a time-tested torquey diesel engine, with the 4WD as the icing on the cake. Plus the Z8 has all the important features one needs in a car. Still, this car is among the best VFM cars available in today's date.

The last part came as a surprise. It deserves to be a separate travelogue! The detailed description and the beautiful pics of the snow-capped range were a treat to watch.