Mahindra Scorpio-N: 10 observations & how it compares to the XUV 700

The XUV 700 AX5 will cost me 4 lakhs more than the Scorpio-N Z6 and still does not get ESP.

BHPian akannath recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear all, was in India last month and managed to do a test drive of the Scorpio N, top end diesel manual. I already have a Z6 Diesel booked at introductory price with a promised deliver time of April-May 2023. Below are my observations:

• Exterior looks huge and imposing as others have mentioned - proper macho looks and sure to be given way by others on the road. Heck, the XUV700 looks more squat and a level down in comparison (no offense to owners)!! Had both in the showroom so could do a visual comparison. However, this does not translate into a lot of space on the inside. I feel the last quarter has been truncated which has resulted in the less than adequate space in the 3rd row. You can sort of feel this disconnect when the vehicle is viewed side-on.

• On the inside, nice and roomy for 3 passengers in the 2nd row. Had my parents climb into the vehicle and they did not find any issues getting into the 2nd row - this was one of my concerns. Infact they commented that the step was a big help and was at the right height for them. Both of them do now have any knee problems as yet.

• 3rd row is pretty cramped as commented by all. I am 5.9 and managed to sit there with knees up and no knee room...they were gently brushing against the 2nd row seatbacks. Would I want to sit there for long trips - absolutely no.

• Can I sit there if needed - Yes, I can, for about 30-40 mins.

• I believe kids and shorter adults (<5.3) should be ok there. Had my kids sit there for a minute or so- they hated it, but then they hate sitting in all the 3rd rows seats, including my Kodiaq.

• Drove the vehicle over highway roads and then onto some broken patches. Drive was a breeze, thanks to the super light steering. Took me by surprise initially but was comfortable in a few minutes. And lots of power and torque available, managed to get to near triple digits over a very short stretch on the highway

• Excellent road visibility and you do feel like a King on wheels. Although a manual, the vehicle could do most of the journey in 4th gear - I went from 15-20 to 50Km/hr in 4th gear, as suggested by the SA and the vehicle never felt strained at low speeds. Thats a plus in my view...gives the feel of a semi-automatic if you like

• Brakes are very abrupt - will need a little getting used to. But no deal breaker or concerns

• No lateral movement or discomfort felt by my parents in the 2nd row, when changing lanes or overtaking. However, sudden lane shits or maneuvers will toss you sideways a bit, but I was expecting it to be a lot worse. Somehow, Mahindra have engineered this aspect very well.

• On bad patches and broken roads, the vehicle just glided over with aplomb - you will feel vertical movements especially in the 3rd row but thats a given. Otherwise, a comfortable ride quality for the front and 2nd row passengers.

• Fit and finish were good I guess - but I understand the Z6 may not have all the blings on the inside which is fine with me. I am hoping it is good enough to last 10 years of usage, that's all I am looking to get out of the car.

• Boot space is non-existent with all 3 rows up. Will resort to a roof carrier. However, when 3rd row is folded up against the 2nd row, there is a very useable boot space. The floor contour is uneven which many have commented as a potential deal breaker, but I did not find it too bad. We have a 2009 Innova in our family which has side folding 3rd row seats and that too had the same or similar uneven floor contours and yet we have packed in 5 large suitcases in the past during airport runs. So not an issue for me personally.

Overall, came back pretty impressed with the vehicle. Some misses here and there but for Rs.14.99, I think its a very good VFM.

Next, had a chance to drive the XUV700 AX7L as well. Without getting in to the details, the XUV700 definitely felt the more posher and luxurious vehicle, although external dimensions may belie this impression. The automatic was super good and easy to drive, lots of power on demand, excellent interiors and a very useable 3rd row space compared to the ScorpioN.

Sadly, all this comes at a premium and even the AX5 will cost me ~4 lakhs more than the Z6 (and does not come with ESP) and this is money I do not have.

I also have a booking for the Grand Vitara Mild Hybrid and I am just waiting for the prices to be announced to do a comparison with the Z6. I suspect the Zeta will be around 14 lakhs ex-sh, at which point Z6 becomes even more attractive. Yes, the mileage from the Z6 would pinch us a little, expecting a maximum of 12kmpl but then our annual running is <7000km, so should be manageable.