Ownership review: Likes & Dislikes of Scorpio-N Diesel AT after 26k km

Only BOF 4x4 SUV this side of 50L that does not feel compromised on space.

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The Story of a Green Scorpion

TL;DR: Scorpio-N D-AT 4XPLOR Ownership Review and Report

Disclaimer: At the time when this review is being published, the ScorpioN has been driven close to 26K KMs over 11 Months of ownership.

What I like

• Only BOF 4x4 SUV on this side of 50L that does not feel compromised on space.
• Mahindra’s enthusiast-focused powertrain tuning. The low end is meaty, and so is the mid-range. 100 comes up in about 12 seconds.
• Ride & handling balance is amazing for a vehicle of this class. I’d rate it as follows: Endeavour > Scorpio-N > Fortuner
• Superb braking with ABS, EBD, ESP, all-wheel ventilated discs and Brake assist. Braking distance is 53 metres from the ton, which could be improved with better tyres.
• Excellent safety credentials, in-fact it is the safest BOF in the country right now.
• Outstanding 4x4 hardware (and software) with a low-range transfer case and an auto-locking mechanical differential at the rear (MLD), Brake traction control (BLD), and well-calibrated traction control modes (Normal, Sand, Grass/gravel/snow, Mud/ruts).
• NVH levels are very well controlled. You can hardly hear the engine’s rumble under 2200 rpm. Wind noise does creep in above 120.
• Feature & Tech loaded
• A feeling of indestructibility that’s associated with BOF SUVs in general. The Scorpio-N annihilates bad sections of tarmac as long as you’re carrying descent speed.
• Fog light, although LED, has a brilliant cutoff and usable spread. It was able to cut through dense fog on my way to North Bengal last winter and helped me maintain pace.

What I don’t like

• Few omissions are almost criminal in this day & age. Missing auto-dimming IRVM, no UV-cut windshield, rudimentary seat-belt mechanism - likes of which were found in cars in the early 2000s (Yes, that bad).
• Software glitches. I’ve had issues with Android auto connectivity, HDC error popping up the instrument cluster going blank and Adrenox not connecting intermittently. Albeit, most of these glitches are fixed by restarting or unplugging of the battery terminal.
• Poor Approach, breakover, and departure angles. Departure angle is especially concerning because of the placement of the DEF tank. For an offroader, this is concerning.
• On a similar note, the underbody protection is a joke. Owners should be very careful while offroading or go for aftermarket underbody covers from the likes of PRAD or Bimbra.
• Mahindra’s genuine accessories are of sub-par quality - be it floor mats or plastic claddings or scuff plates. Buyers are better off going aftermarket in this case.
• The acclaimed 12-speaker audio system will not win over audiophiles, they’ve cut corners with the quality of speakers as well as the amplification hardware.
• The quality of the cameras isn’t befitting a 30L rupee SUV, XUV700’s camera clarity is much better.
• Poor headlights - although the cutoff is good due to the projector setup, intensity is very bad and is rendered useless on unmarked 2/4 lane highways.
• Weird tyre size that lacks good A/T options, and narrow 7.5J rims (for even stock 255 section tyres).

Continue reading BHPian nerd1200's report for more insights and information.