Scorpio-N v/s Scorpio Classic: Which SUV to replace my 2015 Scorpio?

We also bought a 2023 Hyundai Creta SX(O) IVT to replace our 2008 Honda City, for city driving, about six months ago.

BHPian VitoVTEC recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This is my first post on the platform, and having been an avid reader for a long time, I thought it’s best to put my question out to fellow enthusiasts here.

I’ve been planning to upgrade from my Mahindra Scorpio S10 2015 to a new car, because of the ten-year rule for diesel vehicles in Delhi. It’s still a question, of whether we should keep it for a year and a half, and then sell it, or sell it for a better price right now.

We bought a 2023 Hyundai Creta SX(O) IVT to replace my 2008 Honda City, for city driving, about six months ago.

When upgrading from the Scorpio, I don’t see any close competitor offering a similar RWD body-on-frame platform with a robust build and drive-it-anywhere confidence. I don’t care much about the car being loaded to the gills with features, since they're already present on the Korean. All I’m looking for is a dominating road presence, decent handling, a well-performing engine, durability, and after-sales reliability. Moreover, the car will mostly be driven around by my father, and it should suit his personality, similar to the Scorpio.

The next best thing, i.e. the Toyota Fortuner, comes in at about Rs. 46 lakhs on-road in Delhi for the 4x2 Diesel Automatic trim, which is slightly out of my budget for now.

The itch to buy a Mahindra Thar has been coming in time and again, and I don’t know if that’s going to be a good idea, considering how the Scorpio has been our companion on road trips across the country. The Thar just can’t help us out in that. It’s never been a family car. Although, I’d be willing to consider a pre-loved Thar for the right price, and get rid of the itch in about a year or two when I’m ready to upgrade to the Fortuner or a suitable car.

I’m also toying with the idea of getting a less-driven 2018 Honda City in exchange for the Scorpio from a used car dealer. The 2008 Honda City was my first car, and I wanted to upgrade to the latest generation Honda City after it, but the 2023 pre-facelift design and low ground clearance didn’t appeal to my family. Anyway, a well-maintained, less-driven 2018 Honda City (MT) should be available for a good price and will run for another ten years. The Japs have never failed us in terms of reliability and durability.

The third possibility, that I’m completely against, is going for the top-spec Scorpio Classic. I’m not a fan of the interiors, and don’t get the point of paying more for a car that looks exactly like my Scorpio, with fewer features.

The last prospect is to buy a used Ford Endeavour, but they’re overpriced in the used market, and I’m concerned about the price and availability of spares and services.

Any help would be appreciated.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

The Scorpio-N is made for you. It's a HUGE step up from the old Scorpio Classic. Take a test drive, you'll be impressed. The same DNA, but vastly improved. It's like 2 - 3 generations ahead in terms of interiors, suspension, engines and AT gearbox available too!

Wait for the 4-door Thar which will launch in a few months. Of course, if you can live with a 2-door, buy one today. Nothing matches the sexiness & character of a 2-door Jeep.

Here's what BHPian Sheel had to say on the matter:

I think the current Scorpio Classic has more features than the S-10. Otherwise, I would be interested to know what extra features the S10 offers over the Classic.

I think a 5-door Thar will be very similar to the 2-door Thar. Scorpio-N will be a more refined road tourer, plus, should have more features to keep you fresh and might have a more sorted and supple ride than the Thar (this is based on driving the 2-door Thar).

This should have been the default choice when an upgrade from the Scorpio comes. Do a test drive of the Scorpio-N, you might come away impressed and if you have time, wait for the 5-door Thar and take a call accordingly as per your use case/requirements.

Here's what BHPian DicKy had to say on the matter:

You have mentioned all possibilities except for the obvious one.

The Scorpio-N!

And as @GTO has said, it is not just a gradual improvement or evolution. It is a proper generational change where you will find the core strengths of the Scorpio intact, while you will feel it is a proper modern car (because it is one)

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:

Honestly, there is nothing like that Scorpio S10. And definitely nothing in that price range.

There are enough takers for a Scorpio in other parts of India and the vehicle will never depreciate below a certain level. So I say keep it as long as you can.

Then when the 5-door Thar comes out next year, evaluate that and see if it fits your needs and then make a choice.

Right now, keep that Scorpio. You won’t get another like it.

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