2008 Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio is the sole Indian-manufactured
vehicle to sell in the United Arab Emirates. It competes among the
mid-size SUV category here in the region. Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M)
also sells the Scorpio in several other Western countries as well as
in Africa and South America. Although the SUV is still in its first
generation, M&M has been updating it over the years with mostly
exterior design tweaks and interior updates wile retaining the humble
2.0-litre powerplant.

Affordability is Mahindra’s hook, and the Scorpio
is one of the cheapest all-wheel drive budget SUVs available in the
market currently selling at sub AED 60,000. Probably the Hyundai
Tucson, Kia Sportage and Daihatsu Terios are the only available SUV’s
to compete with the Scorpio on the pricing front, then again these
are small SUV’s, while the Scorpio categorizes under the medium
segment in this market.

For the Middle East market, Mahindra has outsourced
the Renault Powertrain International made 2.0-litre MPFI engine that
makes 118bhp and 183Nm of torque. The unit is fine for city use, but
when it comes to tackling the beaten path, the unit seriously runs
out of power. Maybe Mahindra should think of putting in a slightly
higher output engine – something in the league of a 3.0-litre unit
to make the car more engaging to drive off-road. But unfortunately,
M&M does not have any such engine under its belt as of now and
hence for 2008 it continues with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder as it
is.

It does, however, have good all-terrain versatility,
a spacious seven-seater cabin, power windows, a radio/CD and
air-conditioning. Mahindra has spruced up the interior on the current
model which again is available in a one-off trim only (you either
take it or leave it!) Middle-seat passengers get their own air vents.
The cabin styling is pleasantly modern with oval instruments and
aluminium-look plastic on the centre console. Fit and finish along
with quality of materials used inside may be good according to Indian
standards but sadly fail to make the cut in comparison with its
international competition.

Exteriorly, the Scorpio has a rugged Jeep-like
appearance with alloy wheels and protective plastic cladding on the
lower body. The vehicle feels robust, and thanks to a tough ladder
chassis, there’s little body flex. Its off-road ability is
reasonable owing mainly to its selectable all-wheel drive, low-range
transfer case, long-travel suspension and reasonable 190mm ground
clearance. As an extra-cost option, all-wheel drive can be invoked on
the move by turning a knob on the centre console.

Well-priced yes, but the Scorpio is rather
lacklustre and lacks the panache when touching base with other SUV’s
in the market. But for those budget SUV seekers who can live with the
sluggish 2.0-litre engine and  five -speed manual transmission,
the Scorpio is not a bad buy.

 Technical Specifications

Engine
2.0-litre, 4 cyl
Power
118 Bhp
Torque
183 Nm
Transmission         5-speed manual

Price Range

Starts from UAE Dirhams 58500*

* Prices are indicative and may vary at the time of
purchase. All prices are ex-Dubai showrooms. Please check with your local
dealer for current prices and offers.

Competition

Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
SsangYong Actyon