You will die in it - updated 28dec. Review on Mahindra Scorpio

28 dec 04.

I read all the reviews out here on the scorpio. Just one question - How many of you guys know that the Scorpio has never been crash tested? Never. Not one safety rating ever done on

this vehicle.

I cant blame the Mahindra’s since its not necessary per Indian laws. We have more than enough people to sacrifice. But buyers should atleast be aware.

I am driving a Scorpio now. Not mine thankfully. So I’m thrashing the vehicle as much as I can.

Here’s what I feel:

Looks: Probably the ugliest Mahindra Jeep ever made. Everything is out of proportion. The front is ugly. I’ve seen better creativity on window grills. I like the rear end treatement though. Its classy. But one good section does not a vehicle make.

Legroom: Okay in front. Cramped in the back. The seats at the extreme rear are only meant for kids.

Lighting and electricals: Bright headlights. Thats the good part. The bad part is other bulbs keep popping. Indicators, instrument panel LED’s all stop working after a while.

Engine: Powerful enough for the city. But noisy. Of course not as noisy as the rest of the Mahindra vehicles but it could certainly use some more sound proofing. It costs 7 lakhs for christs sake.

Suspension: Awful. Only the front passengers are insulated. The rest of the passengers will suffer going over the bumps and potholes in India.

Steering: Power steering the only saving grace. The turning radius is too big.

Visibility: Front and sides are okay. But you cant see much else. Parking is an effort.

Off road ability: A big joke. The scorpio is not an SUV. Where are the Traction control, Anti lock brakes, Stability control and Slip differentials??? How can you call it an SUV without these things?

When I say offroad, I mean serious off roading. Going to your village to see granny does not count as off roading.

Speed: I start laughing when people tell me they travel at 140 kmph on the Scorpio. Its not a sports car. Its a utility vehicle. If you want to travel at those crazy speeds buy a Skoda Octavia. All you guys who travel above 100 kmph on such vehicles and survive obviously have God watching over your shoulder. Good luck.

Fit and finish: I like the paint job. Good colors and seems to be a long lasting variety. Interiors leave much to be desired. If I was paying 7 lakhs for this vehicle I expect heated leather seats.

Wheels: I’ve read some reviews saying how much they love the ’’big bulbous’’ wheels. Have you guys ever tried changing tyres on the Scorpio. I wont tell you. Find out for yourself.

And the name Scorpio. Couldnt they have chosen an original name? I think Ford came out with the Scorpio name in the late 80’s. Obviously Mr.Mahindra’s wife liked that name and they’re stuck with it.

All said and done if a vehicle is not crash tested I will not buy it.