Sep 12, 2011 10:56 PM
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The Mahindra Scorpio had been my dream vehicle ever since its launch. It always looked a rugged SUV with a reliable engine. Sadly Mahindra has not been able to price it right. Agreed that the current Scorpio is technically way ahead of the first gen Scorpio but that does not justify the price that Mahindra has been charging.
I got an opportunity to travel and drive a brand new Scorpio SLE (Rs.10.50 Lacs or-road) for about 2000 kms return trip and after the trip I had mixed feelings about the Scorpio.
When the trip was about to begin, I had sleepless nights thinking of my friends brand new Scorpio. During the trip I realised what it means to drive a Scorpio, what it means to be a co-passenger and also what it means to be a rear seat passenger in a Scorpio.
When the journey ended I still loved the Scorpio but made a firm decision that Scorpio was not a vehicle that I needed to purchase for my family. Yes, I loved the vehicle but I realised it is of no use to a mid-level executive like me who uses the car for about 8000 kms every year with 80% city usage. I would rather spend 8.50 Lacs to buy a premium sedan like Honda City or Vento. The extra 2 Lacs that I would save (in comparison with on-road price of 10.50 Lacs for Scorpio SLE) can provide me enough petrol for about 4 years.
The positives of the Scorpio SUV (common points for all variants)
1) Superb Exterior design which looks rugged and handsome
2) The Engine performance is great.
3) The beige colored interiors give it a lively sedan feel
4) The high seating position gives the driver a commanding position
5) Auto rickshaw drivers will never try to bully you due to its tough looks
6) The dual tone black Scorpio looks like a glamorous SUV
7) The detailed computronics in the higher versions.
The negatives of the Scorpio (common points for all variants)
1) Mahindra is cheating its buyers by overcharing for the Scorpio. The entry level EX variant which has no goodies at all costs a whopping 8.50 Lacs in Mumbai. For that price I can get a luxury sedan like Honda City or Vento,
2) For 8.50 Lacs EX variant you get a taxi-segment Scorpio (check M&M website)
3) The plastics used inside the cabin lacks quality feel and the fitments too are sloppy.
4) The cabin lighting is very dim
5) At high speeds the Scorpio cannot handle bad roads or harsh braking. It jumps dangerously and the rear passengers are thrown forward.
6) The large size of the Scorpio means that it is less fun to drive in Mumbai traffic.
7) The rear design of the Scorpio looks dated and out of proportion
I feel that the Scorpio is a good vehicle for grass-root politicians, small time builders & off-roading enthusiasts. It has the image of being a bully and believe me Auto rickshaws and bikers will never get in your way. But for middle class families in congested and chaotic cities like Mumbai who can afford just one car in the family, the Scorpio is a big NO. It may be fun to own for sometime but later on the mind rules over the heart and we arrive at a conclusion that a sedan like Honda CIty and VW Vento offers much more Comfort and Status than an SUV like Scorpio.
Another option to Socrpio would be the Chevy Tavera. It has a much comfortable ride over long distances and the vehicle holds itself well at high speeds and on bad roads too. Sadly it is BSIII & can be registered only outside Bombay limits. Had done a similar trip in Tavera 3 years ago and it was like a mile muncher. We had got a much better fuel average of about 17kmpl of diesel. The interior quality of the Chevy Tavera is slightly better than the Scorpio.
So if you have 10 Lacs to spare, then consider the Vento or City. If you still think that your family needs an SUV, then also test drive a Tavera. It can be of decent value for a lesser price.
