We were looking out for a bigger vehicle after using the Ford Ikon for a few years. We ended up buying the Scorpio 2.6 SXi which was very impressive and appealing.
We have now run 4500 kms in our Scorpio in three months.
Positive features :
- Exterior :
The Apple Red with Soft Beige claddings has outstanding looks. The rear of the vehicle still does not match up to the standard set by the front, but adding a spoiler had improved the looks significantly.
Dual color combination is the best. If you are constrained by budget, you have the option to buy a vehicle with claddings same as base color or a vehicle with unpainted claddings or a vehicle with no claddings.
Best in class exterior looks.
- Interior :
Matching the exterior, our vehicle has soft beige interior. It has a two tone instrument panel with wood finish giving a very pleasing and elegant look. Air conditioning is comfortable and acts fast. The Kenwood audio system that comes as standard fitment on SXi has very good sound quality.
Overall good but gap between parts have to be improved.
- Engine performance :
The 2.6 L turbo charged diesel engine is very responsive. I did not expect this level of pick up and performance from a diesel engine. It feels like a petrol driven vehicle and always seems to have power when in need. The only minor glitch is to wait one minute for the turbo to get to action at the start.
Impressive performance.
- Handling :
The vehicle handles the hills beautifully,. I was worried about ease of parking initially. For the size of vehicle, it is easy to drive and park. The power steering is very smooth. The vehicle has very good maneuverability.
Good Minor details :
The Sxi variant has 8 prerecorded voice alarms like door ajar, hand brake ON, wear your seat belt.
Theater style lights switch off, with choice to rotate.
Pleasant looking Instrument cluster
Features that are Not great but also not bad :
- Fuel Efficiency :
When checked over many tank fills, found that the vehicle gives about 10 kms / litre for average city driving. On medium distance trips (say Pune - Mumbai - Pune) we get slightly more than 11 kms / litre.
- Ride quality :
First and foremost, this is an SUV and not a car.
If you are going to compare the ride and handling to that of a car, you will not be satisfied. An SUV will certainly give you a bumpier ride than a car. My wife compares Scorpio to an Ikon and thinks the Ikon is much better and she is right.
The vehicle’s suspension was acting too much for my comfort in the first few days. But it settled down to a better level.
I feel that considering the SUV options, this vehicle does not have a bad ride and handling. At the same time the smoothness of gear shift is nothing to write about (I especially have problems in engaging second gear)
- Boot space :
At the top end, only 7 seat option was available, though 8 seat is available in lower models. In 7 seat version, you have the facility to fold the middle row of seats fully and also topple themto create an enormous amount of space (my daughter is very happy at the back now).
The only thing I would have liked further was to have a split folding middle row of seats.
Features that need Improvement :
- Braking :
It is just OK (not good enough for Scorpio). When you push the brake pedal, the result (braking) is not proportional. For the first half of pedal movement nothing much happens, but then things happen exponentially (which is not good). I also do hear people having concerns with the braking stability at speeds above 100 kms. To be tested
- Build Quality :
Within the first 100 kms, we found that hot air was coming from the A/C vent at the back with full air-conditioning. Found out from the dealer that the A/C ducts on the vehicle were not connected properly at all in first place.
That gets corrected and I go again for another ride to find out that at a certain position (between 9’o clock and 10' o clock position) cool air comes in front vents and warm air in the back vents. Got back to the dealer again, only to find out that this is a design issue in Scorpio
- Understanding of customer expectation (by dealers) :
It is evident from the overall quality of the vehicle that M&M is doing a lot for customer satisfaction. But the result is not reaching the end customer, because of some small things (that create a major impact).
My vehicle had a clear scratch mark on the front right door (about 5 – 8 mm length) when purchased. The dealership did not have an answer. I don't think M&M would have shipped a vehicle this way. But the dealers do not perceive this as an issue.
An optional rear view mirror that looks really cuteis available (to enlarge and show vehicles that are right next to rear door). This fell down twice in the first two weeks. Dealer says that it is not a good accessory to buy. Then why is it in the list ?
There are chrome grillsthat are optional on top of the tail lamps. These grills are assembled using double sided sticker and super glueonto the vehicle. I do not think any vehicle manufacturer would accept this as a process.
My steering wheel had a clear dirt mark when I purchased the vehicle, which was left unclean.
I do not think the above issues are a one dealer issue (as my dealer has been very prompt in his responses and has a good attitude).
I think the overall standard of the dealer network should be improved to meet the customer requirements of this specific vehicle which is very different from other M&M products.
- Squeak and Rattle :
Front left seat belt give a very unpleasant rattlewhen it is not in use. The seats or the seat cover seem to get between the latch and its normal position (gap is too less)
The rear door was rattling. On some close look found that the number plate at the back is rattling. Reason ? It was has been stuck using double side tape and so improper fitment.
There is another flip flop noise coming from the air-conditioner now and then.
Unknown ?
- Cost of maintenanceover a period of time
- Long term durability and qualityof the vehicle over a period of time.
Verdict ?
We have to appreciate the M&M team for coming with a wonderful indigenously developed SUV. It really proves that India can design and manufacture vehicles to world class standards. (The dealerships have a little further to go).
Even after Tavera entry, I still think the Scorpio is better overall. I am certain that the maintenance of the Scorpio (designed and developed in India) is going to be more economical than an imported vehicle design.
Overall I would recommend to Go and get it
