Mahindra Scorpio S8 8 Seater

Scorpio S8 8 Seater Review

Mahindra Scorpio is one of the best selling SUV in the Indian car market. The manufacturer has launched its latest version with quite a few updates to its exteriors and interiors. It is available in seven, eight and nine seating options for the buyers to choose from. This model is being sold in numerous trim levels, out of which, Mahindra Scorpio S8 8 Seater is the mid range variant. The exteriors of this facelifted version are designed with an aggressive front fascia, which has new headlamps, revised front bumper and a bold radiator grille. It also has a brand new set of alloy wheels that gives the side profile an elegant look. On the other hand, its internal cabin gets a modified dashboard with new sporty looking steering wheel and re-designed AC vents, which gives it an upmarket look. At the same time, the company has not made any technical changes to this utility vehicle. This particular variant is powered by the same 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine with variable geometry charger under the hood. It has has the ability to displace 2179cc and can churn out a maximum power of 120bhp in combination with 280Nm of peak torque. The car maker is offering this SUV with a standard warranty of two years or 50,000 kilometers (whichever is earlier). However, it can be increased for another two years with extended warranty program offered by the authorized dealers. It will compete against the likes of Tata Safari, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and others in this segment. 

Exteriors:

The frontage has an aggressive radiator grille, which is fitted with a few vertically positioned slats. It has a prominent chrome plated company's logo in the center. This grille is surrounded by a revamped headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The large windscreen is made of toughened glass and integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam for cooling the powerful engine quickly . It is surrounded by a couple of round shaped fog lamps. Its side profile has body colored door handles and ORVMs. These external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with a side turn blinker. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels that enhances the look of its side profile. These rims are further covered with P 235/65 R17 sized tubeless radial tyres. The rear end has quite attractive look owing to the distinctly crafted taillight cluster, which is further equipped with high intensity lights and reflectors. The large tailgate is accompanied with a thick chrome appliqué and a license plate. The windscreen is integrated with a defogger and a high mounted stop lamp. At present, this SUV is available in five body paint options including a Diamond White, Mist Silver and Fiery Black along with two new colors, which are Regal Blue and Molten Red.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Mahindra Scorpio S8 8 Seater is done up in dual tone color scheme that is complimented by a lot of metallic inserts. The updated dashboard features a wood finished central bezel, a steering wheel, a large glove box and re-designed AC vents. The instrument panel is integrated with several functions like a digital tachometer, tripmeter, low fuel warning light, odometer, fuel consumption display, door ajar and driver seatbelt reminder notifications . The roomy internal cabin has well cushioned seats, which provide enough leg space for all the passengers. These are integrated with head restraints and further covered with premium fabric upholstery. Its three spoke steering wheel is tilt adjustable and makes handling quite convenient. This variant is equipped with a number of utility based aspects, which includes a large glove box, cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, remote fuel lid opener, theater style interior illumination, room lamp and all four power windows with driver side auto down function.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is powered by a 2.2-litre, turbocharged, mHawk diesel engine, which has a displacement capacity of 2179cc. It is mated with a new smoother five speed manual transmission gear box, which transmits the engine power to its front wheels. This diesel motor is integrated with 4-cylinders and 16-valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It can churn out a maximum power output of 120bhp at 4000rpm and 280Nm of peak torque between 1800 to 2800rpm. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, it can deliver a maximum mileage of 15.4 Kmpl that is rather decent. This diesel motor allows the SUV to attain a top speed of approximately 156 Kmph, while it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in about 15.8 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

Its front axle is assembled with a double wishbone type of mechanism with independent front coil spring, whereas the rear axle is fitted with a multi-link coil spring suspension with anti roll bar. It is further assisted hydraulic double acting telescopic shock absorbers. On the other hand, the front wheels are equipped with a set of caliper type ventilated disc brakes, while the rear wheels get drum brakes . This braking mechanism is augmented by anti lock braking system. It has a rack and pinion based steering wheel, which is tilt adjustable and supports a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Mahindra Scorpio S8 8 Seater trim is bestowed with several sophisticated features. It has a 2-DIN music system that supports CD/MP3 player, Radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and four speakers. The efficient air conditioning unit has a heater and rear AC vents, which keeps the cabin cool . It also has a 12V accessory socket for charging mobiles and other gadgets. Apart from these, it is incorporated with driver seat height adjustment function, intelligent front wipers, follow me home headlamps, power adjustable outside rear view mirrors, rear defogger, side step, illuminated key ring and a few other aspects. 

Safety Features:

This SUV has a rigid body structure with crash protection crumple zones and side impact beams. It has seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. Apart from these, for extra protection, it is also blessed with airbags for driver and front co-passenger. In addition to these, it also has central locking system, rear doors with child safety locks , an engine immobilizer, panic brake indication, collapsible steering and a high mounted stop lamp. 

Pros:

1. Spacious internal cabin with comfortable seating.

2. Reasonable price tag.

Cons:

1. Size is too big for city roads.

2. Fuel economy can be improved.