The Mahindra Scorpio is a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from the flagship Mahindra & Mahindra subsidiary of Indian automaker Mahindra. Similar to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, the Scorpio sports a huge boxy shape, albeit with smoother edges. The vehicle has been in production since 2002.
The Mahindra Scorpio is split into five models: VLX, SLE, LX, EX and Getaway. Powering the VLX, SLE and LX versions of the Scorpio is a 2.2-liter 4-stroke turbodiesel engine called the mHawk. It generates 120 horsepower (hp) at 4,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 210 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque at 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. Included on the engine is a top-mounted intercooler for cooling the engine’s hot parts and thus helping to prevent its malfunction from overheating. With this engine, the Scorpio can go from zero to 60 miles per hour (mph) in 5.7 seconds.
The LX Scorpio uses a less powerful yet bigger 2.5-liter 75-hp m2DiCR engine. It propels the LX from zero to 60 mph in 11.2 seconds: a considerably slower acceleration time than the mHawk. The Getaway version uses the biggest engine of all Scorpio models: a 2.6-liter turbodiesel SZ CRDe with 115 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 204 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 to 2,200 RPM.
Fuel tank capacity is 16 gallons on the VLX, SLE and LX models of the Mahindra Scorpio; and 21 gallons on the other vehicles. The VLX model in particular has a Micro Hybrid Technology that intelligently switches the engine into standby when required; this consequently saves fuel.
The transmission that goes on the Mahindra Scorpio is either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the SUV are available; the latter is particularly useful for enhancing driving control over various road surfaces.
In terms of safety, airbags are not included; dual front airbags are optional on the VLX. However, each vehicle has a crash protection crumple zone at key points for absorbing most of the impact when a collision occurs. Also, the interior of the Scorpio is lined with fire-retardant upholstery.
Features on the Mahindra Scorpio vary widely according to trim. The EX and LX function as the base models; and they include a digital engine immobilizer, collapsible steering column, 5-zone cushion suspension, roof-top ski racks and illuminated spoiler. The Mahindra, with its middling engine, is the mid-level trim. Mahindra adds features like anti-lock braking system, front fog lamps and voice assist system on the SLE.
The VLX is designed as the top-level model of the Mahindra Scorpio. It is upgraded with the best the SUV has to offer. In addition to the aforementioned Micro Hybrid Technology, the VLX includes BlueVision headlights, 16-inch alloy hweels, an Intellipark system that monitors backing up and reverse parking, tire pressure monitoring system called Tyre-Tronics, and cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel. Regardless of model, though, each Scorpio can seat up to five people.
