Mahindra Scorpio Classic Review

While the legendary Scorpio moniker has now evolved into a tamer and elegant looking Scorpio-N, Mahindra realised that there will still be a select few buyers who crave the aggressive stance that the OG Scorpio once delivered. To cater to this market, Mahindra decided to give the last gen Scorpio a mild update, add a few features, and rebrand it as the Scorpio Classic. With the price difference between the Scorpio Classic and the Scorpio-N being relatively small, it was obvious that the Classic won’t be as big a hit as the N. But does the update do enough to still keep it in the market as a considerable option? Here’s what we think.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Pros and Cons 

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Exterior Design 

The exterior of the Mahindra Scorpio has always been iconic, and it is instantly recognisable as a Scorpio. The SUV’s design was made even more popular by Rohit Shetty movies, and it lives on in the hearts of many. Which is why it is a delight that Mahindra has preserved the Scorpio's iconic exterior design in the Classic. The grille has received a redesign with chrome strips, and the headlamps and bumpers are also updated. The signature bonnet scoop and squared-off rear contribute to the SUV's distinctive appearance. 

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Interiors 

Stepping inside the Scorpio Classic is like entering a time capsule. The flat and upright dashboard, high seating position, and chair-like fabric seats induce nostalgia. However, there are new additions to modernise the cabin, which include a faux-wood panel on the centre console, and a 9.0-inch Android-based touchscreen. However, ergonomic flaws, such as the absence of bottle holders and a narrow seat height adjustment cavity, slightly hamper the interior experience. The third row too gets side facing jump seats instead of a forward facing row, which has its pros and cons. While that allows for more leg room and better flexibility for luggage storage, it is not as safe as forward facing seats in the event of a collision, and may end up making occupants feel nauseous on twisty roads.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Comfort 

The Scorpio Classic stays true to its origin when it comes to seating, and the seats are also not up to modern standards. However, they are not uncomfortable by any means, and provide good support even on longer journeys. The Scorpio Classic's wide rear bench accommodates three passengers comfortably, but limited legroom and a long seat squab may impact overall comfort. The third-row jump seat layout offers practicality for easy ingress and egress, but compromises on safety. The suspension has also been re-tuned to account for the added weight, and it is very absorbent on rough and broken roads — the kind you’ll see in most rural areas. However, on flat roads, the suspension tends to be bouncy and jiggly, and even small imperfections tend to unsettle the large body-on-frame SUV.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Performance and handling

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is powered by a new second-generation 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, which delivers improved performance and cabin refinement. The 130 bhp motor, which is lighter and more efficient than its predecessor, ensures a silent and vibe-free driving experience. The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox which offers smoother shifts and shorter throws. While the power figure is decent, the torque on offer is a rather generous 300 Nm, which is available all the way down from 1,600 RPM. In fact, from 1,000 RPM itself, there’s enough torque to pull off overtakes, making this an aggressive driver’s delight. However, the updated engine is slower to the 100 km/h mark than its predecessor. There’s also no 4x4 on offer, which would’ve been a good addition for buyers who are looking for a go-anywhere tool. An automatic gearbox is also not a part of the offering, likely omitted to keep the top-end variant price in check.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Key specifications 

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Safety Features

While the Scorpio Classic has not been tested by Global NCAP, the older Scorpio was tested by the program back in 2016, where a zero airbag variant scored 0-stars in adult crash protection. The new one will definitely be better than its predecessor, but it still isn’t as safe as some of the newer Mahindras like the XUV700, Scorpio-N, or even the Thar. Safety features only include dual airbags, ABS, engine immobiliser, and a panic brake alert system, leaving room for improvement. While the Scorpio Classic excels in many other aspects, safety concerns do arise, especially because of the third-row jump seat configuration which lacks seat belts and impact protection.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Technology and Infotainment

The Scorpio Classic has been modernised with the inclusion of a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display which is powered by Android OS. However, the system doesn’t get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, restricting smartphone connectivity to just bluetooth. The audio system does a decent job, but it is not as sophisticated as modern rivals. The instrument cluster is also analogue, making the overall tech experience a limited one. Even proper rugged cars like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny offer more in terms of features, making the Scorpio Classic feel old.

Is the Mahindra Scorpio Classic for you?

While the Scorpio Classic retains all the lovable bits from its predecessor, it is still a very basic SUV built on an ageing platform. Still very charming and powered by a torquey 2.2-litre diesel, the Scorpio Classic targets a very specific niche of buyers who want a rugged no-frills SUV. However, the Classic has many drawbacks, and feels a generation old when compared to modern day rivals, making it hard to recommend to people outside the target niche. For most then, it is a wiser choice to spend a little extra and go for the Scorpio-N.