A good buy which can get better

 

I am one who has graduated from a Bolero I owned for 4 years until this Scorpio LX BS IV that I bought in July 2010. I have stayed with Mahindra vehicles as it is my belief that one gets value for money. Here is my review which I hope will provide some constructive inputs for a better vehicle. The Scorpio that rolled out in 2006 came with 42 modifications over the previous models. The Mhawk version is the present upscale platform. With the suggested improvements the vehicle should maintain its brand image over other cars in the same category.

 

Exterior Very good styling. Distinctive road presence.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Finish could be improved - quality of plastic and colour could be better. Where is a clock on the dashboard? A good LED timepiece would definitely increase the show of the dashboard console (cheaper models of other manufacterers flaunt this). The flooring is the bugbear of Mahindra MUVs - the fibrous floor lining is very difficult to maintain - it can get easily stained and dirt/mud is difficult to remove. The floor mats provided are of very inferior quality - they are very light and so move around thus spreading the dirt on the floor rather than containing it. Rubber floor lining could be considered for standard issue.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance is the best feature of this vehicle as the pick-up is superb. The engine power available on all gears is very good. Fuel economy is not more than 10 kmpl in city traffic. The gearbox is a bit stiff but that is a feature of all Mahindra vehicles.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is good due to the modified suspension but the roll factor is very evident when off-roading.

 

Final Words This variant (Mhawk) is much better than the predecessors but there is room for improvement to continue dominating this segment of vehicles.

 

Areas of improvement One feature that needs to be implemented is a gutter above the windshield to contain the rain water from the roof (the Bolero has this). This would prevent the cascade of rain water from the sloped roof onto the windshield when the vehicle brakes or slows down in traffic. This water from the roof is sudden and obliterates the road view ahead for a time period before the wipers can effectively cope.

Another matter which needs consideration is the housing around the rear tyres. There is no protection for the mud thrown at the front end of the rear tyres. This mud then coats the body area immediately ahead which includes the inner surfaces of the rear doors - a serious corrosion threat. A shielding arrangement for this should be standard issue.

Overhead A/C vents (as in the Toyota Innova and Tata Safari) would increase air circulation especially in the second and third row of seats.

 

Quiet engine, smooth running and great looksInteriors and accessories could be better