More than Expected package

I started looking at replacing my Zen some 2 months ago. After a lot of research (especially on this site) I zeroed in on Innova, Tavera and Scorpio. My requirements were -diesel vehicle, large luggage carrying capacity, rugged vehicle for family and work, do at least 150km in city and highway driving daily without a fuss in whatever road conditions and should stand the abuse of drivers. Finally went for the Scorpio and got delivery 2 weeks ago.

The Tavera was struck off the list as the company guys were just not interested in doing business. I was chasing them for two weeks. I don't know how the cars is and how they sell any. After repeated calls and visits I was contacted once on the phone and that was it.

The Innova is a very nice car. Good interiors and finish. Drives well too. But its shape and styling are a drag. Also, the price tag is too high. Of course u get the Toyota service and quality. Also the service outlet is a good 20km from where I stay and they do not have any pick up or drop for the vehicle.

That left me with the Scorpio (although reluctantly at first). But I was in for a surprise. On my first visit I was offered a test drive. With this vehicle u need to keep up with it. Effortless overtaking and road handling. Its spacious. Has a good height too (which keeps oncoming headlights out of your face). Best of all it came with an offer of Rs 50 k off on this model.

Mahindra has sure come a long way since their utilitarian jeeps. Had a Commander 15 years ago. It was the pits. Whatever I wished they change in the commander they have done so for the Scorpio. The Commander boasted uncomfortable bench seats, badly synchronised gears, rattling, vibrating, noisy engine, wayward braking and no overdrive. It had an engine which needed preheating before it coughed into life - with a lume of black smoke from the rear. All these irritations have been addressed and beyond in the Scorpio. With the windows up the Scorpio is actually a quiet vehicle (for a diesel engine). It reponds beautifully to the pressure of your foot on the accelerator. It just glides on the road. The ride quality is excellent. The Scorpio has really improved here. It is a little bumpy in the rear but not uncomfortably so. My kids love it in the back. I also had a need for lots of luggage space as I use the vehicle for work sometimes (we have a distributorship of color cosmetics and packaged foods) . Happy to say with the rear seats folded there is ample room for everything - and I mean everything. The power assist steering is also responsive.

The mileage is poor. I get between 10 and 10.5 kmpl in mixed city and highway driving with the AC on. I have already done 1500km. The rear seat could have done with better lumbar suppport. It is also too straight and should have reclined a bit more. The steering adjustment I find useless. Its just a gimmick. The lower position sits on your lap. Beacuse of the height of the vehicle U are totally blind while reversing. I opted for the rear sensor (part of the freebie package) which should be a standard fitment actually. The rear wipers are a good idea. Opted for floor mats from the dealer which was a big mistake. Cheap PVC mats with some wax polish which melted onto the carpets and stained them. Have to do a complete carpet clean on my first service. The tail/brake lights are loud and embarassing. Thankfully they don't light up all the way up when u brake.

All in all a good vehicle for family, work and recreation. I am glad I went for it.

DARRYL

Power personified, Good styling, spacious interiorspoor mileage, rear seats could have been better