2017 Mahindra Scorpio: Competition Check

Mahindra has launched an updated Scorpio in the country with a slightly tweaked fascia, updated cabin and a more powerful engine. This is the first major update for the SUV since the introduction of the new generation back in 2014.  The Scorpio was in dire need of an update since its competition has progressed in terms of design and equipment. Whereas, the segment witnessed new entrants as well for the ones who want a piece of the SUV pie in the Indian market. So here is a competition check to see how the new Scorpio goes up against its direct rival on paper.

Tata Hexa

Tata introduced the all-new Hexa earlier this year. The SUV has been built with Tata’s new design language. Moreover, the build, quality and equipment on the Hexa match modern benchmarks. It is powered by a 2.2-litre Varicor motor with two states of tunes – 148bhp and 154bhp and can be had with either a six-speed automatic or manual. The Hexa is priced approximately in the same price bracket as the Scorpio. However, Scorpio has a legacy to back its presence in the market.

Renault Captur

The Captur is Renault’s take on the growing premium SUV segment. It looks modern and feature laden as well. There is a choice of a petrol and diesel powertrain with CVT automatic in the petrol guise. Positioned above the Duster, the Captur is a proper five-seater crossover. On the other hand, it lacks the ruggedness of the Scorpio since the latter is based on a ladder-on-frame chassis. The Scorpio also has an option of a 4x4 for when the roads start to disappear. 

Hyundai Creta

Since its launch back in 2015, Hyundai’s compact SUV, the Creta, has turned out to be a runaway success for the Korean carmaker. The scaled-down Santa Fe is available across 14 variants with two diesel, one petrol engine and two transmission options. There are no 4x4 options, though, but the Creta makes it up with its long feature list. The Creta is the second highest selling Hyundai in India averaging more than 8,000 units each month. It also got a minor cosmetic update last month.

Toyota Innova Crysta

The Innova Crysta is an MPV and comes out as the best one that your money can buy in the country. It is loaded with features; it gets potent motors which makes it one of the fastest MPVs and the comfortable ride makes it a great long distance car. However, it is expensive than the Scorpio. But when you factor in Toyota’s legendary reliability and the sheer feel-good factor, the cost isn’t intimidating anymore. The seven-seater comes with two diesel and one petrol engine option.

Mahindra XUV500

This turns out to be a sibling rivalry. The new Scorpio now comes powered by the same 140bhp mHawk motor as the XUV500. The XUV has a monocoque construction and is more modern compared to the utilitarian Scorpio. The XUV is more expensive as well. The Scorpio is more capable off-road than the XUV and is more rugged as well. So of the two, which Mahindra to buy then depends on your personal preferences.

Renault Duster

The Captur and the Duster are essentially un-identical twins. The Duster has started to look dated now with its boxy lines and simple interiors. The Scorpio has better road presence compared to the five-seater Duster. The French SUV comes with petrol and diesel engine options. The diesel is available in two configurations and comes mated to either a five-speed or a six-speed manual transmission apart from an AMT. The Duster is also offered with the shift-on-fly all-wheel-drive option along with the standard front-wheel-drive setup.