Read about the new Scorpio at the end of my old review
24 Hours into my Big Bad Black Scorpio, I am struggling with emotions. Is it Lust that I am experiencing or just sombering passion. Riding a big tall vehicle is always a mans thing. Kudos to Mahindra for making it possible on a limited budget (under 10 lacs). Here are my experiences in the first 24 hours of ownership.
This was the first time I was driving the Scorpio CRDE, I had done good run to Manali (Banon Resorts) a few years back and loved the old Scorpio so trusting the good word floating around I decided to buy the Scorpio (Other options in the same budget were Honda City zx Vtec => lacked the s-appeal, Optra => triggers mid-life crisis and makes me feel old and fat, Elantra => makes me feel like a grand father). So friends Scorpio was the elixir that knocks out 10 Kgs and 5 Years and hence the decision was made.
Had an intresting Sales Discussions (Sri Durga Automobiles ==> highly recommended). The sales person Gaurav did a good job of mixing and matching various options available. Here is what I decided on:
Scorpio CRDE TC1 Black color 7, 06, 000/- ex showroom
Add ons:
Silver Side cladding 30000/-
Alloy wheels (Mahindra) 23000/-
Power Windows (Mahindra) 13000/-
Sunroof (Webasto) 40000/-
Reverse/Parking Sensor 3000/-
Mirrors and Frills 3000/-
Will go in additionaly for Leather Seats (Fake leather) 20000/-
The whole package fitted into my budget (under 900000/-). The JVC DVD player with NECVOX Drop Down screen will keep the entertainment index high.
The vehicle is relatively low on Noise (as compared to earlier Scorpio version).
The Steering has a weird feel to it and keeps one involved always (you cant take it easy anytime). The acceralation is great and the braking is ok.
Interiors look a shade better then the previous versions. The switches quality has improved tremendously. The new 16 wheels with alloys look great (highly recommended, I am a bit of a wheel guy).
There are enough cup holders to keep all occupied. The sitting position for the driver is adequate but no great shakes.
The ride is a bit bumpy as the suspension does toss around the contents quite a bit.
Lack of ABS is surprising? Hopefull Mahindra would do a Hyuandai soon and offer ABS as an upgrade.
All in all a good first few hours and a delightful sales experience at the Sri Dugra Automobiles.
.....Would the Honda ZX Vtec been a better buy .........................Post Purchase Cognitive Dissonance at work....no....no.... remember 10 Kgs....5 years :-)
Lo Behold a New Scorpio
This one is tough! M&M broke my heart by launching a new Scorpio where my Car is still on the honeymoon. A bad 24 hrs later I am back to normal. This is business guys, improvement is the only way forward.
I test drove the new Scorpio and here is my take on it:--->
Looks: The snout on the top of the bonnet looks sexy. Its integrated to the bonnet and cannot be put on the old Scorpio. The rear lights are ok, M&M could have done it better.
Interiors: More nooks and pockets for phones and works. The glovebox is bigger which is big respite from the older version. Rest all is ok and same as the earlier version. The sliding middle seat is a good thingy and so are the arm rests.
Engine: I love the new CRDE and (thankfully) there is no change here. The NVH treatment remains the same.
Suspension: This is one improvement which will send owners of older Scorpios (me included :-( ) into a tailspin. The new Scorpio behaves like a proper car. No more jerks and spasms when you hit the dirt. It takes the rough with the smooth (oh... remembering my old Sierra which made this line poplular) with ease and people here we now have an international challenger. The car is a delight to drive.
i need to buy another vehicle. Waiting for a reason to buy this beauty.
Passion red is good for 20 somethings, I like the black animal.
No ABS or EBD (thankfully as I would have been in a frenzy) so there is still scope for improvement.