I bought a Scorpio in March 2004, opting for it ahead of Tata Safari(my first choice) and the grossly underrated Fiat Adventure(I was afraid of FIAT going Daewoo way).
A powerful engine that has a shattering and uncivilized sound - you drive in it for one day and you start having ear problems - they say CRDe is better - but I would not bother to check.
Fuel economy - a nightmare.
The leg space in the second row is no bettter than in Maruti 800.(I do not know why they could not add 4/5 inches to the length while updating it to introduce CRDe).Seating position is too upright and seats are awful.
Yo go beyond 80 km and suddenly you feel the vehicle has lost contact with ground and starts behaving like you are gliding. Quite rightly some reviewer had said that it behaved like a drunk cow.
You try braking at high speed - you are immediately reminded of the omnipresence of God - who could only save you if it fails to stop as per your estimate.
Now what happened to me was unique - and horrifying. First time I was travelling long distance back from Bhubaneswar to Kokata in a rough patch I was trying the vehicle in comparatively high speed. It went over ditches okay and regained composure quickly. But suddenly I found while I was still driving that the steering wheel had turned to left almost half the round of the wheel. I got the shock of my life and from thereon the last 140 km back to Kolkata I drove at no more that 50 km speed - always fearing that the steering wheel would jump out of its mounting at the slightest jerk.
I took the vehicle to Mohan Motors - and they checked everything and said there is nothing wrong after setting right the steering wheel alignment. A few months later again I was returning from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata - again the same thing happened on falling into some pot holes -again I was petrified while driving the remaining distance.
Second time at Mohan Motors I had to give a piece of my mind stating that they have to show me how this could happen in a running vehicle. Of course the guys there had no clue as to why it happened. I said please replace the steering package totally - they did not do so. Only repaired it once more and left me apparently to the mercy of Almighty!
I then I decided to part company with Mahindras at a time when I would be able to recover the maximum value on disposal - I am still waiting for a good price - it has done only 28000 km in over three years(any buyers?). Till then it would be doing only city duty fo my wife(so much for an SUV).
My verdict - it has great looks and a peppy engine. It can attract attention but cannot hold it.
About Mahindra - I understand their problem - they have a Harvard graduate at the too busy posing in magazines(with Madam Gandhi like streak of white hair) for his leadership innovation and turn around - hence they have less time to set defects right - keeping customers happy and are more busy focusing on mere looks and marketing.
My advise to buyers - look beyond its style and macho engine - make an informed choice - dont blame me for not warning you.
D.P.Patra, Kolkata - 28-04-2007
dppatra@gmail.com