Mahindra Scorpio BS6 launched – Starts at Rs. 12.40 lakhs (ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Scorpio is now BS6 compliant, and this mechanical upgrade has raised the price of the SUV by Rs 60,000. Starting from 12.40 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Scorpio will be available in 4 variants, the S5, S7, S9 and S11, which are priced at 12.40 lakhs, 14.21 lakhs, 14.84 lakhs and 16 lakhs respectively (all prices being ex-showroom).

In comparison to the previous Scorpio, not much has changed, however, the entry level S3 variant has now been discontinued. Along with this, the older 2.5 m2DICR litre and the 120 ps 2.2 mHawk litre engines have also been scrapped. Furthermore, the AWD option has been ditched, resulting in all the current variants of the Scorpio being RWD in nature. Yeaup! Scorpio’s DNA has been altered and we are as sad as you will be.

The 2020 BS6 Scorpio is powered by a 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine which makes about 140 ps, and this engine is coupled with a 6 speed manual transmission. If an automatic vehicle is your need, the Scorpio would not be your pick as currently, Mahindra is not offering an automatic transmission in the Scorpio.

The Mahindra is not feature packed like its rivals, but the top end S11 variant does have a few convenient features such as, a 7.0 inch infotainment system, automatic climate control and a multi-function steering wheel. On the outside, it continues to use the projector headlamps with chrome bezels and daytime running lights. The rear end houses the same LED taillamps from BS4 Scorpio. In terms of safety, the Scorpio has dual-airbags, speed alert system, ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), seatbelt reminder, auto door lock, panic brake indicator and an engine immobiliser. The safety features are quite basic, and there is not much that I can particularly praise.

This model of the Scorpio is beginning to feel quite old and stale, as SUVs of its competition are superior to it, mechanically and feature vise. An update is in the works though, as the next generation Scorpio test mule has been seen venturing about quite a many times. This update is believed to be a complete change, and that is exactly what the Scorpio requires, in order to keep up with its rivals.

The current BS6 Scorpio can be purchased in 4 colours, Pearl White, Napoli Black, Molten Red and Dsat Silver. For the people who are interested in purchasing the car but cannot do so due to the lockdown, Mahindra has started an online portal via which you can not only book, but also purchase the SUV. The segment in which the Scorpio belongs has some very strong contenders such as the 2020 Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Tata Hexa, MG Hector and the Renault Duster. So, the current gen Scorpio would surely find it very difficult to take these vehicles on.

In fact, if you are looking to buy a 7-seater capable SUV but can’t shell out the price demanded by the Fortuner segment, we’ll recommend you to steer away from the Scorpio and look at the Tata Hexa BS6. It is currently the only 7-seater SUV in that price range and it one ups the Scorpio by it’s tremendously safe build quality, plush and premium feel interiors, a brilliantly tuned automatic transmission, JBL-Harman sound system with Apple carplay and Android auto, a very capable 4×4 system and a 400NM torque diesel motor. I am pretty sure you get the point.

Although, there are other offerings too like the Innova Crysta and the Maruti XL6, they are not off-road ready and the Innova is kind of overpriced now.