Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Is the Scorpio Classic still relevant in 2023?

October 26, 2023 09:30 IST

If you are looking for an SUV with the latest tech, then the Scorpio Classic is cleary not for you.

Text: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com.
Videos/Photos: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com.

The Mahindra Scorpio, which was launched in India in 2002, is one of the most iconic SUVs in the country, known for its ruggedness, reliability, and value for money.

But in an age where cars are full of tech, is the Scorpio, now renamed as the Scorpio Classic, still relevant on Indian roads 21 years later?

Mahindra Scorpio Classic

We recently had the opportunity to drive the Scorpio Classic on a variety of roads, including tarmac, bad roads, green patches, and paths with no roads. And it proved that tech isn't everything.

What a car needs is to be tough. And you can't get tougher on Indian roads than the Scorpio Classic.

 

On tarmac roads, the Scorpio Classic is comfortable and stable. The engine is responsive and the gearbox is smooth. The suspension is well-tuned and absorbs bumps and potholes well.

See the video below to get a complete review of the 2023 Mahindra Scorpio Classic.

The Scorpio Classic is now powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. The engine is now mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox which performs wonderfully on highways.

The ladder-on-frame chassis of the SUV gives it excellent off-road capability, which is why the Scorpio Classic is in its element on bad roads. It handles rough terrain with ease as you see in the video above, thanks to its high ground clearance and long-travel suspension.

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic

We also drove the Scorpio Classic on green patches and paths with no roads. And it was able to tackle these challenges with ease.

This is not the most tech-savvy SUV on the market. But it does make up for it with its toughness.

In terms of safety, the Scorpio Classic gets up to dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors.

Mahindra SCorpio with an Indian Farmer in Sateri

So, to come back to the main question, is the Scorpio Classic still relevant on Indian roads?

Yes, definitely yes! For all of us who love to drive, the Scorpio Classic is still relevant on Indian roads in 2023.

It is a tough, reliable, and value-for-money SUV which is well-suited for Indian road conditions.

However, if you are looking for an SUV with the latest tech, then the Scorpio Classic is not for you. There are other SUVs on the market that offer more tech features.

But if you are looking for a rugged and reliable SUV that is well-suited for Indian roads, then the Scorpio Classic is a great choice which won't let you down.

Because it does not have ANY gizmos to let you down!

Rajesh Karkera in Mumbai and Hitesh Harisinghani