
The new Mahindra Scorpio-N is finally here, offering a capable off-roader at a reasonable price.
The SUV is available in four specifications with the base model starting at R465,000, while anyone wishing to take home the top-end 4×4 must pay a minimum of R560,000.
Regardless of the version selected, the seven-seater comes with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine creating a generous 129kW and 400Nm, and this is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Even with all this power, the Mahindra will still manage a rather frugal 6.9l/100km on a combined fuel consumption.
Buyers additionally gain access to “Zip, Zap, and Zoom” drive modes – comparable to the more familiar Eco, Normal, and Sport modes found on other cars – in the two-wheel-drive specifications, and the four-wheel-drive variants receive the 4Xplor functions with a mechanical locking rear differential and brake locking differential, alongside settings for Grass, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Rut, and Sand.
Inside, the entry-level Scorpio Z4 features dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, hill ascent and descent control, driver alert monitoring, a 7-inch digital driver display combined with analogue dials, and an 8-inch AdrenoX infotainment system with smartphone pairing and built-in navigation.
The higher-tier Z8 models add to this with black leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and start, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and an additional climate control zone.
Finally, the top-spec Z8 L further throws in a 12-speaker Sony stereo, front camera, front parking sensors, a wireless charger, and an electronically-adjustable driver seat.
Each purchase also comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.
The competition
Below is a list of the crossovers and SUVs in South Africa with all-wheel drive that are competing for market share against the new Mahindra Scorpio-N.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen 4WD
- Starting price – R409,999
- Power – 80kW/260Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.2l/100km
Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GLX AllGrip
- Starting price – R438,900
- Power – 86kW/151Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.2l/100km
Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES
- Starting price – R531,000
- Power – 115kW/196Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km
Haval H6 2.0GDIT 4WD Luxury
- Starting price – R549,950
- Power – 150kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.3l/100km
BAIC B40 Plus 2.0TDi
- Starting price – R564,500
- Power – 110kW/350Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.5l/100km
Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4×4 Acenta
- Starting price – R572,000
- Power – 126kW/233Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.3l/100km
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 GLS
- Starting price – R589,990
- Power – 123kW/222Nm
- Fuel consumption – 8.2l/100km
Proton X70 1.5T Executive AWD
- Starting price – R629,900
- Power – 130kW/255Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.8l/100km
VW T-Roc 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion Design
- Starting price – R636,700
- Power – 140kW/320Nm
- Fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km
Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX-R AWD
- Starting price – R658,500
- Power – 127kW/203Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.7l/100km
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