Far-East Movement: 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N review

The 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N delivers the sub-continent’s best seven-seat utility SUV, but will it find favour in the South African market?

Meet the new 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N, a game-changed for the Indian manufacturer. Image: Mahindra South Africa

Firstly, can I get a holla for the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N name? Adding an N to the regular Scorpio nameplate is just genius; the work of the same nation that delivered us Durban’s Super Giants, officially with a possessive ‘s’. The clever naming strategy reminds you that the Mumbai-based corporation is completely at ease engineering, building and selling a refined and usable automobile anywhere in the world.

Critically, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine in the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N isn’t donated from some old Mitsubishi. It’s developed in-house, and it delivers respectable performance and economy. During our test period with the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N 4×4, we averaged just 8.0 l/100 km across all terrains and driving environments. Zero to 100 km/h acceleration is more steady than scintillating at 11.6 seconds. But 128 kW and 400 Nm of torque is easily accessible on the move thanks to a nicely calibrated six-speed automatic gearbox.

2024 MAHINDA SCORPIO-N

Slick, updated cabin of the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N. Image: Mahindra South Africa

Then there’s the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N interior, which has fewer rough edges and mismatched materials than you might expect for the asking price of just R608 199. Dual air conditioning, smooth leather seats, two-tone gloss-black finishes to the dashboard are your lot. Then there’s the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Sony sound quality to make the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N really tick. Never mind that this is the most affordable seven-seater utility SUV currently on sale in Mzansi.

MUST READ: What to do if your South African driver’s licence expires in 2024

There must be some sort of catch for the sheer amount of car you get for your money, right? But, safety wise, it’s on the button, with ABS, EBD, selectable four-wheel drive, traction control and a full quota of airbags. Basically, subcontinental vehicles like the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N are quickly mobilising to fill the reaches of the market that have open up because of unerring price inflation from Europe and other markets.

MIGHT IS RIGHT

This seven-seat utility SUV is big, spacious and wonderfully comfortable. Image: Mahindra South Africa

For the longest time, the Indian brand had a small-but-loyal band of fans. However, the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N, with its size (4.6-metres long and 1.9-metres high) and sophisticated good looks can win new fans on merit alone. Granted, beauty is still in the eye of the beholder, and maybe some can still see shades of the old Mahindra Scorpio. But look at it with clean set of eyes and it’s a nifty piece of design. We especially like the LED lights all-around and good-looking swage line between those snug-fitting 18-inch wheels.

ALSO READ: MUST SEE: World-class Ford Model T collection in South Africa

Inside, you sit high up like you’re in a genuine SUV – we’re talking Range Rover, Land Cruiser levels of lauding. Clearly, the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N’s thinking is founded on sensible principles. A tall roof, flat-floor, three rows of sears and the wheels shoved as far as possibly into the corners of the body shell make it immensely practical. Unfortunately, with the third row of seats in place, you get precious little boot space. So, you have to fold them down and kind of balance items atop or in-between the rows. It’s totally doable but not the most elegant stowage solution.

FORCE INDIA

To drive, the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N fires up to a typical diesel clatter but not long thereafter it settles to a decent warble that’s well masked behind ample sound-deadening. Crucially, the torque band is nice and wide for such a big car. Older Mahindras accelerated like a dog on a loose carpet – nothing, still nothing, then woosh! The six-speed automatic is decently suited to keep the 2.2-litre turbodiesel in its sweet spot. We were advised before the test to switch off the car’s auto stop/start system, as it could be slow to respond at a junction and sometimes unwittingly switch the entire car off. We didn’t want any traffic behind hooting and going crazy at us, so we kept it deactivated for the duration.

FINAL VERDICT

The 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N builds on its tough roots by adding tech and luxury at an affordable price. Image: Mahindra South Africa

India has gained a well-deserved reputation over the years for building tough and usable cars. However, the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N ups the ante and adds a welcome lustre that should have the market clamouring for more. For just R608 199 for the top of the range Z8L 4×4, you don’t just get that all-important third row of seats, you get a refined, economical and decently engineered full-size utility SUV. In short, if you’re in the market for such a vehicle, it’s definitely worth test driving the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N. Even if it only sheds light on what some manufacturers will charge double or sometimes triple for!

THE FIGURES

Best for: Honest, hard-working family trucklet for the whole family and not a lot money.
Not so sure: Ropey auto stop/start still a bugbear.
Model: Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L 4×4
Engine: 2 199 cc 4-cyl turbodiesel
Power: 128 kW, 400 Nm
Performance: 11.65 sec – 0-100 km/h
Gearbox: 6-speed auto
Economy: 8.0 l/100 km (tested)
Price: R608 199

NEXT READ: NEW tamper-proof licence plates to be rolled out across Mzansi

What do you think of the 2024 Mahindra Scorpio-N? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES FROM RAY LEATHERN