Mahindra Scorpio Classic: The King of the Road or an Outdated Dinosaur? A Deep Dive into India’s Legendary SUV

In a world of compact, feature-packed SUVs, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic stands as a monument to a different era. This legendary nameplate, one of Mahindra’s oldest in India, is a bold and boxy SUV that delivers on a promise of ruggedness and an imposing road presence. While it lacks the modern comforts and sophisticated features of its rivals, it offers a sense of power and authority that is hard to find at this price point. The question for buyers isn’t just about specs, but about what they truly value in a car.

Design: Unmistakable Presence and Rugged Appeal

The one thing that makes the Scorpio Classic so attractive is its sheer size and design. Its huge, boxy silhouette commands attention and invokes a sense of power. The design, while in essence two decades old, is full of character. At the front, you get large projector halogen headlamps with eyebrow-like LED DRLs, a massive grille with vertical chrome inserts, and a standout bonnet scoop—a proud nod to its heritage. The side profile highlights its tall, flat stance, complete with side steps for easy entry and exit, and the rear features a simple, flat design with vertical LED tail lamps. This is a car that does not go unnoticed.

The Cabin: A Step Back in Time?

Stepping inside the Scorpio Classic is like stepping back in time. The cabin has a plain black-and-beige theme with some faux wood and gloss black elements, and its design is old-school and utilitarian. While the quality of materials is acceptable for the price, the cabin lacks the soft-touch padding and premium feel of modern compact SUVs. Ingress and egress can be a challenge, especially for the elderly, due to the car’s height.

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However, the cabin offers ample space. The front seats provide a commanding view of the road and are comfortable, though they lack lateral support on bad roads. The second row feels like a spacious sofa, with great headroom and under-thigh support, making it comfortable for three passengers. The third row, on the other hand, is not ideal. It’s side-facing, uncomfortable, and lacks proper three-point seatbelts, making it unsafe for anything but short distances. Mahindra does offer a 9-seater option with side-facing seats for those who need to transport a large family.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The heart of the Scorpio Classic is a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. This engine is smooth and has more than enough power for both city and highway driving. In the city, the low-end torque allows for easy overtakes, and on dusty, unpaved roads, the car’s rugged nature shines. On the highway, it can cruise effortlessly at triple-digit speeds.

However, the driving experience comes with some compromises. The hard clutch and heavy steering can make stop-and-go traffic a real pain. The car also suffers from noticeable body roll on sudden lane changes, which can be disconcerting at high speeds. The ride comfort, while improved, is still not great; you will feel every crack and bump on the road. This is a car that sacrifices some comfort for its tough, rugged feel.

Features and Safety: A Barebones Experience

The feature list of the Scorpio Classic is basic. It includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that feels more like an aftermarket tablet, but it does come with useful features like automatic climate control, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls. It lacks many modern amenities such as a wireless phone charger, sunroof, or a more advanced digital driver’s display.

On the safety front, the car is equipped with dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors. But it misses out on crucial modern safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a rear parking camera. More concerningly, its last crash test was in 2016 at Global NCAP, where it received a 0-star safety rating.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the Scorpio Classic?

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is not for everyone. If you prioritize modern features, soft-touch interiors, refined ride comfort, and top-tier safety, you would be better off with a compact SUV like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos.

But if you are a buyer whose heart is set on a vehicle that gives you a sense of power and respect on the road, the Scorpio Classic is the right car for you. Its massive size, rugged styling, and old-school charm provide a unique sense of authority that no other car in this price range can match. It is a purchase of the heart, a car that tells the world you are not following the crowd.