In this 10-part series of the memorable road trip that was SUV Shootout 2024, we’ve already highlighted the six competitors and the route. From the third instalment, we started taking a closer look at how each of the former fared over the journey. Now it’s time to take a look at the Mahindra Scorpio-N…
In the company of the six competitors in our Shootout of adventure SUVs, the Mahindra is a venerable bargain. Listed at R608 199, the Scorpio-N (in generously-equipped X8L guise) is around R244 000 less expensive than the second-least-expensive SUV Shootout competitor, the GWM Tank 300 HEV, which is priced at R851 950.
Related: SUV SHOOTOUT PART 2: THE ROUTE
The Scorpio-N that joined us on the trip was fitted with a range of adventure-focused equipment. The most notable of these came in the shape of a front bull bar and a roof rack.
The Scorpio-N, tested on the trip in Z8L trim, proved a commendable SUV — on road and off-the beaten track. The Mahindra took everything the route threw at it in its stride, with some team members noting it felt especially composed at (considered) speeds on stretches of gravel.
However, although the Scorpio-N fared well on these roads, en route to Sutherland following our stay at Tankwa Tented Camps, the Mahindra’s fit and finish started eliciting more distinguishable rattles than that of its rivals when travelling on corrugated gravel roads at low speeds.
Fast Facts
- Price: R608 199
- Engine: 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Transmission: 6-speed AT
- Power: 129 kW @ 3 500 r/min
- Torque: 400 N.m @ 1 750-2 750 r/min
- Fuel consumption: n/a
- Service plan: five years/90 000 km
- Warranty: three years/100 000 km