Looking for a capable family SUV that won’t break the bank? The Mahindra Scorpio has made quite an entrance into the Australian market, bringing serious off-road capability and family-friendly features at a surprisingly accessible price point. Here’s everything you need to know about this rugged Indian-built SUV.
What Makes the Scorpio Special?
The current Scorpio represents Mahindra’s first completely new model in over a decade. Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, this isn’t your typical soft-roader. It’s designed for families who actually want to venture off the beaten track while still being comfortable for daily driving around town.
Two Variants to Choose From
Mahindra keeps things simple with just two trim levels. The base Z8 model starts at $41,990 drive-away, while the premium Z8L costs $45,990 drive-away. Both prices include all on-road costs, making budgeting straightforward for families.
What’s remarkable is how these prices stack up against competitors. You’re looking at significantly less than what you’d pay for similar vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, or Isuzu MU-X.
Performance That Actually Works
Engine and Drivetrain
Under the hood sits a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 129kW of power and 400Nm of torque. While these numbers might seem modest compared to some rivals, the Scorpio’s lighter weight means it doesn’t feel underpowered in real-world driving.
The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and you get a proper 4WD system with low-range capability. This isn’t just an all-wheel-drive system for wet weather – it’s designed for serious off-road work.
Real-World Driving Experience
Around town, the Scorpio feels surprisingly refined for a ladder-frame SUV. The ride quality is comfortable, and the steering is responsive enough for city driving. Where it really shines is when you head off-road, with multiple driving modes including Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand settings.
Fuel consumption averages 7.2L/100km on the official cycle, which is competitive for this class of vehicle. Real-world testing often shows figures closer to 9-10L/100km, especially with mixed driving conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort
Seating Configuration
The Scorpio comes with a unique 2+2+2 seating arrangement. Instead of a traditional three-seat middle row, you get two individual captain’s chairs. This makes access to the third row much easier and gives all six passengers their own dedicated space.
The captain’s chairs are particularly clever – they’re comfortable for adults and come with armrests. This configuration works well for families with teenagers or when you need to carry six adults occasionally.
Technology and Features
The Z8L variant includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get a 12-speaker Sony sound system, wireless phone charging, and dual-zone climate control. While the technology isn’t cutting-edge, it covers all the basics that most families actually use.
Storage space can be challenging with all seats occupied, but the third row folds down when you need cargo capacity. The tailgate opens sideways rather than lifting up, which some people love and others find inconvenient.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $41,990 drive-away (Z8) |
| Engine | 2.2L turbo-diesel |
| Power/Torque | 129kW / 400Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Part-time 4WD with low range |
| Fuel Economy | 7.2L/100km (combined) |
| Towing Capacity | 2500kg braked |
| Seating | 6 seats (2+2+2 configuration) |
| Warranty | 7 years / 150,000km |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4662 x 1917 x 1857mm |
| Ground Clearance | 227mm |
| Fuel Tank | 57 litres |
Safety Considerations
Current Safety Features
The Scorpio comes with six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, and driver drowsiness alerts. However, it currently lacks some modern safety technologies that many buyers expect, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
Upcoming Updates
Mahindra has committed to adding AEB and other safety technologies to meet Australian regulations. These updates are expected by the end of 2025, which will likely improve the SUV’s safety ratings significantly.
Who Should Consider the Scorpio?
This SUV makes sense for families who genuinely need 4WD capability but don’t want to pay premium prices. It’s ideal if you regularly tow boats or caravans, go camping, or live in rural areas where proper off-road ability matters.
The six-seat configuration works particularly well for larger families or those who frequently carry passengers. The captain’s chairs in the middle row are more comfortable than typical bench seats for longer journeys.
However, if you primarily drive in the city and rarely venture off sealed roads, you might find better value in other SUVs with more advanced safety technology and refinement.
Value Proposition
At under $46,000 drive-away for the top model, the Scorpio offers genuine 4WD capability at a price that’s hard to match. The 7-year warranty provides peace of mind, and Mahindra is currently offering free servicing for the first three years.
While it’s not the most refined SUV in its class, it delivers on its core promise of being a capable, honest family vehicle that can handle whatever you throw at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Mahindra Scorpio reliable?
A: Mahindra offers a comprehensive 7-year/150,000km warranty, and the brand has been improving build quality significantly. Early reports from Australian owners are generally positive.
Q: Can I get a 7-seat version?
A: Currently, only 6-seat models are available in Australia, but Mahindra plans to introduce a 7-seat version with a bench middle row in the future.
Q: How does it compare to the Toyota Fortuner?
A: The Scorpio is significantly cheaper and offers similar off-road capability, but the Fortuner has better build quality and more advanced safety features currently.
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