Scorpio is a brand that is known to almost every Indian. Scorpio has gained a lot of loyalty in the country since its launch because of its build-structure and capabilities. Scorpio has many die-hard fans who are ready to buy it even if it doesn’t offer value for money. In 2022 Mahindra has launched the updated Scorpio Classic alongside the All-new Scorpio N. The Scorpio Classic will continue the legacy of the original Scorpio while the Scorpio N will attract new SUV lovers with its luxurious interior and modern features. The Scorpio Classic is available in only two variants – S and S11 priced at Rs. 11.99 lakh and Rs. 15.49 lakh (Ex-showroom). Both variants are diesel only and have a rear-wheel-drive system with the only option of a manual transmission. The Scorpio Classic did not get minor changes but has gone through some re-engineering which includes a new engine, gearbox, and suspension tweaks.
The All-new Scorpio N does not get only 2 variants like the Classic but comes in many variants which include a 4-wheel drive option, petrol (manual and automatic), and diesel (manual and automatic). The price of the Scorpio N diesel-manual rear-wheel-drive is in the range of Rs. 12.49 lakh – 19.49 lakh. This is very interesting because the price of this version of the Scorpio N overlaps with the price of the Scorpio Classic and because of this many customers get confused between the two as to which one will be the right option for them. Today we will give you a detailed comparison of both SUVs so that you can decide on the right SUV for yourself.
Exterior ComparisonThe Scorpio Classic still offers the original looks of the Scorpio but with some minor style changes here and there like the new front bumper, new Mahindra logo, and new alloy wheels to make it appear modern and fresh. The Classic still has its bulky looks, imposing stance, and original Scorpio styling bits like the bonnet scoop, heavy side cladding, a kinked roof, and distinct roof rails.
The Scorpio N’s exterior design is nothing like the Classic’s. The Scorpio N looks like an evolution after taking a look at the Classic. It has more sleek headlights, a slim front grill, chrome around the windows, a little kink in the roof, and more widely placed roof rails. The body of the Scorpio N’s profile is much cleaner with fewer lines than the Classic, it also has new 18-inch alloy wheels, and Volvo-Esque LED tail-lamps, and it is much longer and wider than the Classic but due to more ranked windshield, it doesn’t look as imposing as the Classic. Both SUVs look and feel tough and rugged on the outside.
The interior of both SUVs is as much different from the exterior. The Classic interior maintains the old design, it has a flat dashboard that’s pushed all the way in. Except for the center console and the logo on the steering wheel, all the elements are the same. The center console has a new material touch of Glossy faux-wood trim and it holds a 9.0-inch Android-based touchscreen, above which the AC vents are found like before. The Classic lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but it does not affect its popularity. The seating position you get in the Classic is like no other, it gives you the king of the road-like vibes and the bonnet end is also visible from the large glass area which gives a sense of spaciousness. Separate armrests on the front seats extend the comfort but short drivers could find the seats too large for them.
The middle row of the Scorpio Classic provides the same level of comfort as the front seats. Thanks to the lift-up roof there is an ample amount of headroom, and the large windows at the back bring in a good amount of light and an airy feeling. The bottom of the 2nd row is flat, 3 adults can easily travel long distances, and the backrest is upright like the front seats which provides a great traveling sitting position. The Classic has a unique 3rd-row option, you can get an optional set of side-facing seats, on which 2 adults can accommodate. These seats are not safe and comfortable but are the choice of many customers for their practicality, these jump seats make ingress and egress easy from the wide-sideways-opening tailgate.
The interior of the Scorpio N feels nothing like the Classic’s interior, sure the dashboard shape and design are the same but the use of material and fit-finish is totally different and feels upmarket. The center console of Scorpio N has a piano black finish with an updated touchscreen infotainment system in the middle. The design of the AC vents is also different, they look more modern than the Classic’s AC vents. With soft-touch material all around the Scorpio N house, more storage space and charging points than the Classic, and the brown and black color theme gives a more premium feel. The seating position and the outside view you get in the Scorpio N are the same as the Classic but Mahindra has put better cushioning in the Scorpio N seats, making them more comfortable to sit on.
The 2nd row of the Scorpio N is the same as the Classic, the only difference is in materials and color theme. However, the 3rd-row configuration of the Scorpio N is not the same as the Classic, in Scorpio N you get a traditional front-facing seat which is not recommended for adults due to poor head and knee room. The tailgate of the Scorpio N opens the same way as the Classic but you can’t put more than a couple of small soft bags in the back of the 3rd-row seats are up.
The top model Scorpio Classic gets halogen projector headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse camera, rear AC vents, cruise control, and automatic climate control. The ‘S11’ top model of Classic costs Rs. 15.49 lakh (Ex-showroom). And the turning point is that, that the Z4 variant of Scorpio N costs less at Rs. 13.99 lakh (Ex-showroom) and has more features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a better-looking interior, and spending 1 lakh more you can get a sunroof and Mahindra’s AdrenoX connectivity suite, among other bits and still it will cost you less than the top model of Scorpio Classic. The top variant of Scorpio N gets even more features like six airbags, LED headlamps, front and rear cameras, and many more which makes it more features rich than the Classic.
The Engine we used to get in Scorpio is replaced with the second-generation unit, which is constructed of aluminum, which makes it 55kg lighter. This same engine powers the Scorpio N, Classic, and Thar. In Classic this engine makes 132hp of power which is 8hp less than the previous engine but it is more refined and smoother than before. This engine delivers power in a very linear way and it is one of the best diesel-unit at this price point, the throttle is also very responsive and you will feel almost no lag before the boost kicks in. The 6-speed manual transmission you get in Classic is also smoother than before and the clutch is also nice and light.
This 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine in Scorpio N makes 175hp of power and 370 Nm of torque, these figures left behind the Classic in terms of acceleration and power but despite being less powerful the Classic can do 0-100 in 13seconds flat, just 0.62seconds slower than the Scorpio N, after 100 the gap between these two increases and the Scorpio N wins the race. The manual transmission and the clutch in the Scorpio N are the same as in the Classic. In rolling acceleration, the N will outperform the Classic; from 20 to 80 kph in third gear, their difference is only 0.43 seconds, but from 40 to 100 kph in fourth, their gap widens to 2.07 seconds.
The riding quality of the Scorpio Classic has improved thanks to the re-designed engine, reworded suspension, and new gearbox. All this adds more comfort and confidence to the SUV. The overall structure of the Scorpio Classic is tough and as capable as before. You can simply ride over the bad roads and even the high breakers will not be able to cause trouble in your journey. The downsides are – due to its height and narrow front and rear track, it leans rather uncomfortably around the corners and despite being an updated suspension the rocking movements are still felt in the cabin of the SUV.
The Scorpio N’s ride quality is one level up from the Classic, it does a better job at transmitting shocks and the suspension works way better at eliminating the rocking movements in the cabin, so passengers are more comfortable. At sharp corners, the drive of the Scorpio N doesn’t feel as much heaviness and nervousness as he feels in the Classic.
The Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N both are great at what they are. But if we look for the value for money tag then it belongs to the Scorpio N because of more features and better riding experience. The Scorpio N wins at every single aspect of this comparison. However, the huge fan-following of Scorpio Classic is keeping the original Scorpio alive and true Scorpio lovers will always go for the Classic because of its solid looks and heavy road presence. The long waiting list of Classic confirms its popularity. If you are a fan of the original Scorpio then the Classic would be the right choice for you but if you want a sophisticated interior, premium features, more size and comfort, more powertrain options, and better ride quality then the Scorpio N would be the right opinion for you according to us.
