Mahindra Scorpio Classic Expert Review

Mahindra has preserved the Scorpio’s signature design with minor updates. The grille now features chunky chrome strips and the new twin-peaks logo. Headlamps and bumpers get subtle redesigns, and a new ‘Galaxy Gray’ paint shade debuts. The bonnet scoop and sharply raked windshield remain. Side updates include refreshed 17-inch alloy wheels and new door accents. At the rear, long reflectors return, along with a ‘Classic’ badge and large spoiler. Overall, the Scorpio Classic retains its iconic, boxy appeal.

The Scorpio Classic’s cabin feels like a time warp with its upright dash, high seating, and chair-like fabric seats. The cushioning is soft, but compared to modern seats, the support isn’t as good.  Ergonomic flaws persist—no front bottle holders, tight seat adjustment space. The rear bench seats three, with good headroom but limited legroom. The third row has practical jump seats, easier to access but lacking safety features. Fold them for usable storage.

The Scorpio Classic sees major improvements in performance and refinement, thanks to a new 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that’s lighter, quieter, and more efficient. Despite being 10hp down on the old engine, it feels eager, with smooth power delivery and strong low-end torque. The 6-speed manual gearbox is now cable-operated, reducing vibrations, with shorter, lighter shifts. While 0-100kph is slower at 13 seconds, in-gear acceleration remains brisk. The clutch is light and consistent, enhancing overall drivability and comfort.

Mahindra claims 14.44kpl as the ARAI certified mileage but it also gets an auto start/stop feature. What is a bit of an irritant is that while it may help gain a higher economy, it tends to shut off the engine frequently in crawling traffic, which in turn switches off the AC compressor. And on a hot day, it will get to you. Best then to keep it on in moderate traffic conditions.

Mahindra retuned the suspension for the increased weight, improving rough-road handling but still feeling busy on cracked surfaces. The cabin bounces with noticeable side-to-side movement. The stiff suspension helps counter the top-heavy feel, but the Classic still leans in corners due to its tall height and narrow wheel track. Its body-on-frame chassis adds durability on tough roads. Steering effort is reduced at low speeds but lacks the smooth, effortless feel of modern SUVs.

New touches include faux-wood trim, a 9-inch touchscreen (lacking Android Auto/CarPlay), and refreshed steering with basic controls. Feature-wise there isn’t much on offer and most of the functions are in the aftermarket-like touchscreen. The middle row is no better with only power windows to boast of and the third row is devoid of features too. No USBs at the rear, just AC vents. Safety kit includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD and a rear parking camera.

The Scorpio Classic is available in two variants only – S and S11 – with prices ranging between Rs 11.99 lakh-15.49 lakh. The price for the top-spec does overlap with the base trims of the bigger Scorpio-N, but the Classic has a completely different playing field. It caters to a wide audience: those who like a tough, no-frills SUV for fleet operations; those that have a wide use of that third-row jump seat layout; and those who want something bigger and better than the Bolero. It might have become a niche now, but it still has enough going for it to have a piece of the pie.