Mahindra Scorpio N

autocar.india

•4m

Though both are Mahindra cars, they are quite different in character. The Scorpio N Z8S Petrol AT has undeniable road presence and a legacy that goes back over two decades, so it is easy to understand why it appeals to you. Its body-on-frame construction also makes it the tougher, more rugged choice, especially if your regular driving involves poor roads or occasional off-road use.However, for the usage you have described, the XUV 7XO AX7 Petrol AT would be the better fit. With only around 3,000km a year, mostly short weekend trips in Bengaluru and a few longer family journeys, you are likely to appreciate its more modern, car-like driving manners and greater everyday comfort. It feels easier to drive, more stable at highway speeds and less cumbersome in the city than the Scorpio N.The XUV 7XO also has the advantage on technology, cabin ambience and overall refinement. Its ride is more composed and its handling feels more predictable, while the Scorpio N can feel bouncier and more top-heavy, particularly when driven briskly or with a full load. For a family of five, both will work well, but the XUV’s cabin feels more premium and the third row though best kept for occasional use is better in the XUV 7XO as well.Choose the Scorpio N if its design, image and rugged character genuinely matter more to you, or if your long trips often involve badly broken roads. But if you want the more rounded family SUV, with better comfort, technology and on-road behaviour, the XUV 7XO is the one to go for.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra Scorpio N

autocar.india

•2d

The Force Gurkha is a hardcore off-roader and excels in extreme conditions, but it is a very focused tool. On the road, it feels agricultural, refinement is limited, and long-distance comfort is not its strength. So opt for this only if you are doing a lot of serious off-roading.The Mahindra Scorpio N, on the other hand, strikes a far better balance. It is comfortable, refined, spacious and easy to live with on a daily basis, while the 4x4 system and low-range gearbox make it quite capable off-road.So if your usage is predominantly off-road and you are specifically looking for a purpose-built off-roader, go with the Gurkha; if not, the Mahindra car mentioned above is the better all-rounder.

Mahindra Scorpio N

Force Gurkha 3 Door

autocar.india

•6d

Since your daily driving is mostly in the city, we would recommend the Tata Safari petrol over the Scorpio N petrol. While the Safari is a slightly larger vehicle overall, it is easier to drive than the Scorpio N thanks to its electric power steering and, if you opt for the manual, lighter clutch and gearshift too. The Scorpio N's ladder-frame chassis gives it a toughness that's beneficial on rough roads, but for city use, the downside is that it's nowhere near as comfortable as the monocoque-chassis Safari, whose Omega Arc platform is derived from Land Rover. The Safari is also more spacious, with greater room in the second, and especially the third row. And finally, while the Scorpio N petrol is more powerful with monstrous 203hp from its 2.0-litre engine, it is nowhere near as fuel-efficient as the Safari's 170hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol, which is also more refined and powerful enough. Based on our real-world tests, Mahindra Scorpio N mileage averaged 8.65kpl for the petrol automatic and 10.15kpl for the diesel automatic, while the petrol manual returned 7.3kpl.For your usage, the Safari is the better option. The Tata Safari price starts at Rs 13.40 lakh and goes up to Rs 26.76 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Safari

Mahindra Scorpio N