Mahindra Scorpio-N Engine Review - Driving & Performance - Turbo Petrol Automatic

Mahindra Scorpio-N - Engine And Transmissions

The Scorpio-N gets a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine, which is available in 2 different tunes for lower and higher variants. The lower variants’ diesel engine produce 132PS of power while higher variants’ produce 175PS of power. The torque output is 300Nm for lower variants. In higher variants, the torque output is rated at 370Nm and 400Nm for manual and automatic transmission variants respectively.

The Scorpio-N also gets a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine, which we got to drive during the media event. It produces 203PS of power and 370Nm of torque. Along with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Scorpio-N also gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. With the automatic transmission, the petrol engine produces 380Nm of torque, which is 10Nm more than manual transmission. Here are the engine specification of the Scorpio-N:

Mahindra Scorpio-N City Highway Mileage - Petrol Auto

Mahindra are yet to reveal the claimed fuel efficiency figures of the Scorpio-N. We were driving the Scorpio-N petrol automatic powertrain. During our drive, which was a mix of highway and uphill sections, we got an overall indicative fuel efficiency of 9.5kmpl.

Mahindra Scorpio-N - Performance, Handling and Ride Quality

Despite being a petrol engine, the peak torque of the Scorpio-N petrol is almost equal to its diesel engine, which is not usually the case. While the SUV was cruising at 100kmph, the engine was revving under 2000rpm. Hence, the engine was within its peak torque band. At this speed, you are also in the peak power band, allowing you to make quick overtakes if necessary.

The engine feels responsive even at low speeds and turbo lag is well contained. The 6-speed TC automatic transmission usually shifts at around 2000rpm. The driver can also take manual control of shifts by slotting the gear lever in manual mode.

The Scorpio-N is a body-on-frame SUV. The petrol variants of the Scorpio-N only get the option of rear-wheel-drive. However, even this drivetrain is capable of doing mild off-roading. A typical ladder-on-frame SUV is likely to compromise on stability, which the old Scorpio did. However, during our highway drive in the Scorpio-N, the SUV was reasonably stable during lane changes. Even in the hills, the body roll was under control while making turns.

All but the base diesel variant of the Scorpio-N get electric power steering. As a result, the steering feel is very light, especially considering it was a Scorpio. Some credit for this light steering feel can be given to the rear-wheel drive setup. The light steering is a boon in city traffic and while parking. However, this can ignite a doubt about the Scorpio-N’s highway dynamics.

Let us assure you that while we were changing lanes on the highway at high speeds, the handling of the Scorpio-N felt confident. Similarly, the Scorpio-N felt confident while tackling hill turns at around 30-40kmph.  During heavy braking, there was nose dive, but it was not very prominent. The initial bite of the brakes is strong and it feels confident while decelerating.

The Scorpio-N uses frequency selective dampers, which try to maintain the composure inside the cabin on inconsistent roads. While the Scorpio-N is comfortable over most inconsistencies, we felt a continuous but minor up-and-down movement inside the cabin even on paved roads. This movement was evident at the seat as well as the floor. This could result in fatigue during long drives and will be uncomfortable for people with motion sickness.

The performance from the Scorpio-N’s petrol engine should be more than enough for most buyers. Despite being a body-on-frame chassis, the Scorpip-N handles surprisingly well. The ride is comfortable for the most part. Overall, the Scorpio-N’s powertrain is a mixture of a rugged off-roader and an urban SUV. It is capable enough for you to tackle bad roads with a relatively relaxed mind while also sophisticated enough for comfortable city drives.