Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has been rolling out utility vehicles for a long time. Note the absence of the word ‘sports’, which signifies just how serious and no-nonsense Mahindra products are made out to be. Shaking off any connections with Jeep, some years ago, Mahindra introduced the Armada and the Bolero. With these, it tried to attract buyers who were more interested in being stylish on city roads rather than just being practical and purposeful ? which is usually the demand in rural India. There, practicality and usage counts, not sunglasses, hot pants and looks that are tough only in an urban scenario. However, it was not till the Scorpio was launched in 2002 that people started to look upon Mahindra & Mahindra as a manufacturer of city-friendly products.

Now, after four years, an all-new Scorpio has just been launched. Well, 43 features are new or revised, so M&M would like us to think of it as the Scorpio reborn. What exactly are these improvements? Most are under the bonnet, but there are some that are apparent almost instantly. Let’s take a look at the born-again Scorpio.

Externally, there aren’t that many changes. Most visible are the new tower-type taillights that thankfully, are two-piece units and so, should not cost too much to replace if they break. It’s an all-new design too ? one that looked at in profile reminds you of a guitar that’s been chopped into two along its length. The new Scorpio’s roof now sports a spoiler that incorporates a brake light and so does the job of a high-mounted stoplight. There is not much change in the profile but a side footstep has been integrated into the body ? a very practical touch.

Look at M&M’s new offering from the front and at first, you see the familiar front grille and clear-lens headlamps of the old Scorpio staring you in the face. But the front end of the Scorpio has also got a few changes integrated into it. There’s a dummy scoop on the bonnet and splashguards in front of the wheels attached to the front bumper. The other external touch is a set of ski racks on top of the roof. All three bits, though, are more stylistic than practical in nature.

Finishing with the frills, let’s get down to the meat of the matter ? the really useful changes. These are to be found inside the cabin and under the skin. Mechanically, the new Scorpio is not very different. The engine is the 2.6-litre SZ CRDe common rail unit developing 115bhp of power at 3800rpm and 28.3kg-m of torque (peak) from 1700 to 2200rpm. The gearbox is a five-speed manual unit and the tyres are P235/70 R16 tubeless radials. The main difference however, is the suspension, designed by Lotus Engineering. M&M’s advertising-wallas call it the five-zone cushion technology, which makes one wonder whether they’ve just bunged in the cushions from the drawing room sofas! In actuality, the born-again Scorpio now has a multilink rear suspension where five links control axle movement.

Just how much will this new suspension and other added frills cost buyers? This is good news. The born-again Scorpio is being offered at the same price as the older model ? between Rs 7.06 lakh and Rs 8.18 lakh, ex-showroom in New Delhi. This however is a limited period, introductory offer. What one does get for the old price is a new interior and some advanced features. For example, in the eight-seater version, the middle row has an armrest and can be made to slide or partially fold. There is a revamped fascia and central console, which has provision for a two-DIN audio system. Moreover, one can connect a pen drive and a SD memory card to it to expand the software possibilities in addition to CDs and mp3s.

There’s plenty of storage space too ? read slots for mobile phones, bottle holders, can/cup holders, and of course, a large glove box. Of course, the usual suspects like power windows, electric fuel lid opener and defogger are very much in evidence, backed up by mobile phone charging points for both front and middle seat passengers.

It’s good to see that M&M is rapidly moving to change its earlier stodgy image into one that is more alive, reflecting the mood of urban drivers. The new Scorpio is only the beginning, for passenger cars (the Logan) will be coming India’s way soon courtesy Dacia, a Renault subsidiary from Romania. That could really set the cat among the pigeons but till then, M&M thinks the new Scorpio will do just nicely.

Road rage

Irrfan Ahmed,
celebrity bar consultant

I believe that traffic jams, jaywalkers and hawkers on the roads are part and parcel of life in Calcutta. But there are certain areas that could be improved. For instance, take the incessant honking on the roads. People don’t know when to stop. It all stems from a lack of patience and respect.

When it comes to vehicles ? public or private ? speeding on the roads, I don’t really blame the drivers. In the case of bus drivers, theirs is a commission-based remuneration. If the government can look into the matter and give them proper wages, I don’t think they’d be racing to beat each other on the streets. Also it’s all about keeping proper time. If one has a meeting at 9.30am, one should leave well before time to avoid rushing.

On the brighter side, though, I think that quite a few roads like the Bypass, Camac Street and AJC Bose Road have become awesome. The government should be commended for their wonderful efforts.