Nothing Else will do..
Scorpio 2.6 CRDe SLX (8 seater) joined our fleet of 6 cars (Octavia 1.9 TDi, Tucson, 2 Accents, Innova and Indica) on 9th Dec 2005.
I can still remember that 1st drive of Scorpio in Navi Mumbai.. I was amazed with the smoothness and power of the engine.. I also liked that dominating driving position.. I felt as if I am King of the Road.. I was damn sure, I'll enjoy this machine like anything..
Me and Cousin were posted to Dam site at satara in March 06.. Our site is in the interiors of Satara Dist.. This is the place where we enjoyed Scorpio the most.. Went a places where none of the 4x2 can dare too.. Being only vehicle there, Scorpio was assigned task of maintainence of 15 Tata/ Leyland 2516 Tippers on site.. We used to carry Gear boxes, water pumps, Grocery, Blasting Material, etc.. Hav carried load of upto 700kms at a time And Leaf springs helped.. Used to do Satara-Mumbai-Satara rounds every week at flat out speeds (upto 170kmph and maxed at 178).. Enjoyed at Satara site till June 2006.. Scorpio experienced its 1st rainfall and there it showed it limitation.. Red soil of satara is very sticky and its really tough for a 4x2 to get traction.. And we badly missed 4x4 for the 1st time..
Back to Mumbai in June 06, Scorpio continued its mile-munching for Family trips/ friends trips/ other work, etc
Again shifted to Satara with another cousin in Dec 06.. Scorpio was Vehicle of choice again.. We just took it for granted.. And she never did.. Always faithful to us.. A Blue Scorpio with a coat of red dust was a common scene in full Taluka.. Everybody used to idetify it from distance.. Again was there till June 07 and back to Mumbai..
After coming to Mumbai, Scorpio is being used only for local purpose with occassional drives to Pune/ Nasik/ Ahmednagar/ etc..
It was till June 2007 that Scorpio covered maximum distance of 1 Lakh plus Kms..
Comfort: Front seats are well supported with Arm rests and provide a good view of the road ahead.. U sit on driving seat and u just forget everything else.. Nothing bothers u since u r busy enjoying the thrilling drive.. People say Scorpio handles scarily.. But I say, that is what makes it fun and challenging to drive hard.. Give this machine to at beginner and rash driver and it can be a suicide tool..
Opps, back to comfort, Middle seats are average with poor leg room.. Ac is not soo efficient here and u sway right left on every turn..
But if u want to punish anybody, let him/ her sit on the last seat.. Theres no leg-room, less head room, ride is bumpy (leaf springs) and u r just thrown on all turns/ potholes/ speed breakers, etc even at average speed.. Being on last seat, u start cursing driver thinking that hes doing it purposely.. But hes not.. And theres no effect of AC here.. Finally u open rear glasses for some air in frustration.. All in all, this is not a vehicle for groups to travel long distance..
Ride is good at average speeds but can get bumpy in uneven surfaces.. Handling is faaaar from perfect.. In fact scary at time..
Engine is best part in Scorpio too without any issue till date.. It does 0-100 in 16secs and attained max speed of 178 (pic at 170).. Fuel efficiency is 10-11 on ll roads bcoz this machine was never driven at normal speeds.. But I guess, it will give upto 13 in sober hands..
Maintainence: Changed Clutch plate and pressure plate at 55000 kms,
1st suspension job done at 61000kms, 2nd suspension job done at 1,11,000kms costing Rs.25k each time..
Besides this, nothing major done apart from routine services..
Rear tail gate is rattling since last 6 months but bro dosn't cares.. He wants a new one now (again Scorpio preferably)..
Tyre life is appx 45000kms.. Still running on 3rd set which are still under good condition..
New 2.2 is better handler, ride is better, engine is smoother and more powerful.. Leaf springs are replaced for coil springs (hence, poor load carrying capacity)..
One complaint against Mahindras.. Being No. 1 UV manufacturer, how can mahindra not give option of 4wd on all variants of Scorpio? Was considering selling present one and replacing it for 2.2 4wd.. But sadly 2.2 is not available in 4wd.. So still present one is being used by cousin bro.. Safari is available but it is not as reliable as Scorpio (used Safari for 1,22,000kms and sold it in frustration)..
To conclude, this is not a vehicle to be driven in.. This is the one to Drive urself for personal use.. U'll love that macho look and feel.. And u'll get noticed for sure..