• New Scorpio S10 with latest technology
• Muscular mHawk 2.2-litre turbodiesel
• Touchscreen, satnav and Bluetooth
MAHINDRA South Africa has launched what is describes as “a completely redesigned Scorpio S10 SUV” on a new platform with dual projector headlights, diode daytime running lights and “an extensive list of advanced technology.
The Scorpio has a 2.2 turbodiesel engine, drives through a five-speed manual gearbox, and, Mahindra says, has a cabin that is “a huge leap forward, with a 15.5cm touchscreen, satnav and audible reversing assistance.
The “cutting-edge” instrument cluster has a three-dimensional display and comprehensive information display.
Sanjoy Gupta, Mahindra SA’s chief executive officer, told The Corner in a media release: “We launched the latest XUV500 sport utility vehicle in 2015; now comes the all-new, thoroughly re-engineered, Scorpio S10 SUV.
“The SUV has always had an appealing mix of capability and value but this latest model raises the bar in every respect from its contemporary appearance to the sophisticated interior and engineering. With prices at R285 000 for the 4×2 and R300 000 for the 4×4 – vital against a gloomy economic backdrop. ”
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The front, the automaker says, “is bold and assertive and links the prominent, chrome-accented, grille to the eye-catching dual headlights and their daytime running lights”. The turbodiesel engine breathes through a bonnet-top scoop, silver-accented bezels house the indicator repeaters.
Fog lights are recessed in the lower bumper, a silver-finished scuff plate underscores the Scorpio’s tough character in preparation for hard off-road use. The car’s sides get accentuated wheel-arches, cladding and access steps; roof rails are finished in contrasting black and the S10 runs on 17″ 6.5J alloy rims shod with 235/65 all-terrain rubber.
The tail lights are lit with diodes, above them is a roof spoiler with a diode third brake-light. The rear door opens to bumper level.
PUSH-BUTTON KEY INFORMATION
Mahindra says perhaps the most obvious expression of the S10’s sophistication is the central 15.5cm touchscreen to be used with the car’s infotainment system. “It provides,” the automaker says, “a gateway to a number of features and functions, among them satellite navigation, CD/DVD playback and USB/auxiliary ports.”
The screen also shows key vehicle information at the push of a button, supported by a voice-based warning system for door ajar, unlock seat belt, low brake fluid and low fuel. The aircon, headlights and windscreen wipers can be set for ‘auto’; pressure monitors will report even slight deflation.
A multi-function and adjustable steering-wheel carries switches for cruise -control and audio, the centre console bottle- and cup-holders; the driver’s seat adjusts for height, the windows and exterior mirrors have electric power, the doors central locking.
This Scorpio has eight-seats: two bucket-type up front with crash bags, a 60/40 split, fore/aft sliding bench, and a rear bench for three that can easily be removed for extra cargo space. Anti-lock brakes and emergency-braking flashers, collapsible steering-column, crumple zones and side-impact bars are also present.
The four-cylinder, quad-valve, intercooled, turbodiesel engine has been retained from the previous model. It makes 88kW at 4000rpm and 280Nm from 1800-2800rpm. The five-speed gearbox is standard but the all-wheel drive model adds a low-range transfer case with auto-locking wheel hubs; AWD can be engaged at up to 100km/h.
Mahindra says that, considering this Scorpio S10 SUV weighs more than 2.5 tons gross, “fuel consumption in the combined cycle of 7.2 litres/100km is quite remarkable”.
Though the engine is a carry-over, Mahindra says, the suspension is all new “with significant gains in overall ride refinement and handling”: front uses dual wishbones, coil springs and hydraulic shock-absorbers, rear a multi-link design with coil springs and anti-roll bar and under it all is a ladder-frame chassis giving 18cm of ground clearance. Prices below the next image.
HOOK UP THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: The 2016 Mahindra Scorpio likes getting down and dusty. Image: Quickpic
MODEL RANGE AND PRICING
Mahindra Scorpio S10 SUV
Scorpio S10SUV 4×2 – R284 000
Scorpio S10 SUV 4×4 – R300 000
Price includes three-year or 100 000km warranty and three-year or 60 000km service plan. For more information about Mahindra products, visit Mahindra South Africa.
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