Mahindra Scorpio - Oh! Hell, No

Subang Parade played host to a tiny car exhibition last weekend and featured prominently was a white Mahindra Scorpio. Its presence was imposing but, in so many ways, the 4x4 2.2L turbo engine 7-seater was laughable.

The Scorpio’s workmanship quality was like so yesterday – unsightly gaps between the front bumper and headlights, unsightly gaps between the rear door and frame, nobly wheel pin caps, unrefined door opener (inside the cabin) that allows you to see internal mechanisms… and the list goes on.

What’s even more laughable is the Scorpio’s overall looks. Generally speaking, its design is like that of a military transport which had seen service in World War II.

Especially odd is the front door shape. It looks like something ripped out of a small lorry.

Of course, Mahindra designers have updated the Scorpios looks, somewhat. The front grill reminds me of Autobot Transformers, whereas the rear looks contemporary enough to pass the Scorpio off as a contender on par with Japanese luxury 4x4s.

Also, the Scorpio has a powerful turbo engine that allows it to go from 0-100KMh in 5.7 seconds, reportedly. That’s fast for a 4x4.

Unfortunately, the Scorpio has a poor crash test ANCAP rating of 2 without airbags. With airbags, it’s supposed to have a rating of 3 but a general search on the Internet via Google can't confirm this.

What’s more, the Scorpio appears to suffer from engine and auto-transmission problems, although, again, I can’t personally confirm this.

Still, the Scorpio had a most enthusiastic and convincing salesman at the Subang Parade car exhibition, such that my wife was taken in for a while. But with so many alarm bells ringing in my head and a heart that kept telling me “this thing ain’t right”, I eventually managed to convince her and my kids that the Scorpio is not only a poorly designed and manufactured car, it’s not very safe either, what with a questionably poor 3-star ANCAP rating.

If I were a business man who needed a cheap 4x4 with 7 seats, I’d consider the Scorpio, but I’d be really desperate to cut corners if I did - on the road price is RM98,000+. Otherwise, I’d go for the Toyota Land Cruiser or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport any day.