It is interesting to witness a brand name grow in popularity. Whan Mahindra entered South Africa back in 1996 it wasn’t accompanied with a huge fanfare, although a few of us did take a chance on the then unknown Mahindra Bolero.
Today, however, Mahindra is highly regarded by South Africans and it is currently one of the fastest growing car brands in South Africa. The manufacturer is particularly excited about its latest Scorpio SUV, which now has an added N to the model name. The N stands for to the nth degree – originally a mathematical term indicating something is elevated to a higher level. An apt description of the new Mahindra Scorpio-N.
What do we have here?
The Scorpio-N is completely new, including the chassis, suspension and bodywork. There are four trim levels: the base model Z4 (R465 00); two mid-range models, the Z8 with rear-wheel drive (R510 000) and the Z8 with four-wheel drive (R560 000); and the Z8L flagship model that costs R590 000 and is the one you see here.
Only one engine is currently available in South Africa: an updated 2.2 ℓ mHawk turbodiesel that kicks out 128 kW and 400 Nm – other markets also get a 2 ℓ mStallion petrol engine. Incidentally, the outgoing Scorpio will continue to be sold in India as the Scorpio Classic, alongside the Scorpio-N.
Mahindra says it is the first manufacturer to score five stars with a bakkie-based SUV in the Global NCAP crash test.
We attended the launch of the Scorpio-N and immediately thereafter took it for a drive through the Karoo to thoroughly test it – with five occupants and all our camping gear.
Interior
Esta historia es de la edición April/May 2023 de Go! Camp & Drive.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April/May 2023 de Go! Camp & Drive.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The pinch of the pump
In a time where every penny counts, you should be cautious about where to spend it, says Neels van Heerden.
Is the Jimny suitable for overlanding?
He has a theory on whether the Suzuki Jimny is suitable for overlanding, but he is also about to find out for himself, says Mic van Zyl.
Klein-Kariba chronicles
His family has camped so often at ATKV Klein-Kariba that they now consider this popular resort their holiday home, says Roelof van Eeden of Witbank.
So ugly it's cute
Longing for the good old days when vehicles took inspiration from aircraft? Citroën has the compact mobile home just for you.
WHO'S THE BAKKIE KING?
Eight brands, seven categories... and one overall winner. We find out which double-cab bakkie performs best when towing a caravan and off-roading.
Viva, Amarokoroko!
We take a spin through the Western Cape's Cederberg to See if the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok retains its poshness.
Hook, line and tune
That exhilarating rush you feel when something tugs at your hook and races away with your line is what perpetually draws him back to the angler's paradise, says singer Bok van Blerk.
Discover Dinokeng: beyond the Big Five
The Dinokeng Big Five Reserve is a favourite for weekend getaways, but just past its borders lies an untapped haven waiting to be explored.
Life's a farm in Bonnievale!
Bonnievale presents a unique setting where kids, camping and church come together for a unique family holiday.
Into the heart of the Cederberg
From Duiwelsgat to Heuningvlei, from Wupperthal to the Biedouw Valley. Drive through a world where poet Boerneef's mountain goose sheds a feather and author Jan Rabie's dreamland begins.
