Why the Mahindra Scorpio is primed to tackle the Aussie bush

From snakes and spiders to crocodiles and the ever-elusive drop bear, the Aussie bush can be one heck of an unforgiving place. And that’s before you venture onto the roads, tracks and trails that punish some of the world’s toughest and most capable cars. 

For decades the world’s best car makers have been honing their wares to allow Aussies to explore, adventure and work across the country. 

But there’s one brand that’s starting to flex its substantial four-wheeled muscle Down Under: Mahindra. 

Mahindra is a global powerhouse with a rich history in designing and engineering cars to cope with rocks, sand, water and mud. 

For more than 75 years the Indian manufacturer has been crafting some of the world’s most capable and robust machines. And it’s the Mahindra Scorpio that is top of that list. 

Priced from $41,990 drive away, it packs in some serious value, despite its long list of features. That list includes stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, three rows of seating, a sunroof, passive keyless entry, sumptuous leatherette trim, auto headlamps, auto windscreen wipers, cruise control, and a 20.3-inch infotainment screen incorporating the latest Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. 

For $45,990 drive-away you can level up to the Mahindra Scorpio Z8L, which adds a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, six-way powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Sony 3D Immersive Audio system with sub-woofer. 

And with a seven-year / 150,000-kilometre warranty, the Scorpio also has the security of factory-backed peace of mind should anything go wrong. 

With a network of over 65 dealers across every state and territory, there’s always help on hand in a Mahindra.

Don’t go thinking the Scorpio is another SUV that looks great on the school pick-up and at the shopping centre carpark. 

Sure, it nails that with all the latest creature comforts and safety features people expect in a family SUV. But it’s also designed to get its tyres dirty. And we’re not just talking about a light grazing of dust and the occasional splash of mud – we’re talking seriously dirty. 

Underneath is a solid ladder frame like you’d find beneath any proper off-roader, providing excellent stiffness and torsional rigidity. 

It’s made of the highest grades of steel, with 73 per cent of it either high strength, advanced high strength, or ultra-high strength steel. 

Needless to say, it’s tough, rugged, and designed to cope with the worst in the world, much of which is right here in Australia. 

The Scorpio has been punished over more than 120,000 kilometres of the toughest alpine and outback terrain in Australia as part of an extensive global durability and tuning program, ensuring it’s up to any level of adventure.  

Remember, Mahindras come from India, which also has its share of poor-quality roads and the sort of harsh terrain that can quickly take its toll on regular SUVs. 

Up front there’s independent suspension for added control and cornering prowess, endowing the Scorpio with surefooted handling. 

But at the rear this large SUV has a solid axle with multi-links to allow the comfort, capability and long-travel suspension that adventurers want and need. 

It’s at ground level where all that local development work has really paid off. 

The Scorpio uses the latest Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD), which can vary their damping force depending on the severity of the bump and speed of the vehicle. 

It means the body is beautifully controlled when it needs to be but comfortable when it makes sense. 

It’s tricky tech that is filtering its way across some of the world’s most advanced cars. 

The Mahindra Scorpio has been engineered to go well beyond the bitumen. 

It starts with a part-time four-wheel drive system that engages only the rear wheels for everyday driving, helping maximise fuel efficiency. 

Shift-on-the-fly functionality allows the car to transition to four-wheel drive while on the run. 

Stylish yet carefully designed bumpers at either end not only deliver on style and aerodynamic efficiency but also create aggressive approach and departure angles that reduce the chance of scrapes and damage. 

There’s also decent protection for the mechanicals underneath if the generous 227mm of ground clearance isn’t quite enough. 

And a standard mechanical locking rear differential can be activated to ensure a better chance of pushing through slippery or challenging situations. 

It’s all about being as prepared as you can be before you head off on an adventure. 

As well as lashings of tough bits, Mahindra has ensured the Scorpio has the latest technology to not only make off-road driving easier but also more comfortable. 

Key to that is the forward-facing camera of the Scorpio Z8L, which provides clearer vision of the terrain ahead. 

It’s a fantastic digital aid that makes it easier to evaluate what you’re about to drive over and better position the wheels around obstacles. 

That camera is indicative of the innovative thinking from a company that has decades of experience engineering world-beating four-wheel drives. 

The 4XPLOR intelligent terrain system – with drive modes for different terrain – has been tuned to maximise traction across a wide range of surfaces, from sand and snow to mud and rocks. 

It teams with a brake-locking differential to ensure that torque is sent to the wheels with the most traction. 

At the heart of the Scorpio is a torquey turbo-diesel engine. 

The advanced 2.2-litre common-rail direct-injection unit makes a hearty 400Nm of pulling power across a broad rev range, from just 1750rpm up to 2750rpm. 

It makes for effortless acceleration that also delivers on fuel efficiency. 

The engine is hooked up to an intelligent six-speed automatic transmission that makes light work of everyday driving while maximising what the engine has to offer. 

And, of course, there’s a dual-range transfer case to tailor the drivetrain to rock-hopping and slow-speed off-road work. 

It all adds up to a car that is engineered for adventure. 

The Scorpio is a four-wheel drive that isn’t afraid to explore and take you to the more remote locations where mere SUVs fear to tread. 

This luxurious off-road wagon is brimming with the latest technology, safety and comfort features from a trusted automotive giant that has been designing and manufacturing some of the world’s most capable and reliable vehicles for more than three-quarters of a century. 

That it does so with the sort of family-friendly vehicle that seems to be deserting the 4x4 market is indicative of the value proposition at the heart of Mahindra. 

To learn more about the Scorpio range head to the Mahindra Australia website.