Foreign Media Reviews Mahindra Scorpio PikUp - Video

When Mahindra first launched the Scorpio SUV back in 2002, it was the first product from the Indian UV manufacturer that was not based on the venerable jeep. Some of you may remember that the Scorpio also had a more rugged Getaway pick-up version on sale as well. However, it was discontinued in 2018 in the Indian market after the Scorpio got its latest refresh. If you reside in Australia though, you can still buy one brand new as it’s still a popular body style there due to the prevailing Ute culture. Today we came across this review for the latest generation of the Scorpio PikUp.

The video has been uploaded by John Rooth on YouTube, in which he reviews his Mahindra Scorpio PikUp which acts as the camera car. The PikUp has been proving to be fairly successful in the Australian market as practically no other automaker is offering a utilitarian and robust pick-up. The reviewer is impressed with the industrial design of the PikUp, as it is based on an off-road centric ladder frame chassis and leaf spring rear suspension. The engine is based on a tractor design, but that’s not a bad thing as Mahindra is the world’s largest tractor seller. The 2.2-litre chain-driven diesel is a very unstressed engine, which means it is going to be a very reliable engine for a long time with fewer service intervals. The powertrain is torquey and pulls the PikUp easily while also being very fuel-efficient, showing 30 kmpl in the infotainment system. The transmission is well-spaced out and offers ratios for pretty much every scenario. The Scorpio PikUp also gets a mechanically locking differential with a low-range transfer case, making it easy for the pick-up to cross low-grip terrain conditions.

The reviewer is impressed by the interior of the Mahindra Scorpio PikUp which even though very utilitarian comes with all the features needed in a vehicle like this. The doors close with a satisfying thud and do a very good job of keeping dust outside. Being a proper off-roader, the PikUp comes with an airy and spacious cabin that provides great viewing angles to place the vehicle easily in tough spots. The rear bench is taller than the front seats to give the passengers a view as well. Overall, the reviewer thinks the Scorpio PikUp is the only direct competitor to the ageing Series 70 Toyota Land Cruisers, with the former being much cheaper to run and maintain.

The Mahindra Scorpio PikUp as mentioned above is powered by a 2.2-litre 4-pot turbo-diesel engine. It churns out max power and torque figures of 120 PS/280 Nm respectively. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed manual. Prices for the Scorpio Getaway start from AUD 26,990 or approximately Rs 13.2 lakh, ex-showroom.