Mahindra Scorpio Classic: Old Vs New - How It Has Changed

'Nothing else will do' - lines that defined the Scorpio, now known as the Mahindra Scorpio Classic. Having made its debut in 2002, the Scorpio was the first 'global' Mahindra, and more importantly, the first all-new car from Mahindra after years of CJ-based SUVs.

Over the years, the Scorpio gained cult status for its cult looks, the diesel engine that has always been full of punch, and its go-anywhere capability.

Today, the OG Scorpio lives on as the Mahindra Scorpio Classic, co-existing as an interesting option in the mid-size SUV segment. Before we take a look at how the Scorpio Classic differentiates itself from the old Scorpio, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community for the latest updates!

Mahindra Scorpio Classic Old Vs New: Design

The old Scorpio featured a modern version of the seven-slat grille, a hood scoop, new projector headlamps, new five-spoke alloy rims, new tail-lights, and a slightly redesigned tailgate with black/white cladding. Honestly, I feel this design holds up rather well even today.

While the Scorpio Classic has retained the overall core design of the older version, Mahindra has updated it to keep it fresh and relevant. The headlights are slightly more angular than before, there is a new, more aggressively styled six-slat grille, along with a redesigned front bumper. The 17-inch diamond-cut alloy rims are also different, while at the rear, it gets a completely new tailgate without cladding, along with new different tail lights.

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Mahindra Scorpio Classic Old Vs New: Powertrains

The older Scorpio was underpinned by an all-new chassis, and it also received a new 5-speed transmission. There were two powertrain options on offer; a 2.2-litre mHawk mill producing 138bhp and 320Nm of torque (118.3bhp and 280Nm on the lower variants), along with a 2.5-litre m2diCR putting out 73.9bhp and 200Nm of torque. The mHawk was offered with a 6-speed transmission (5-speed on the lower spec variants), while the 2.5-litre m2diCR mill got the 5-speed unit.

A 6-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 were also offered at some point, while the 2.2-litre mHawk mill was updated to meet BS6 emission norms. The 2.5-litre m2diCR powertrain was discontinued sometime around 2021.

The Scorpio Classic is also powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, but this is a slightly different unit compared to the older version. This one puts out 130bhp and 300Nm of torque. There is no 4x4 or an automatic transmission this time around.

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Mahindra Scorpio Classic Interiors and Features

The Scorpio received hugely revamped interiors with the third facelifted model. It got dual-tone upholstery, a redesigned centre console, a new blue-backlit twin-dial instrument cluster which looked cool, a new steering wheel and more. It also got a 6-inch screen with bluetooth connectivity, navigation, a 12V USB charging socket, and rear A/C vents, to name a few things. Over the years, there were additions such as a touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a tyre pressure monitoring system and cruise control among others.

In contrast, the Scorpio Classic seems to have gone a little backwards. It now misses out on automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and while there is a 9-inch touch screen system, there is no connectivity for Apple CarPlay. However, as of now, the Mahindra website says Android Auto is now available on the top-end variant. Beat that, iPhone users! The Scorpio Classic does receive things such as cruise control, a 6-speaker sound system, follow-me home headlamps, and parking sensors.

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