No stunning innovation but better optimisation of proven thought.

Many years ago Mahindra made a stunning discovery: they got themselves a ladder type chassis with tubular long members. Today they yet have a ladder type frame but one which is built up of C-section rails welded together to form the long members while the cross members are tubular units. So is it new, or is it old? We think it is different and that is the name of the game. There is no faulting the body-on-frame approach for affordable Indian-built UVs and it is how the entire package is executed with the suspension that makes all the difference. First off one gets the feeling that like the suppressed styling, the engineering team was hesitant to change the wheelbase (familiarity as regards roll centre heights, weight distribution, engine placement, etc) which is a Bolero-matching 2680mm while the track changes slightly from the Bolero’s 1443mm to 1450mm, but this could be the result of using the 235/75 footwear. So not much change, is there?

But the twin wishbone suspension up front is better optimised, says the company and the leaf spring rates at the rear have also been tuned in this regard. The crushing advantage offered by the Bridgestones is another factor to be blended in while sizing up the car from its suspension and chassis set-up point of view as are the steering and the brakes. The Scorpio employs power-assisted rack and pinion steering while the braking system comprises discs up front and drums at the rear with an LSPV integrated into the braking circuit.

The major difference between the Scorpio and previous Mahindra products is the new ladder type frame chasis which is now made of C-section steel channel long members welded together and tubular cross members. However the wheelbase remains the same as that of the Bolero which was the same as that of the Armada which.... Some thought should have gone into this aspect to as to have liberated much needed leg room for the rear seat occupants as also for those unlucky enough to be relegated to the back bench. Gripes aside, the chassis shows good execution in details as does the independent double wishbone front suspension which uses coil springs in the rear wheel drive version and torsion bars in the 4WD version. Suspension at rear is by means of leaf springs. The Scorpio uses disc brakes up front and drums at the rear.