My previous review on my Scorpio – please read
https://mouthshut.com/review/Mahindra_Scorpio-72054-1.html
Firstly, Scorpio is very susceptible to get stolen. Mine was stolen a year back after running it for 1.5 years, in front of E-Square Multiplex in Pune. I never got it back. I have been closely following various news items since then.
There have been 4 to 5 Scorpio thefts reported from the same spot from where mine got stolen. Couple have also been reported from Pune Central Parking. Also I had read a news item in the TOI where they exposed a nexus that is involved in stealing automobiles. Most stolen vehicles by them, top most is the Scorpio, not sure of the reason why. It also described how and where the vehicles go, how they are given new registration numbers, and they never get traced, why the nexus is still unresolved, etc.
Someone told me 6 months back that Insurance companies are raising the insurance premium for this vehicle, not sure if it is already done.
However, after getting the insurance claim, I was into the market again. This time I tested the Safari Dicor. I had previously tested the old Safari - TCIC before finalizing on Scorpio. Prime reasons to decide for Scorpio was that
(a) In Safari TCIC, we had to raise then engine RPM to > 2000, before leaving the clutch on 1st gear to start moving the vehicle. That was very uncomfortable once accustomed to a Car petrol engine. Scorpio did not have this problem.
(b) Safari base model was priced more than Scorpio top model at that time.
The minute I tested Safari this time, I realized that both the above problems are totally removed in the DICOR version, so I went for it. I had the top end model (SLX) of Scorpio, proudly called as fully loaded by the dealers. Price wise, after TATA reduced the prices last year, Safari has become comparable to the Scorpio. The base model (LX) of Safari has more features that the top end model (SLX) of Scorpio. But if you can spend more, go for the higher versions (EX, VX) of Safari, it has superior features like roof mounted HVAC, Height adjuster in drivers seat, Key less Entry with Immobilizer, Anti Lock Braking System (ABS), Air Bags, Side Impact Bars, Clear Lens Fog lamps, Rear view camera for reversing with LCD in the Rear View Miror, Alloy wheel rims, Leather wrapped steering wheel and upholstery, DVD MP3 with LCD screens etc. which are not seen even in the fully loaded version of Scorpio. You have to shell out handsome money for it, since the top end model of Safari is almost 3.5 L more costly than the base model. In my case, I chose the base model as it gave me all the features that the top end model of Scorpio had, and most importantly it fitted in my budget.
Since I have experienced the Scoprio for 1.5 yrs, and now the Safari for 10 months now, I would like to highlight a couple of points…
1) Scorpio has a much better pickup as compared to the Safari. Well this reminds me of my college days. I would say if one owned a Yamaha in college, then Scorpio is the MUV that he should purchase, getting the similarity?
2) Scorpio interiors are much superior as compared to the Safari. Watching the Scorpio interiors is a pleasure to the eyes, very nicely molded and beautifully carved. Safari interiors look like square shaped, sharp edged, low quality plastic made. The steering and the gear knob is also very harsh on your hands.
3) On the flip side, Scorpio is very bumpy, on any kind of road. Only the Driver enjoys the ride, the whole remaining family hates the frying pan bumps at the rear seats, both at higher and lower speeds. For Safari, even at the speed of 50 to 60 on a severely bumpy road, you will not feel it, the suspension is too good especially at these speeds.
4) Also, the leg room is much more in Safari both at the front and rear seats, primarily since the length of the vehicle is much more than the Scoprio. I being of huge built, used to find myself not fitting very well on the front seat of Scorpio even after adjusting it to the rearmost position. Even the seat belt used to fall a bit short, and I had to squeeze in. This is not at all a problem in Safari, primarily due to its length along with adjustable seat height, and adjustable steering and adjustable seat belt height.
5) Features wise, well, Go to the https://mahindrascorpio.com/ and https://safaridicor.com/ and compare the various variants. On one read you will find that Safari is more equipped.
6) Safari looks are definitely better than the Scorpio, but that may be more of a personal opinion. Actually Scorpio looks too good from the front, but from the back, it looks like the back of a mini van or a mini bus.
7) Fuel efficiency, Safari Dicor gives around 12 to 13 on the city roads, Scorpio (non CRDe) used to give 10, I have heard that the CRDe version gives > 12.
All Said and Done, if you are a sturdy person, and mostly do not drive with Family, and do frequently get involved in overtaking each and every car that is driving in front of you, go for a Scorpio.
On the contrary if you like comfortable ride for you and your family, you race only occasionally J and for you the pleasure of a ride is what matters, do go in for a Safari.
Both the vehicles make you feel of the road presence that they have, so whichever you choose, be proud of it, and mind you, if you choose Scorpio, please have extra anti-theft accessories put on it.
