Everything you need to know about the Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio is a mid-sized SUV manufactured by Indian automaker, Mahindra. The Scorpio, known as the Scorpio N in India, is the brand's first all-new vehicle in more than 10 years.

The Scorpio comes in two specifications – a base Z8 and the flagship Z8L. Both models are sold nationwide with drive-away pricing, with the Z8 priced from $41,990 and the range-topper starting at $44,990.

No. The Mahindra Scorpio has six seats, with two 'captain's chairs' in the second row and two seats in the third row. The kerb-side captain's chair features a forward tumbling action for third-row access.

The Mahindra Scorpio is yet to be tested by Australia's safety body, ANCAP. It did receive a five-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP); however, safety criteria in Australia is far more stringent.

Unfortunately, the Scorpio misses out on a host of modern safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assistance, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse autonomous braking.

Some safety features include cruise control, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, reversing camera, dusk-sensing LED headlights, and LED fog lights and tail-lights.

The Mahindra Scorpio sits in the large SUV category, competing with vehicles such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X; however, its footprint is closer to that of a medium SUV (Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail).

The Scorpio measures in at 4662mm long, 1917mm wide, 1857mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2750mm.

Both specifications are packed with the same engine – a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which develops 129kW at 3500rpm and 400Nm at 1700–2750rpm. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission sending drive to all four wheels via a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range and an auto-locking rear differential.

The Mahindra Scorpio is equipped with four-wheel drive with Normal, Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand modes, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear-view camera, push-button start, dual-zone climate-control with second-row air vents, 'Rich Coffee' black synthetic leather-look interior upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, and power-folding side mirrors.

Stepping up a grade adds a 12-speaker Sony sound system with twin-channel subwoofer, front parking sensors and camera, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 7.0-inch colour instrument display, and a wireless smartphone charger.

Mahindra claims a cargo capacity of 756L (to the second row). This figure is well below the Isuzu MU-X at 1119L to the second row, and also falls short of the Ford Everest at 898L to the second row.

The Mahindra Scorpio rivals against the First Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Yes, it does. The Mahindra Scorpio is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Z8 offers wired, while the step up to the higher grade provides wireless connectivity for both phone systems.