Earlier the people interested in off-roading with a Scorpio had only the top-end Scorpio M-Hawk VLX 4WD model to choose from. But recently Mahindra has introduced a four-wheel drive variant of the Scorpio in its LX variant, which is a mid-range variant. Mahindra already been overwhelmed with the response it has got for the Mahindra XUV 500, so much so that its eating up a part of the sales of the older sibling Mahindra Scorpio which is a priced slightly below the XUV500.
Visually, there’s not much to differentiate the LX 4WD variant from the regular LX variant other than the 4WD badging on the tail-gate and the trailer hook in the rear bumper, both features that have been a trademark of four-wheel drive Scorpio models over the years. The LX variant comes with steel wheels without wheel caps and so the front 4WD locking hubs are quite prominently visible as well.
The LX variant does not have body-cladding and has a pretty “bare” look to it, which actually is more practical for someone looking for a no-frills off-roader. It has the essential comforts one needs such as air-conditioning, power windows, central locking and tilt-adjustable power steering. It does not have safety features such as ABS and airbags, nor does it have a music system or any other conveniences.
The Scorpio LX 4WD is powered by same 2.2 Litre diesel engine which produces 120 BHP of peak power and a whooping 290 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission primarily driving the rear wheels. This is the same engine present on the SLE and VLX variants of the Scorpio too. In addition, the LX 4WD variant has a shift-on-the-fly, Borg-Warner transfer-case that transmits power to the front-wheels as well at the flick of a switch. It also has a low-ratio mode for extreme off-road conditions such as driving through slush, climbing up steep rocky surfaces or tackling sand dunes.
The Scorpio LX 4WD is not a full time 4 wheel drive, it can be switched between the 2WD and 4WD modes with 4WD having two options, 4L and 4 H (high and low gears options). The Scorpio gives a claimed mileage of 13 kmpl on diesel in normal driving conditions. Off-road, depending on the extent of four-wheel drive usage, mileage can drop to about 8-9 kmpl. The Scorpio LX 4WD is priced at Rs. 9.18 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. This four-wheel drive variant is about Rs. 1.2 lakh more expensive than its rear-wheel drive counterpart.
Technical specification of Mahindra Scorpio LX 4WD –
- Engine CC – 2179 cc (Diesel)
- No. of cylinders – 4-cylinder common-rail
- Claimed Mileage – 13 kmpl
- Power (BHP @ rpm) – 120 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque (Nm @ rpm) – 290 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm
- Drive type – Part-time four-wheel drive
- Gear box – 5-speed manual
- Transfer case – Electric shift with high / low ratio
- Tyre size – 235/70 R16 (steel wheels)
- Fuel capacity (Litres) – 60 litres
- Kerb weight (in Kgs) – 1950 Kg
Also see – Mahindra launches Scorpio Base Variant EX at Rs. 7.59 lakhs
