By Mabuyane Mabuza
Sometimes I chuckle at the questions I still get after so many years of being immersed in the world of cars. The three most common ones are always the same: What is your favourite car? What is the highest speed you have ever driven? And how many cars have you driven?
People are often surprised when I tell them I do not particularly have a favourite car. They look even more puzzled when I explain that, at this stage of my life, I have developed a deep appreciation for bakkies and, to a certain extend functional SUVs.
I remember one gentleman who simply could not believe that I was not fascinated by one of the luxury vehicles that would be worthy of the Madlanga Commission’s famous garage discussions. But the truth is, age and experience have a way of refining your priorities. These days, I appreciate a vehicle that can work as hard as I do — something reliable, capable and adaptable to my farming lifestyle.
Right at Home on the Farm
That is why my time with the Mahindra Scorpio N 4Xplor left such a lasting impression.
Perhaps the team at Mahindra knew exactly what they were doing when they handed me the army green unit, a colour that looked perfectly at home among maizefields, gravel roads and the endless open spaces of the farming landscape.
The Scorpio N may not have the loading bed of a traditional bakkie, but do not underestimate it. It possesses the heart and toughness of an old farm hand —always ready for an unexpected task, whether it is an early morning inspection of the fields, checking livestock, or making its way through roads that have been punished by heavy rains.
When the Going Gets Tough
This year’s excessive rainfall has left many a farm roads deeply scarred, and our farm was no exception. One morning recently, I had to visit the fields to check on harvesting progress, but there was a stretch of muddy terrain that made me pause.
I looked at the Scorpio N and thought, this is your chance to prove yourself. I engaged the appropriate terrain mode, trusted the intelligent four-wheel-drive system, and steadily pressed the accelerator pedal. To my absolute surprise, the Scorpio N marched through the muddy obstacle with the confidence of a vehicle that had done this a hundred times before.
It did not struggle. It did not complain. It simply got on with the job. My respect for this SUV went through the roof.
Built for the Hard Work
Under the bonnet of the Scorpio N 4Xplor sits Mahindra’s 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, producing around 129 kW and 400 Nm of torque paired to the six-speed automatic transmission. It is not an engine that begs to be raced, but it delivers exactly what matters: strong low-end pulling power, effortless overtaking on open roads and the torque needed when the terrain becomes challenging.
Modern Comfort Meets Rural Capability
Beyond its rugged personality, the Scorpio N is also not just a tough cookie but brings a modern persona. The cabin, though not premium, offers the tech required for a modern lifestyle. The interior is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Sony sound system, a digital instrument cluster and connected vehicle technology.
Safety is also well catered for with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control, hill hold assist and an array of advanced driver aids.
One Vehicle, Two Personalities
What impressed me the most is the dual personality of this vehicle. During the week, it can tackle muddy farm tracks, rough gravel roads and the unpredictable challenges of rural living. Come the weekend, it can be washed, dressed up and comfortably take the family into the city without looking out of place.
Value That Makes Sense
If you shop around you might find a Scorpio N 4Xplor 4x4 at around R550 000 for demo model. However, expect to pay about R623 000 for a brand new unit depending on specification and drivetrain options.
The Scorpio N is not trying to be a luxury SUV wearing a rugged costume. It is an honest, capable machine with dirt under its fingernails
