Mahindra Scorpio-N's first service: Experience & key observations

Something has really changed. The car seems way faster, crisper and way more responsive.

BHPian Djay recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

500km - First Service Update

I know what you are thinking. The first service is at 1000 km, right? Well, I've got an 1800 km trip coming up so planned an early service.

The service experience was decent enough but they took way too long. By the time they were done, I had been to 3 guitar shops and had a nice chicken burger at KFC. More on it later.

Some key observations in 500km:

• People do respect the size and usually don't cut you, except some two-wheelers, Swifts and Fortuners and didis on scooty
• Finally found a comfortable driving position, seat cranked up to max height but slightly pushed back
• I cannot get the passenger-side wiper down unless I jump really high and slam it down. Perhaps I can try standing on the tyre
• Music system is great and I am very happy with the sound quality, I play 80's pop, nu-metal, orchestra, classic rock and metal (I know, sacrilege for a BoF 4x4 owner)
• Parking can be a pain sometimes but the front camera and dynamic guidelines car make the pain more bearable
• Malls guards are often willing to park it in "that" bound-by-rope VIP parking space
• Managed to continue the palindrome syndrome (i.e. Superb-6336, Vento-1881, Scorpio-2112)
• Very smooth, soft, squishy and comfortable ride quality anywhere and everywhere
• Handling is something else altogether. After driving a Superb and Vento, I would say that it is really impressive for a BoF SUV. It is really good. Can't wait to hustle it up a hill/ghat
• Not that I care but the mileage is abysmal in the city, unable to get anything more than 8 km/l. Saw 16 km/l once when I put cruise control at 90 for 15 minutes
• Had one situation where the rear MLD had to lock up. Feels like a kick in the guts. Anybody not familiar would think that you crashed or broke something. The same goes for the loud clank when switching to 4WD
• People look at me funny when I unlock or get off the vehicle (maybe it's the small kid vs big SUV joke thing?)
• Feels really safe and confident. Was doing 90 kph in the rain
• NVH is really good. Roll up the windows and you can't hear people outside
• Gearbox is very smooth and responsive. Too sporty at times and stays in the powerband. Nice for spirited driving but sometimes I really want it to shift up a little early so that I could stay at 1600 rpm

Post-Service Surprise

The service has changed things because:

• Classic Mahindra issue of radio starting with the car has appeared (was plagued with it in the XUV500)
• Something has really changed. The car seems way faster, crisper and way more responsive. Goes like the BS6 Fortuner. What have they done?
• Brakes have become more progressive and less "YOU WANT TO STOP NOW? OK, WE STOP NOW!!!". No more jerks or sudden stops
• Mileage has increased by 1.5-2 km/l. That same mystery magic which made the car faster?
• Got underbody rust coating

Here are some photos

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.