The new Scorpio N brings with it dual cameras, AdrenoX system, connected tech and more.
Published on Jul 03, 2022 09:00:00 AM
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Mahindra recently announced introductory prices of the manual variants of the new-generation Scorpio – christened Scorpio N – at Rs 11.99 lakh. The new Scorpio N packs in several tech and features like Mahindra’s AdrenoX infotainment system, a 12-speaker Sony audio system and connected car tech. With the help of tech gurus from Stuff India, we bring you an in-depth review of all the tech on offer and how it works in the real world.
There’s plenty of tech in the new Scorpio N to keep you entertained. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen occupies pride of place on the dash, and runs an AdrenoX system, similar to the one that made its debut in the XUV700. It can’t quite match the XUV700’s system on clarity, but gets most of its functionality and then some.
The SUV features neatly laid-out and easy-to-read analog dials, and a 6.5-inch MID sits between them giving you all the info you need – without gimmicky digital rev counters or speedos. Moreover, there are enough buttons that let you access things like Driver Drowsiness Detection and Tyre Pressure Monitor in just a few clicks.
Alexa is in-built into the system and is pretty intuitive. It gets vehicle-level commands like “Alexa, open sunroof”, “set temperature” or “play radio station” faster than your fingers. Finally, a voice assistance system that understands what you say! Of course, you’ll still need to be in a network connected area for it to work its tricks.
The Alexa system in the Scorpio N works like any other Alexa compatible device at your home, so you could technically ask it to switch on your home air-conditioner. It even works with What3Words, a location-finding system that has the entire Earth mapped out in quadrants of 3mts – each one can be found by using a combination of three unique keywords. It won’t be an alternative to Google Maps anytime soon, but it is useful if your destination is not showing up on Google, and you want pin-point accuracy in a remote region.
The highlight of the Scorpio’s tech equipment is the brilliant sounding 12-speaker 3D sound system. Mahindra has borrowed it straight from the XUV700, and hence, it sounds almost as pleasing with a huge soundstage, helped by the roof-mounted height speakers in the first and third row. You can select between different presets – Party proved to be the best overall setting. The Stage setting make the speakers forward-biased, which mimic a live performance, while the immersive 3D mode makes the sound more diffused – perfect for playing in the background while having a conversation.
The system has great bass, which is rich and deep, and the imaging is superb. What helps its case further is the careful angling of the mid-range and tweeter towards the occupants. The Adreno X system also keeps the sound tuning options at hand so making changes on the move is an easy affair.
The Scorpio N also gets front and rear cameras which is convenient for an SUV its size. But the 1.5MP resolution from them takes us back to 2002. Not only were practically unusable in the stormy conditions that we were testing the car in, but they also suffer from lag, which is quite rare in cars these days. It could also land you in trouble. For instance, reversing while looking at the screen might result in you hitting something sooner than it appears on the feed. That’s not all. There’s also the fish-eye distortion. We hope this is the first thing Mahindra upgrades in the facelift cycle, if not before.
Connectivity is par for the course with twin USB A ports in the front, a single USB C for the middle row and a single 12V socket for the third row. Mahindra claims that the Scorpio N supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but we could not get Apple CarPlay working even with a cable. Mahindra also gives you a wireless charging pad in the centre console and it accommodates even the biggest phones (with cases).
Also see:
2022 Mahindra Scorpio N review: Sting in the tale
2022 Mahindra Scorpio N: price, variants explained
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