Did the all-new Mahindra Scorpio-N 4X4 really get stuck in slush? [Video]

Mahindra recently launched the all-new Scorpio-N in India, and soon after the launch invited a bunch of automotive journalists and digital influencers to test drive the new SUV. During a stint at the off-road track, a Mahindra Scorpio-N – replete with a 4×4 transfer case – was shown to be stuck in slush. People gathered around the stuck SUV had to push it across the slush. But the big question is. Did the all-new Scorpio-N 4X4 really get stuck in slush? Or is there more to this video that meets the eye. Let’s first take a look at the video.

As the video indicates, an all-new Mahindra Scorpio-N SUV is indeed stuck in slush. However, it’s not the four wheel drive variant that’s stuck. There are two pieces of evidence that manage to nail this misinformation that’s being spread through this video.

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1. If you watch closely – between the 3oth and 40th second – it’s amply clear that only the rear wheels of the Scorpio-N are being powered by the engine. At least in this section of the video, the Scorpio-N is in ‘rear wheel drive’ mode.
2. Let’s assume that the driver forgot to shift into 4X4 mode. The same channel has put out another video, where it’s mentioned that the SUV that was stuck was a rear-wheel (4X2) driven vehicle. Here, check that video out.

All said and done, ot’s not unusual for a SUV to get stuck in slush/mud, even a 4X4 SUV. But what’s unusual is when a real-wheel driven SUV is passed off a 4X4 SUV. Rear wheel driven SUVs can’t really manage slush/sand beyond mild trails. This is what’s happening in both the videos.

So, if you really want a capable SUV that can take you to places that normal cars can’t, you need to buy one with a four wheel drive system, preferably one that has both low range and high range functions. Apart from buying a SUV with a 4X4 transfer case, tyres are also critical bits to really bring out the best from a vehicle equipped with four wheel drive. AT or all terrain tyres are a good compromise between on-road performance and off-road capability.

Notably, the all-new Mahindra Scorpio-N has these very features in its 4X4 trim. While prices of the 4X4 variants haven’t been announced yet, it won’t be long for the July 21st is when Mahindra will reveal pricing for the 4X4 and automatic variants. While Mahindra was expected to offer 4X4 in both petrol and diesel trims of the Scorpio-N, our sources tell us that only the diesel variants will get a 4X4 transfer case. However, the automatic gearbox option will be offered with both petrol and diesel trims.

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