Mahindra pulls a surprise: Prices 7 seat Scorpio Automatic cheaper than Hyundai Creta AT

Mahindra & Mahindra has pulled off a surprise here. Close on the heels of the Hyundai Creta compact SUV’s launch in India, Mahindra has unleashed the Scorpio Automatic. The Scorpio Automatic starts at 13.13 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi, which makes it about 44,000 rupees cheaper than the Creta Diesel Automatic variant, which is priced at 13.58 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi. So, the Scorpio AT is cheaper than the Creta AT, but how do these SUVs stack up when compared head to head. That’s where we’re heading to.

The Mahindra Scorpio is a ladder frame SUV with a 7 adult seating capacity. The SUV is powered by a 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine with 120 Bhp and 280 on tap. The automatic variant of the Scorpio features a 6 speed torque converter gearbox, which drives the rear wheels and all four wheels depending on the variant chosen. The Scorpio Automatic is a heavy SUV, weighing in at nearly 2 tons. The Scorpio Automatic is offered in the fully loaded S10 trim, with ABS and twin airbags as standard fare. The Scorpio 4X4 AT variant is priced at 14.33 lakh rupees.

The Hyundai Creta’s Diesel Automatic variant is powered by the 1.6 liter CRDI turbo diesel engine with 126 Bhp-260 Nm on offer. A 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox handles torque transmission. The compact SUV is a front wheel driven vehicle with a monocoque body that can accommodate 5 passengers. The Creta is much smaller than the Scorpio dimensionally, and lighter too. In terms of safety features, the SX Plus variant of the Creta Automatic is sold with traction control, ABS, Airbags and hill hold assist.

Performance – Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta is likely to be much lighter than the Mahindra Scorpio though Hyundai is yet to reveal the actual kerb weights. This lightness, combined with the 1.6 liter turbo diesel engine’s blistering performance means that the Creta Automatic will be a faster SUV than the Mahindra Scorpio Automatic, which itself is no slouch. However, the Creta will be the peppier of the two.

Fuel Efficiency – Hyundai Creta

A lighter vehicle usually wins at the fuel station, and the Creta Automatic scores in this area too, with its smaller 1.6 liter CRDI turbo diesel engine delivering an ARAI certified 17.01 Kmpl. The Scorpio AT is about 70 kilograms heavier than the manual variant, and with lower fuel efficiency of 15.4 Kmpl. So, if you want the more efficient automatic SUV, the Hyundai Creta is the way to go.

Ruggedness – Mahindra Scorpio

The Mahindra Scorpio AT features a rugged, ladder frame body, which allows it to take some beating on bad roads and no roads. The Hyundai Creta AT on the other hand, is a monocoque design that will feel at home on well paved surfaces than on uneven terrain.

Street Presence – Mahindra Scorpio

The Hyundai Creta looks puny in front of the Mahindra Scorpio, which butch, bold, tall and wide. However, not many like the in-your-face appeal of the Scorpio, prefering the newer, baby Santa Fe looks of the Hyundai Creta. In terms of sheer street presence though, the Mahindra Scorpio scores, mainly on the back of its larger dimensions.

Creature Comforts – Even Stevens

When it comes to creature comforts, it’s even stevens between the two SUVs, which are evenly matched. If you’re looking at better value, the Scorpio scores, mainly because it’s priced cheaper than the Creta. Also, the Scorpio offers 7 seats, which make it a more versatile option.

Safety Features – Even Stevens

In terms of safety features too, both SUVs are evenly matched. While the Creta offers ABS, traction control, ESP, twin airbags and hill hold assist, the Scorpio offers ABS, twin airbags, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and optional four wheel drive. And all these features count when it comes to going off the beaten track.

So, which diesel automatic SUV to buy?

If you have a small family and rarely venture off the road, the Hyundai Creta is a better bet. It has a punchy yet fuel efficient turbo diesel engine and a well rounded set of features. You will require a smaller parking slot, and the compact SUV is more maneuverable in tighter spots.

If you want more SUV for your money, the Mahindra Scorpio AT is what you need to opt for. The Scorpio is more rugged, and is a better option if most of your driving involves rough terrain. With the optional four wheel drive system, the Scorpio has better go-anywhere ability. With space for 7 adults, it’s also more versatile.