Mahindra Scorpio vs Hyundai Creta vs Tata Safari Storme: Who should buy what

Mahindra has recently launched the facelifted Scorpio with a more powerful engine, and it has made the segment a bit more interesting. The mid-size SUV segment has remained a crowd puller. With three major offerings from the manufacturers in the segment, we tell you who should buy which one.

Rough and tough, but on a budget

If you’re looking to buy a rugged, rough and tough SUV on a budget, then the base variant of the Scorpio fits the bill. The S3 variant is priced at Rs. 9.97 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi and comes with basic list of equipment/

The Scorpio S3 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine that develops a maximum power of 75 Bho and peak torque of 200 Nm. The unpainted bumpers, door handles, and side cladding add to the rugged look that one looks in the vehicle. The Scorpio S3 gets front disc brakes, AC and hydraulic power steering.

The use of minimal electronics and equipment make sure that the car does not break down due to wiring faults and can be used on rough terrains without much worry.

Luxury off-roader

If you want a capable off-roader but want a cocoon of luxury around you when you’re at it, the Scorpio S11 is the answer. Only the top-end version of the Scorpio is equipped with the 4X4 transfer case with a low ratio gearbox that makes it extremely capable.

The version also gets unique features like Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that allows you to keep an eye on the real-time tyre pressure. There is also headlamp bending system, automatic wiper and headlamps and a 6-inch infotainment system navigation and rear parking camera and sensor.

This version of the Scorpio is powered by the 2.2-litre diesel engine that generates 140 Bhp – 280 Nm. The faux leather seats further add to the premium luxury feeling to the vehicle.

City riders

Hyundai Creta is the only vehicle between three of them to offer an automatic transmission with both petrol and diesel engine options. Also, it is the only car to offer a petrol engine between three of them. The 6-speed petrol automatic is a perfect companion in city traffic.

The Hyundai Creta petrol automatic is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that produces a maximum power of 122 Bhp and peak torque of 154 Nm. The 6-speed automatic transmission is extremely smooth and with the smooth petrol engine, the car feels like a breeze on the city roads. Despite being automatic, the Creta offers an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 15.29 km/l, which is quite decent.

Quick and safe

If you’re looking for a safe SUV between the three, the Creta SX (O) is the most safety equipment loaded vehicle. The car comes with as many as 6-airbags and ABS as standard and it also gets ESP and hill hold.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine of the Creta is quite quick too. It is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that produces a maximum power of 126 Bhp and 265 Nm of peak torque. The Variable Geometry Turbocharger helps the vehicle to be quick and reduce the turbo lag.

Want a performance SUV

The Tata Safari Varicor offers an enormous torque that makes it one of the quickest SUVs in the segment. The 2.2-litre Varicor turbodiesel engine produces a maximum of 154 Bhp – 400 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 4X2 variant is perfect for the highway cruisers. Tata also offers a 4X4 version of the Safari Storme with the shift-on-fly 4X4 system from Borg Warner and it also gets a low range gearbox.