Which is a better entry-level option: Mahindra Scorpio EX vs Xylo D2?

With the launch of the Force One SUV earlier this week, buyers of lower-priced SUVs got one more option. Earlier, in May, Mahindra launched a cut-price version of the Scorpio, the Scorpio EX, at Rs. 7.2 lakh. With these entrants in the cheaper SUV market, we compare two entry-level variants: Scorpio EX and Xylo D2.

Where the Scorpio EX scores

Looks

The Scorpio EX looks like its higher priced variants, retaining the muscular stance and butch SUV looks. It has an aggressive front, good all-round visibility, and decent-looking rear. The only way one can tell the Scorpio EX apart from the other variants is by the badging, absence of side cladding, unpainted bumpers and 15-inch wheels instead of 16-inch ones.

Despite the absence of cladding and body-colored bumpers, the Scorpio is a better-looking vehicle than the Xylo, whose front end badly deserves a redesign, while the rest of the vehicle is too boxy and a tad disproportionate.

Mileage

The Scorpio EX has been primarily designed with mileage in mind. It gives an ARAI-certified mileage of 14 kmpl, from its 2.5 litre, 75 bhp engine. The Xylo D2 too is a frugal vehicle, but clocks only 13.4 kmpl from its slightly more powerful 95 bhp, 2.5 litre diesel engine.

Where the Xylo D2 scores

Comfort

The Mahindra Xylo is one of the most spacious people-movers around and has far more legroom than the Scorpio. It has three rows of seats, which have adequate legroom in all rows. The front seats have good lumbar support and underthigh support.

The Scorpio, in comparison, has a cramped third row and not enough luggage space compared to the Xylo when the third row is in use. In terms of ride comfort as well, the Scorpio has a stiffer suspension set up which tends to bounce, while the Xylo feels better planted

Performance

To reduce the price of the Scorpio EX and increase fuel efficiency, Mahindra has plonked in a 2523 cc engine sourced from its earlier jeeps, but brought up to date with a common-rail system. This engine claims to accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 11.2 seconds, while the Xylo D2 can do the 0-60 kmph sprint in 9 seconds.

The Scorpio EX’s engine puts out 75 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque, while the Xylo D2’s 2489 cc common-rail engine, puts out 95 bhp of power and 220 Nm of torque.

Features

Both the Scorpio EX and Xylo score almost equally on features, which are quite basic. They include power steering and air-conditioning with rear AC vents. However, the Xylo also offers power windows on the D2 variant along with theatre-style dimming lamps, while the Scorpio EX has only manual windows and regular courtesy lights.

Conclusion

The Scorpio EX only has the butch image of the Scorpio going for it. The Xylo unfortunately has acquired more of a commercial image than the Scorpio, and hence for individual buyers the Scorpio EX may make sense. However, in terms of comfort and performance the Xylo D2 is better than the Scorpio EX.

Technical specifications

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