Mahindra and Mahindra, the Indian Utility vehicles major have just done what most of those mud pluggers have been asking for. They have gone ahead and launched the Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 SUV. What’s new you might ask?

Well, for beginners, this Mahindra Scorpio has been completely stripped off most of its creature comforts the top VLX 4X4 offers and has been launched in an attractive package of Rs. 9.17 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi).

This move by the Mahindra’s will most certainly kick start the sales of LX 4X4 version in the Indian market. The Mahindra Scorpio 4X4 SUV looks pretty much the same as the VLX 4X4 but for the tail gate. The other changes worth mentioning here are free-wheeling hubs on the wheels and a shift-on-the-fly four wheel drive level on the central console beside the gear lever.

As far as the engine is concerned, the Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 runs on the same engine that powers the other variants, the very humble 2.2 Liter mHawk CRDe turbo diesel engine that pumps out 120 bhp of peak power and 290 Nm of torque. For the transmission, a five speed manual gearbox has been paired with the engine. About 100 kgs of weight has been added to the SUV which otherwise boasted of weighing close to two tons. The engineers have not tinkered with the ground clearance of the vehicle and it remains the same at 180 mm and the SUV will still stand on 16” wheels.

Now, the most obvious question every motor head in India asks … Mileage kitana deti hai? We wouldn’t dare to make a blasphemic comment here but it is up to you to read between the lines. A slight drop in the 2 wheel drive mode while a thirsty drinker in the four wheel drive mode should suffice for an off roader searching for answers. To make the drive a thriller on wheels, Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 has not been fitted with safety features such as ABS and Airbags.

But the SUV is home to certain features such as 5-Zone cushion suspension, digital Immobilizer, crash protection crumple zones and Child locks, Tubeless Tyres, tiltable steering, power steering and power windows, mobile charging facility, Illuminated spoiler, Roof top ski racks and central locking.

Our verdict: For those finding the Thar a little too bare, Scorpio LX 4X4 is for you.