Mahindra Scorpio mHawk versus Tata Safari 2.2L

Tata motors had launched the new Safari 2.2L engine which replaced the previous 3.0L engine and Mahindra had launched its most technologically forward vehicle the Mahindra Scorpio mHawk along its 2.6L engine. These new vehicles are one of the most wanted in the segment and we compare the two on the basis of engine, exterior, interior, comfort, quality, performance & value for money.

Engines, Power, Variants and Transmission

Tata Safari - 4.5

The new Safari is equipped with the new generation light weight 16V 2.2L Dicor (Direct injection common rail) VTT (Variable Turbine Technology) engine, operated by a 32-bit electronic control unit. The 2.2L engine produces 140ps at 4000 rpm and torque of 320Nm at 1700 rpm.

The Tata Safari is available in 5 variants in 2 systems (4x2 and 4x4). The base Safari LX, Dicor 2.2LX is available at 6.68L and 7.46L respectively(ex-showroom Chennai). The Dicor 2.2 EX is available in 4x2 and 4x4 which is 8.64L and 9.53L respectively. The Dicor VX is available at 10.49L for the 2x2 and 11.42L for the 4x4.

The Tata Safari delivers a mileage of 11 in city and 14 in the highway, if driven properly.


Mahindra Scorpio mHawk - 4.0

The latest mHawk is equipped with an all new all 16V 2.2L CRDi (common rail direct injection) engine that produces a healthy 120bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 290Nm @ 1800-2800rpm. This is an engine that you would love because of its quiet and no vibration nature. The engine is equipped with 2nd generation Bosch common rail system with solenoid injectors that manages the fuel supply to the engine.

The Scorpio has a 5-speed Manual Gear box. The Scorpio 2.2l Vlx mHawk engine costs about 9.3L + tax + this and that and all stuff, so the price comes upto 10L. It is in the price range where the Scorpio is hit badly and sadly wears out some buyers, as the Safari is equally powerful.

The Tata Safri gets the extra points because of the 4x4 variant available at the Scorpio price range.

Exteriors and Safety

Tata Safari- 4.5

The Safari is indeed a good-looking car with some extra add-ons and stuff, but the older safari had a more macho, sporty look, this one has a feminine look somewhere in the front, which is a bit disappointing for some people, while the rear and sides are still the same macho, hulky look. The new wheel cover at the back looks great and adds some sportiness in the car or should i say an SUV feel. The changes i would like for the Safari is the hood, the headlights, and a bigger bumper, that would spice it up and create a masculine look and sporty look in the car.

The Safari has a good safety system starting with the dual airbags, and ABS with EBD for more control over the vehicle and command on the road. The Safari comes equipped with anti-submarine seats that protect the driver and co-driver in the event of a collision and the Safari has been tested and gave good results. Tilt & collapsible steering was designed to reduce the frontal injury during collision. Rear vipers also available for clear view during rain.
Scorpio mHawk - 4.5

The main part where the Scorpio beats the Safari is in the exteriors section where the Scorpio maintains its macho and bold character, armored with add-ons that you would love to get it in your car. Get yourself bigger tyres and then see the Scorpio, it will be lovely. The feel is different than the Safari.

The first problem is the airbag, at the price of almost 10L, if the airbag is absent then its a big problem, safety is a growing demand for todays customers, but ABS is given as standard, but the Scorpio scores in areas of extra like tyre-tronics that tell you the exact air pressure and temperature of each tyre and engine immobilizer. The Scorpio plays with thieves, if someone tries to break in, the system gets tripped, the immobilizer locks the engine and cuts the fuel supply, and your car is safe.

The Safari scores well in safety but the Scorpio scores in Exterior style. So there is a tie,

Interiors and Comfort

Tata Safari - 4.0

The Safari's interiors are a pleasing one and has nice leg and shoulder room with great head room, there is an armrest in the second row, there is an AC vent in the second row which is low, way low. The Safari offers the comfort of a business class seat in kingfisher.. OK i am going too far, OK maybe air india's business class. The Safari offers goodies like LCD screen that no other car in its range provides.

Quality wise the Safari is not at all qualified, the seats and room is nice but when you look at the dash board, you feel like yawning all the way home, it looks soo dull. The thing is that Tata never had a good dashboard with goodies with quality. Along with the second row AC vents, there is a roof mounted AC for the third row passengers, creating cooling all around the cabin.

Mahindra Scorpio - 4.5

On the basis of space, the Safari beats it, but on the basis of quality, Scorpio kills the Safari. The Dashboard in the Scorpio is much better than the Safari and there are some improvements done. There are many storage areas in the Scorpio though. But the problem is that there is no roof mounted air-vents even at the rate of 10L, but there are second row air-vents, which might do a little job.

The Scorpio has some new features that cars in the upper luxury segment like Merc E class has like intelligent headlights and vipers which act according to the environment, intellipark that helps you park your car with ease and tyretronics.

The Scorpio beats the Safari in quality, features and lookability (don't know what that means) but Safari beats the Scorpio in space and comfort of the seats. Due to the quality, the points must be cut, we are a developing nation and we demand the best quality.

Performance and Handling

Tata Safari - 4.5

Dead sure that the new Safari had improved from the previous 3.0L engine. Pretty sluggish below 1500rpm, but the areas around the middle is where the power, the torque and the true colours of the car shows, its much smoother when speed gained around 60-100, but at high speeds like 120 and above, i begin to grow old and puff and throws all its effort to reach the limit. Not a good sign, i can cross 100 easily with an Esteem.

If you like the speed limits very much, then this car is for you. When you feel like showing your dirty side of your face and rip the car, then the Safari roars, and allows a Maruti 800 to overtake you.
Mahindra mHawk - 4.6

The battle of the 2.2's as i heard, the mHawk has lesser power and torque, but have to admit how organized the car ratio's are. Turn your keys and feel the new engine going along with the beat of your heart.. Idle.. vibrationless, like as if it isn't a Diesel car. Handling the car is very neat with responsive steering wheels.

The start of the car might be a "little" sluggish, but you will be impressed as the car goes on to higher speed gaining speeds at the different gears really smooth. The break is also a feature to get impressed by with ABS as standard. An impressive thing is that the suspension and the handling of the car when in bad roads don't give the car a pogo-stick ride, its goes well in those areas. The new engine does it all, 3 cheers.

Value for Money

Tata Safari - 4.5

The Safari has many variants to choose from starting from 6.68L to 11.42L including the 4x4 range at the price of the Scorpio mHawk.

Mahindra Scorpio mHawk - 4.0

The Scorpio is a great car to drive with the new engine, but many features are missing in the car like airbags and roof-mounted AC, and at the price of 10L i don't think the car is worth the money for the missing goods.

Verdict:

The new Safari and new Scorpio was made to deliver great performance and they did. Both the engines are equally great, but the Safari lost points in features of quality and areas like that. The Scorpio mHawk is a great car too, but this car also looses points in some features that have said to be available in the car at that price. That disappoints me.

The Winner of the comparison according to the points scored is the Tata Safari.

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