Mahindra’s Scorpio-N

Mahindra has decided to step things up by launching the Scorpio-N on an adventure so ambitious it would make Indiana Jones consider early retirement. Mahindra’s brainchild is setting off on a two-week odyssey through South Africa and Namibia, tackling some of the most challenging terrains Africa has to offer.

Departing Cape Town with more enthusiasm than a toddler on a sugar high, the expedition aims to put the Scorpio-N’s capabilities to the ultimate test. The route? A mixed bag of terrains, including the Namib desert, where only the brave—or the foolish—dare to tread.

Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, couldn’t contain his excitement. “Winning the Adventure SUV of the Year was just the beginning. Now, we’re turning the dial to eleven and showing the world that the Scorpio-N isn’t just an SUV—it’s a legend in the making,” he said, possibly while packing extra snacks for the trip.

The Scorpio-N’s resume reads like an automotive superhero’s profile: a new-generation ladder frame, Pentalink multi-link rear suspension, a beefy mHawk turbodiesel engine with 128.6 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Basically, if this SUV were a person, it would bench-press twice its weight and still have energy left for a marathon.

The real showstopper is the Scorpio-N’s 4XPLOR terrain-response system, designed to adapt to every conceivable driving condition. Whether you’re navigating city potholes or the rugged dunes of the Langstrand, this SUV promises to handle it all without breaking a sweat.

Safety-wise, the Scorpio-N has set a new benchmark with a five-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme. So, while your adventure might get wild, your ride will stay impressively composed.

The expedition kicks off at the Skeleton Coast, a place notorious for turning adventurous spirits into cautionary tales. From there, the team will brave the Langstrand dunes and hunt for the Zelia shipwreck. Next, they’ll venture into Damaraland, home to 1,000-year-old Welwitschia Mirabilis plants, before tackling Namibia’s highest mountain from the Ugab River’s foothills.

Kaokoland is next on the list, where the explorers will seek out the Himba tribe, unravel the mystery of the Lone Men, and traverse the Hoarusib and Hoanib riverbeds, hoping for a face-to-face with the elusive Namib Desert elephants.

Episodes documenting this epic journey will start dropping on Mahindra’s social media channels on 21 June 2024. It’s the final chapter in a series of Mahindra Adventures that have showcased the brand’s rugged versatility across seven stunning locations.

Previous escapades have included the Karoo Pik Up range traversing from Richtersveld to Lesotho and the Western Cape’s Winelands, all captured in visually stunning detail. Another adventure saw participants behind the wheel of an XUV700, embracing the Western Cape’s outdoor activities.

“Our adventures have proven that you don’t need a fancy title to experience the extraordinary. You just need a Mahindra,” Gupta quipped, probably while double-checking his GPS.

For more details and to follow the expedition, visit Mahindra’s website. And if you’ve missed any past adventures, catch up here.

So, grab some popcorn and get ready for a ride—Mahindra style.