BHPian keeprevving recently shared this with other enthusiasts: This Dusshera, just like every year, we set out on our traditional family road trip – this time exploring Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Lucknow. We chose Ranchi as our overnight halt both during the onward and return journeys. After clocking 53,800 km on Zeus (Scorpio N), this trip added another ~3,000 km to the odometer – and once again, it proved why this SUV continues to win my heart every single time.Trip StatsTotal Distance Covered: ~3,000 kmAverage Fuel Efficiency: 16.36 km/lBest Fuel Efficiency: 17.66 km/l (personal best for SN)Lowest Fuel Efficiency: 15.09 km/lPerformance & ReliabilityThe overall performance has been nothing short of flawless. The engine feels smoother than ever. I love the refinement. No droning effect whatsoever at any rpm or speed. Across all these kilometers, I’ve faced zero issues – not a single rattle or glitch to report. That’s saying a lot for a vehicle that’s seen every kind of road India can throw at it.Ride Quality & Suspension – Built for Indian RoadsOne thing that stood out strongly on this trip was how the Scorpio N handled the road conditions, especially through Bihar and Jharkhand. With monsoon rains having taken a toll, the roads ranged from bad to downright miserable – yet the Scorpio N simply glided over everything. Be it uneven surfaces, broken patches, or the occasional massive pothole, it soaked them all up without breaking a sweat. Yes, there is body roll, which is expected from a ladder-frame SUV, but the confidence and composure the suspension offers is simply unmatched in this segment. The way it flattens out the bad roads, maintains stability, and keeps occupants comfortable is truly remarkable. There were instances where I hit some of the worst potholes at high speeds – and yet, nothing in the cabin felt alarming. Passengers were amazed at how planted and surefooted the vehicle remained throughout. It’s almost like the Scorpio N was made for such terrain.Highway Convenience – Annual FASTag PassThis time around, I also opted for the Annual FASTag Pass worth 3,000, and it worked flawlessly throughout the trip. It made toll crossings absolutely hassle-free, saving both time and effort on the long journey. Definitely worth it for frequent highway travelers.The Hotel Parking Horror – A Close CallNot everything on this trip was perfect, though – and surprisingly, the only low point had nothing to do with the vehicle. At one of the hotels in Varanasi, I had parked Zeus in their underground parking. When I went to check on it the next evening, I was surprised to see a layer of red dust all over the car. At first glance, it looked just like red soil dust, so I didn’t think much of it and let Zeus rest there for two days. We used autos to get around the city, avoiding the traffic snarls and narrow lanes. But when I finally brought the car out of the parking, a closer inspection revealed the shocking truth – it wasn’t dust at all, it was red paint! Apparently, the hotel had done some furniture and grill painting overnight – without any prior notice to guests. Cars parked nearby must have had a thick layer of paint mist on them. Mine was about 30-40 feet away, so I got lucky. Ironically, because the car was already coated with a good layer of dust and travel grime from Bhubaneswar, it acted as a protective barrier between the paint and the body. A simple foam wash, with a bit of hand pressure and a microfiber cloth, restored the shine completely. In hindsight, I was very fortunate – it could have been a nightmare otherwise.VerdictAfter nearly 57,000 km, the Scorpio N continues to impress with its refinement, toughness, comfort, and reliability. Every long drive only reinforces how well Mahindra has engineered this SUV for Indian conditions. Super impressed with the Scorpio N – it just keeps getting better with every trip. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
