Better? Yes. Best? No.

The Scorpio, Mahindra's trusted SUV, is out in a completely new version. The author pits it against the outgoing model to find out what has changed

The Mahindra Scorpio was an instant success when it was launched a decade ago and though it may not be the segment leader now, it still continues to sell in decent numbers. It is in fact the automatic choice of those seeking a true-blue SUV in the Rs 10-lakh bracket. However, the Scorpio was beginning to show its age, with the models launched after the original being pretty much the same vehicle with cosmetic changes. It was time for Mahindra & Mahindra to release the third generation of this popular vehicle and that's what it has done. The company insists that the new Scorpio has retained very little from its outgoing model - just the roof and the doors. So I take it for a drive to find out whether the car-maker has managed to iron out the kinks in the older Scorpio or simply camouflaged them.

The new Scorpio has a modified front fascia. The older version had a more conventional look with boldly brushed lines on a bulbous nose. That has given way to a more deliberate design. Mahindra had used the cheetah paradigm for its XUV 5OO and a similar design line is perceptible in the new Scorpio. The grille and the edgy headlamps with the eyebrow-like LEDs give the vehicle the look of big cat. The steely fangs on the grille add to the impression. In fading light with the headlamps on, you would swear the fierce antagonist of Kung Fu Panda, Tai Lung, was staring back at you; the older model reminded you of Po the genial, if overweight, panda protagonist. The dual projector headlamps in an all-black housing, oval fog lamps and the honeycomb mesh on the new flat and squarish bumper give the Scorpio an altogether new, and aggressive, look. The new is pronounced because you notice that Mahindra has got rid of the curves the previous version sported, while the wheel arches are more audacious now. The Scorpio also has turning lamps in this version.

The rear exterior is quite funky, if that is the word, with its dual-colour scheme: a black matte band dissecting the broader expanse. The tail lamps are LEDs and are more visible with all-clear lamps. What I miss are the reflectors that used to run up to the top above the rear tail lights in the older car. This has been replaced by a bland, black strip. The side profile remains virtually the same, which is a disappointment, given the radical changes in the front and the rear. The 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are bigger by an inch than the ones fitted on the older Scorpio.

The new cabin feels very airy and spacious, even though lengthwise it remains the same as the old Scorpio's. There is a fractional increase in the width. The dual off-white and grey scheme is refreshing after the humdrum beige-brown interiors with cheap wooden finish of the outgoing model. The ergonomics feel much better as everything is within reach of the driver's seat. The power window switches are no longer on the centre console, as they strangely were in the old Scorpio. They are in the traditional position, on the arm console on the door. The most evident change is the XUV 5OO-inspired steering wheel, which feels lighter and has mounted buttons that can easily be accessed by the thumb, unlike in the older car. The top-of-the-line variant that I drive, the S10, also comes with cruise control. The horrendous block square gear lever has thankfully been replaced with a beautiful oval one with silver finish.

A special mention must be made of the six-inch touch screen entertainment in the new model, which also doubles up as a navigation device and an information centre telling you about tyre pressure, outside temperature and rear parking. It has been exported straight from the XUV 5OO. The way the centre console is designed, you could panic that there are no auxiliary and USB ports, but look further down and you will find them there.

Though the touch screen is quite responsive, it is not easily visible if the sun is beating down on the dashboard. The quirky oval air-conditioner vents in the old Scorpio have been replaced by rectangular ones with chrome outlines. The clock has been given blue graphics. Mahindra has also done away with the cup and bottle holders that were located between the front seats.

Now about the big changes. The new Scorpio comes with a stiffer chassis, rendering it a lot safer to drive. It also comes with new and lighter front suspensions, while the rear has an anti-roll bar. All this sounds great, but it still remains nervous at corners like the outgoing vehicle did and has a soft ride that makes you feel like you are bobbing in a dinghy. The ride is still springy, but there is an improvement in that the car does not wallow over small undulations. The understeering that was quite noticeable in the old Scorpio has been remedied too. Though it feels more planted than earlier, I would still advise easing the throttle at turns.

OLD MAHINDRA SCORPIO Engine: 2179 cc Power: 120 ps @ 4,000 rpm Torque: 280 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm Fuel economy: 12 kmpl (ARAI) Price: Rs 11.62 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

NEW MAHINDRA SCORPIO S10 Engine: 2179 cc Power: 120 ps @ 4,000 rpm Torque: 280 Nm @ 1800-2800 rpm Fuel economy: 15.4 kmpl (ARAI) Price: Rs 11.95 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

The 2.2 mHawk diesel heart continues to power the Scorpio and pumps out the same 120 PS as earlier. However, with a new 5-speed manual transmission, the power rush at low revs not only makes the Scorpio the best in the segment, but also easier to handle in slow traffic. Sure like its predecessor, the vibrations are tangible at low speed and if you go beyond 3,500 rpm, you feel the power fizzling out, but a slight touch on the gas pedal and it is ready to roar away. According to the Automative Research Association of India figures, the fuel efficiency has improved significantly. Mahindra could have worked on the heavy clutch and the rear shift, which feels spongy.

There are improvements from the second generation Scorpio and one can't argue with that. But the question is: are these enough? As a new-generation Scorpio, it disappoints when it comes to the driving experience and ride quality. There are minimal improvements in these areas. The cabin has significantly changed and feels more upmarket, but the fitting and finish are again average. There is no denying the fact that many people on the road stop, stare, even take photos of the SUV, but in my opinion, going the monocoque way would not only have reduced the kerb weight, but also made the new Scorpio a more driver-friendly car. But as a total package, yes, the 2014 version is better than the outgoing model.

Arup Das is Features Editor at AutoX