Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today rolled out the Scorpio Automatic with a fully automatic 6-speed gear box and a 2.2 litre mHawk engine. Besides, the new SUV has in-built intelligent driving modes and is available in VLS and VLX variants, which are priced from Rs 10.34 lakh onwards, ex-showroom price Bangalore.
 
The gearbox is fully electronically controlled and this helps in giving shorter shift times and improves drivability. The company claims that this system is a technologically improved version than the earlier automatics, which were hydraulic controlled.  

The maintenance is significantly low. The transmission is permanently sealed and does not need oil change throughout its life.

The vehicle also incorporates an adaptive strategy to maintain optimum shift quality throughout the life of the transmission. The SUV also has an in-built overheat self-protection strategy and a high self-diagnostic capability.

It eliminates the need for constant gear changes and allows easy manoeuvrability in heavy traffic. The anti roll-back can be put on drive mode to ensure that the engine does not stall.

Various modes of the Scorpio Automatic
Normal mode 'N' – For normal driving conditions with optimised fuel management
Winter mode 'W' – Meant for use on ice and slippery or unstable roads.

Manual / Engine Brake Mode 'M' – This mode selects the lowest possible gear for a defined vehicle speed, utilising engine braking for better control on steep downhill descents

Auto engaged modes
Up and downhill modes – Here the control unit detects the gradient automatically and implements the shift schedule.

Fast-off mode – In case of quick release of the pedal, the transmission will hold the current gear for a preset time period, thus avoiding unnecessary rapid gear shifts.
 
Safety features:
Overheat protection – Protects the transmission in case of overheating due to any malfunction
 
Reverse lock out – Locks reverse drive until predefined safety conditions of speed and engine RPM are met
 
BTSI (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock) - Prevents the gear lever from coming out of 'Park' (P) position unless the brake pedal is depressed

Additional safety features include a crash protection crumple zone, child locks and anti-lock braking system.
 
The vehicles have a CD/MP3 player, pen drive and SD Card compatibility. The VLX also features intelligent front wipers, which work automatically during rain. Also, the headlamps sense changes in ambient light and automatically turn on or off depending on light levels.
 
Highlights
Scorpio Automatic has fully automatic 6-speed gear box
 
Powered by the 2.2 litre mHawk engine, allowing a smooth drive & fuel efficiency
 
Available in both VLX & VLS variants
 
In-built, intelligent driving modes provide greater vehicle control in various driving conditions
 
In the VLX variant, additional features include ABS, rain & light sensors, Intellipark, Tyretronics, cruise control and audio control on steering wheel, among others.