A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Scorpio-N starts ZAR 24,501 cheaperScorpio-N from ZAR 489,999 · Taigo from ZAR 514,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Maximum Power
128.6 kW @ 3500 rpm
85 kW
Maximum Torque
400 Nm
200 Nm
Engine Size
2184 cc
1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
14.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
187 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
460 l
440 l
Airbags
Front, side and curtain airbags
6
Kerb Weight
-
1220 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Scorpio-N has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Taigo remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Scorpio-N
+33 pts
Efficiency
Taigo
+3 pts
Safety
Scorpio-N
+9 pts
Practicality
Scorpio-N
+12 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
Scorpio-N
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Taigo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Scorpio-N
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Taigo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Model Introduced Year
Not Available
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current local listing
Current South African Taigo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Not listed by current South African source page.
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
Current
Current
Production Status
Active
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1825-2070 kg
1220 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
6-speed automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Not Applicable
DCT
Drivetrain
4x4
4x2
4WD Engagement
Selectable shift-on-fly 4WD
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Selectable shift-on-fly 4WD
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-speed automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
13.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
57 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
57
40
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Airbags
Front, side and curtain airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Hill descent control
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Hill hold control
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Hill hold control
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear parking sensors
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Front and rear camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver drowsiness detection
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Front and rear camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Seat Material
Leatherette
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear AC Vents
Second row air conditioner
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leatherette wrapped steering and gear shift lever
Standard
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
6-way driver power seat
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
6-way driver power seat
Not Applicable
Seat Trim
Rich-coffee black leatherette
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Interior Colour Options
-
Black
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Taigo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Interior Colours
-
Black
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Infotainment System
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Sony 3D immersive audio with 12 speakers and dual-channel subwoofer
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Audio and cruise controls
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Audio and cruise controls
-
Audio System
Sony 3D immersive audio
-
Infotainment Screen
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
SYNC
Touchscreen
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
8-inch touchscreen infotainment display
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Sting-like daytime running lamps
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Silver roof rail
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
See OEM source page for colour availability.
3
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
-
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Normal / Snow / Mud & Rut / Sand
Not Available
Locking Differential
Mechanical locking differential and brake locking differential
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Selectable shift-on-fly 4WD
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
Not Applicable
168 mm
Ground Clearance Min
Not Applicable
168 mm
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
123 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
123
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
123
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Basic Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty
5 years / 150 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Service Plan
5 years / 100 000 km
Not Available
Spec
Scorpio-N
Taigo
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
South Africa market model
Price Zar
699999 ZAR
581500 ZAR
Pricing Role
flagship
Active local lineup
Starting Price
489999
581500
Starting Price Zar
489999
581500
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Scorpio-N leads by 14 points
Scorpio-N has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Taigo remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Scorpio-N
Performance
69/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
90/100
Practicality
78/100
Taigo
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
66/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Mahindra Scorpio-N
leads the catalogue index with 75 pts
vs 61 pts for Taigo
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Scorpio-N leads. However, Taigo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Scorpio-N and Taigo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Scorpio-N 69 vs Taigo 36.
Efficiency index: Scorpio-N 60 vs Taigo 63.
Safety-equipment index: Scorpio-N 90 vs Taigo 81.
Practicality index: Scorpio-N 78 vs Taigo 66.
Ownership-cover index: Scorpio-N not separately scored vs Taigo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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