Cars are meant to take us from one point to another and this remains the case even today. But, how a car transports its passengers through this journey makes it unique to its peers.
No two cars are the same, and each has its qualities, perks, and features. Usually car buyers look out for traits such as ride quality, engine performance, efficiency, etc. But now, car buyers are more swayed by tech laden features that make our lives easier.
One such feature that was overlooked by many buyers is the sound system. But this is 2024, and a good sound system that punches above its competition can really influence a buying decision, especially when the competition is tight. After all, nothing beats winding down to your favourite tunes after a hectic day at work.
Carmakers are now turning to established audio names for in-car audio needs. Bose, Harman and Kardon, Infinity, Arkamys, Alpine, Sony, Blaupunkt, etc are some of the names that we increasingly come across today. Of course, the high end models come packed with luxury audio brands but that is a story for another day.
Out of these popular brands, Sony stands out for offering great sound quality and being a brand with an illustrious history when it comes to audio. They were also some of the pioneers (pun intended) when it came to aftermarket audio systems. But there are a rare few cars that come with Sony’s audio system from the factory.
Interesting, right? So, here is everything you need to know about these cars and the Sony audio system in them:
| Model | Engines On Offer | No of Speakers | Variants Available | Price |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | 2.0-litre Petrol/ 2.2-litre Diesel | 12 Speakers | Z8 L | Rs 13.85 lakh – Rs 24.54 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV 700 | 2.0-litre Petrol/ 2.2-litre Diesel | 12 Speakers | AX7 Luxury Pack | Rs 13.99 lakh – 25.14 lakh |
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Iconic nameplates making a comeback is turning out to be a common occurrence. But there are some cars that deserve to come back and the Scorpio is one of them. The Scorpio-N is a true successor to the old-school SUV following the same ethos of a ladder-frame rugged SUV with real off-roading capability. This time around, the Scorpio has also transformed into a luxury SUV that can hold its ground against modern SUVs.
The Scorpio-N comes with a host of impressive features and the Sony sound system is one of them. This 12-speaker sound system has been developed specifically for the Scorpio-N and designed right from the development stages. It makes use of Sony’s own wide range speakers with custom design to match the design aesthetics of the SUV. These speakers are supported by a 13-channel 445W amplifier to deliver a 3D sound stage that is larger than the cabin. For the bass needs, Sony has also provided a 1 x 20cm subwoofer with a 10-litre enclosure box inside the cabin. Adding on to these equipment are Sony’s bespoke technologies such as DSEE which improves the sound quality of compressed audio files, and speed based volume and EQ controls. The result of all this will be an immersive sound system that could even impress ardent audiophiles.
Mahindra Scorpio N Specifications
- Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel/ 2.0-litre turbo petrol
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Body Type: SUV
Mahindra Scorpio-N Key features
- Electric sunroof
- Ventilated seats
- Alexa support
- Dual-zone climate control
Mahindra XUV 700
If the Scorpio is too hard-edged for you, there’s always the XUV 700 which is more comfortable on the road as a full-sized SUV. Mahindra truly upped its game with the XUV 700 making it one of the most successful SUVs of recent years.
It had all the makings of the winner right from the powerful engines, styling to features that surpassed its competition such as the ADAS support. Sony was tasked with creating a sound system for the XUV 700 as well. It more or less uses a similar setup as the Scorpio-N with 12 speakers, a 445W 13-channel amplifier and a 20cm subwoofer in a 10-litre enclosure box in the boot. Apart from these it also makes use of DSEE and dynamic sound control with respect to speed. The sound system also gets the support of various sound modes including a theatre mode for a cinematic sound.
Mahindra XUV 700 Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-litre Petrol/ 2.2-litre Diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT
- Airbags: 7
- Fuel Type: Diesel and Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 Seater
- Body Type: SUV
Mahindra XUV 700 Key features
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Powered driver’s seat with memory function
- Keyless entry with push-button start
Cars with Sony Car Audio Systems summary
Most modern cars come with a good sound system today. But there are also some models that offer a unique sound system like the Mahindra Scorpio-N and XUV 700. The Sony audio system makes use of modern technologies and solid equipment to deliver impressive sound stage and audio quality.
Be it idling in traffic, embarking on a road trip or driving through rugged terrain, Sony will deliver the lows, mids and highs effectively making sure you don’t miss out on anything. Sony being a Japanese audio giant, can also be expected to have reliability over the years with good support in case anything fails.
A good sound system is something that you have to experience to appreciate. And once you experience it, there’s no going back. You don’t necessarily need to be an audiophile to enjoy a well-tuned audio setup. It’s one of those things in life that you never thought you needed until you experience it first-hand.
FAQ
Q. What is special about Sony Audio System in the Scorpio- N?
The Sony sound system in the Scorpio-N includes a custom 12-speaker system with a 445 W 13-channel amplifier, DSEE technology for improved sound technology, and a 20-cm subwoofer with a 10-litre enclosure for immersive base.
Q. Does the Mahindra XUV 700 offer a different Sony sound setup as compared to the Scorpio-N?
No, the XUV 700 uses a similar 12-speaker Sony setup combined with 445 W 13-channel amplifier, subwoofer, and DSEE Technology. It also offers sound modes like theatre mode for cinematic experience.
Q. Why is a good sound system becoming more important for car buyers?
With technology becoming a major factor in purchasing decisions, features like high-quality audio systems are now influencing buyers, offering enhanced in-car experiences during daily commutes or road trips.
Q. What are some of the key features of the Sony sound system in the Mahindra models?
The sound systems in the Mahindra includes DSEE technology for better compressed audio-playback, speed-based volume, and EQ control, a powerful amplifier and subwoofer for a 3D sound experience.
Q. Why are Sony sound-systems rare in factory installed set-ups?
Despite Sony’s reputation for high-quality audio, very few car models come with factory-installed Sony sound systems. This is because Sony is more known for aftermarket audio solutions, making the inclusion of their system in vehicles like Mahindra Scorpio-N and XUV 700 a unique offering in the automotive market.
