The homegrown UV maker, Mahindra & Mahindra has recently launched the new XUV700 SUV in the country. The SUV has been instant hit, as it recorded 50,000 bookings in just 3 hours. In fact, the new Mahindra XUV700 already commands a waiting period of 6 months to 12 months. Mahindra’s new generation Thar has also received overwhelming response from buyers, as it bagged over 75,000 orders with waiting period close to 12 months.
After XUV700 and the new Thar, Mahindra is now preparing to launch the next generation Scorpio SUV for the Indian market. The new gen Mahindra Scorpio is currently in its final phase of testing. The SUV has been caught testing on multiple terrains including deserts of Rajasthan, tough terrains of Himalayas and regular Indian roads.
The new Mahindra Scorpio is expected to be launched in the first half of 2022, most probably in January-March period. The spy images confirm that the new model will be significantly bigger and has more features than the outgoing model. It will be based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis that also underpins the new Thar lifestyle SUV.
The new Scorpio will retain the tall and rugged stance with masculine design, big Mahindra grille and long body. The SUV will have conventional headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, and a larger bumper with massive air-dam. Some of the design highlights will include raked windscreen, side opening tailgate, LED tail-lights, roof rails, massive wheel arches, etc.
The new Scorpio will offer multiple seating configurations including 7-seater model with forward facing third-row seats. The new Scorpio could also offer a 5-seater derivative. In terms of features, the SUV will have a new touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 360 degree camera, off-road driving modes – Rock, Snow, Mud and 4 High and 4 Low for 4WD system, multi-functional steering wheel, semi-digital instrument console, a factory-fitted electric sunroof, a micro-hybrid function engine start/stop, a dual-zone climate control, driver side armrest and connected car technology.
The new Scorpio will be offered with a de-tuned version of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mHawk turbo engine that powers the XUV700 MX variant. This engine produces 155bhp and 360Nm of torque. It will also receive a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is likely to produce around 150bhp and 300Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Rear-wheel-drive layout will be offered as standard, while the top-spec model will get AWD system.
