Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra has been selling its Scorpio SUV in the Indian market for over 12 years now and it has been a constant money spinner for the Maharashtra-based automaker. The SUV has received multiple updates with the most significant one coming in 2006. An all-new version was launched in the second half of 2014 and it gets a whole host of cosmetic updates as well as mechanical changes pushing it up to be the next generation of Scorpio. it is being offered in five variants and two new colour options.

Exterior

The facelifted Scorpio gets a revised front and rear end but retains the same overall design. This is likely to be in a bid to remain faithful to existing customers and fans of the SUV. On the outside, the new Scorpio gets projector headlamps, a new chrome grille, fog lamps and redesigned alloy wheels. The top-end S10 variant also gets projector headlamps with DRLs, new bumpers with fog lamps, a chrome grille and LED tail lamps. Common features across all variants are the black dual tone applique on the rear door, road bumper armour and the chrome bezel on the fenders.

The top-spec variants are now being offered with projector headlights and LED tail lamps in a bid to give the Scorpio a much more blingy appearance, a move that will appeal to most of the Scorpio’s customer base. The changes are also expected to be reflected on the Scorpio getaway pick-up truck also.

Interior

Inside, Mahindra has fitted the top-spec variant of the new Scorpio with climate control, parking sensors, TPMS and a 6-inch touch screen infotainment system. While the instrument cluster is all new, the upholstery has been revised and is now a dual tone with the combination of grey and blue. Mahindra has also included height adjustment for the driver’s seat. The voice control system which was launched with the XUV500 and the H9 variant of the Xylo has been carried on into the new Scorpio.

On the safety front, Mahindra has included dual airbags as well as ABS with EBD. It has also included a new feature called Panic Braking in which the hazard lights come on automatically in the event of a panic braking situation to warn other motorists.

Engine

The new Mahindra Scorpio is offered with a single engine- the mHAWK 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 120bhp and 280Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive enabled versions can now move between 2WD and 4WD on the fly using a knob on the centre console.

Competition

The Mahindra Scorpio competes with the Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano as well as certain C-segment sedans like the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Honda City and the Nissan Sunny.