IAB Picks - 10 things we know about the new Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra have been testing the new Scorpio for over a year, and the launch is finally around the corner. Here are 10 things we know about the popular SUV.

1. Newly designed exterior:

Mahindra designers have redone key styling elements of the Scorpio. Newly designed headlight clusters with integrated daytime running lights, butch-looking grille, redesigned bumpers, LED taillights, new alloy wheel patterns and certain sheet metal changes are seen on the new Scorpio. The overall profile is unchanged though.

2. An upmarket interior:

Taking customer feedback, Mahindra have given the Scorpio an all-new interior. The dashboard is entirely new, and according to sources, is of better fit and quality than the current generation. The steering wheel is borrowed from the XUV500 for a more premium feel, while the repositioning of certain instruments like the power windows for example, will give the Scorpio better ergonomics.

3. Two engine options:

The Scorpio will be offered with two engine options. The base unit is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel (m2DiCr) which will have its focus on the commercial/rural segments. The more modern engine is the 2.2-liter mHawk four-cylinder which produces 120 bhp on the current generation model. The 2.5-liter engine will be offered only on the base trim level. An automatic transmission option will not be offered during the launch on any variant.

4. Hydroformed ladder-frame chassis:

One of the key complaints Mahindra received for the Scorpio was for its patchy road holding capability. The ladder frame chassis that will underpin the new model will be a tad lighter, yet stiffer, thanks to a hydroformed manufacturing process. With this, Mahindra hopes to address the handling of the SUV, though only a road test can answer the question as to whether it has really worked.

5. Variants:

The Scorpio will be available in 6 variants: S2, S4, S6, S8 and S10. The S2 will be sold exclusively with the 2.5-liter engine, while the rest of the variants get the 2.2-liter mHawk motor.

6. Seating:

The new Scorpio will be available in 7-, 8- and 9-seat configurations, depending on the variant. For added comfort, the top-end S8 and S10 trims will get the option of captain chairs for the middle row, with features like adjustable backrests and armrests.

7. Colours:

The new Scorpio will come in 5 colors to choose from. Diamond White, Fiery Black, Mist Silver, Molten Red & Regal Blue will be on offer. The last two shades will be seen for the first time on the car.

7. Bookings underway:

Mahindra dealers started bookings for the new Scorpio on September 15. On September 15 and 16, bookings were exclusively open to existing Scorpio owners who wished to upgrade, and from September 18, regular customers were able to book the car.

8. More features than the outgoing model:

The new Scorpio (top-end) variant is confirmed to get Dual Airbags, ABS, alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, Rain & Light sensors, Steering mounted audio & cruise controls, Reverse Parking Assist, Micro-Hybrid technology, projector headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights.

9. Launch on September 25:

The new Scorpio goes on sale on September 25. Mahindra is keen to tap into the festive season period where new car sales are projected to increase slightly.

10. Production started in August to build-up inventory:

Mahindra does not want to keep early customers waiting for the new Scorpio. Hence, the carmaker is reported to have already started production of the SUV last month. With the launch around the corner, dealer dispatches of the new Scorpio would be taking place anytime now.