Mahindra released the first photos and videos of the Scorpio-N, its brand-new ladder-frame midsize SUV, which will be launched in the Indian market on June 27. The automaker refers to the model as “the big daddy of SUVs”, in a quest to highlight the significant improvements it brings over the aging, previous generation Scorpio.
Design-wise, the Scorpio-N represents an
important step up over its predecessor, looking quite modern and streamlined
for the standards of the Indian market. The young talent at the Mahindra Design
Studio in Mumbai (India), kept the traditional off-roader proportions but gave
it a more aerodynamic shape, toned up its muscles, and added new features.
These include LED headlights, Mahindra’s new grille and emblem, a more
prominent step on the window line as seen in the XUV700, plus a set of
Volvo-style taillights. Mahindra didn’t show photos of the interior, but
described it as premium and promised “advanced modern features and latest
technology” which probably refers to a larger infotainment touchscreen and a
digital instrument cluster in higher trims.
On a technical basis, the Scorpio-N –
internally codenamed Z101 project – remains true to the rugged nature of its
predecessor, built on a new body-on-frame architecture engineered in-house, by
the Mahindra Research Valley near Chennai (India), and the Mahindra North
American Technical Center in Auburn Hills (US). The new platform is expected to
bring significant improvements in safety and technology, while Mahindra claims
it will raise the bar on performance and off-road credentials.
In terms of powertrains, the Scorpio-N
will be offered in both gasoline and diesel flavor, with a choice of manual or
automatic transmissions. There will also be an option of 4×4, meaning that the
entry-level trims will likely come with rear-wheel drive. Local media suggest
that it could get 2.0-liter petrol and 2.2-liter turbodiesel engines already
found under the bonnet of the XUV700 and Thar.
We will learn more about the Mahindra
Scorpio-N as we move closer to its official debut. The SUV will be produced in
Mahindra’s Chakan plant in India. Rivals in the Indian market include the Tata
Harrier, and the MG Hector Plus. We don’t
know if Mahindra will export the new Scorpio-N in other markets where
ICE-powered SUVs are still a thing.
