Based on latest spyshots of pre-production Mahindra Scorpio test mules with the facelifted changes, IAB’s Shoeb R Kalania has created a rendering for a better look at the new Scorpio.

The front-end will have a slightly restyled front fascia featuring a new grille with bolder chrome inserts similar to the Mahindra Imperio, new front bumper with bolder design elements, silver bumper garnish and vertical slats for the radiator grille. Mahindra could also replace the current 5-spoke 16-inch alloy rim design for a new set. Otherwise, most of the characteristic features such as projector headlamps with LED ‘eyebrows’, a hood scoop, and traditional SUV styling are retained on the facelift.

According to a few reports, the new Scorpio will embrace mechanical updates as well, starting with the engine. It’s reported to be the transverse version of XUV500’s 2.2L mHawk 140 turbodiesel motor, which produces 140 bhp and 330 Nm in the latter. It will continue with the 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the automatic variant is expected to make a return with a more refined 6-speed Aisin unit. We are expecting the fuel mileage to be a bit lower than the current version’s 12 km/L average.

The new Scorpio was confirmed to launch for sale later this year by Mr Rajan Wadhera, Executive VP, R&D and Global Product Development, Mahindra Automotive Sector. It is the first major update for the second gen SUV, and is expected to help reinvigorate sales in a market that’s flooded with compact and mid-size SUVs.