Mahindra is putting together an all-new Scorpio, which promises to bring a generational shift in the way the SUV looks and performs. Automotive rendering artist Shoeb R Kalania has put together a new speculative sketch showing what the SUV could look like when it hits the production floor sometime next year. Mahindra is yet to begin testing the all-new Scorpio, which means that a late 2020/2021 launch is what could be on the cards.
In design terms, the new Scorpio will continue to toe the butch line. The trademark six slat grille will be standard on the SUV while the front end could be curvier than the outgoing version with built-in pedestrian protection norms. A tall stance with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a rear door are three design highlights that are likely to be carried over to the all-new version.
The new Scorpio is also likely to shed weight by using a hydroformed body-on-ladder chassis. Apart from the weight reduction, the all-new 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will dump its existing 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged diesel engine and will instead use a Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms compliant 2-liter diesel engine. Power and torque outputs could go up to 160 Bhp-400 Nm, from the current 140 Bhp-320 Nm outputs.
Along with this big power and torque boost, the new SUV is also expected to gain 6 speed manual and automatic gearbox options. While a rear wheel drive layout will be standard, a four-wheel drive layout is expected to be offered on the top-end trim. In terms of safety features, the new SUV is likely to get more airbags than the current version, ABS, reverse parking sensors, seat belt reminders and ISOFIX child seat mounting points as standard features.
A 360-degree camera, a reverse parking camera, ESP, hill hold and traction control could be on offer in the higher/automatic trims. On the inside, a full redesign is expected. The butch lines are likely to be carried over to the new model with a touchscreen infotainment interface that gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay dominating the center console. More creature comforts could be offered on the new version, along with redesigned seats that offer better long-distance comfort. The host of changes and BS6 emission norms compliance is likely to push up prices of the new Scorpio. Expect to pay about 10 -20 % more, variant to variant. This steep price tag will push the top-end version of the new Mahindra Scorpio to over Rs. 20 lakhs. It’ll be interesting to see how the market responds.
