The new generation Mahindra Scorpio is underpinned by an all-new chassis, while the exteriors have been comprehensively redesigned and the interiors have gone premium taking inspiration from the XUV500.
After years of speculations, spy shots and endless testing, Mahindra has finally launched the new generation Scorpio in the country, priced from Rs. 7.98 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Launched in 2002, this is a comprehensive update that the Scorpio has received and sports changes right from the chassis, exterior design and to more upmarket interiors. Mahindra is aiming to push the new Scorpio as a more urban product and throw away the utilitarian tag that has been associated with the SUV. The Indian auto giant has also reworked on the driving dynamics of the Scorpio, which is said to have been sorted out compared to the outgoing version.
Starting with the underpinnings, the new generation Scorpio rides on a heavily reworked body on frame chassis that uses hydroforming, allowing for a stiffer and more light weight design. The first SUV to get it in Mahindra’s stable, the new chassis is said to have improved the Scorpio’s driving dynamics by a considerable margin. The vehicle measures largely the same as the outgoing model but gets a series of changes that compliment the new look of the SUV as it will be competing against the Tata Safari Storme, Renault Duster and other models in the same price range.
The design of the new generation Mahindra Scorpio is surely different. The front gets a more chiselled look with the all-new black grille, reworked headlights featuring projector lamps with advanced static bending technology. There is also the inclusion of new eye brow shaped LED daytime running lights, while the redesigned bumper completes the list of changes. The side profile remains largely the same, but gets new accentuated wheel arches for a macho look. The rear profile on the other hand has Mahindra doing away with the Christmas tree stacked tail lights in favour of smaller units with LEDs. The tail gate remains the same, but gets new black body cladding accommodating the door handle, Scorpio moniker and registration bay. The rear windscreen has also been shortened marginally. There are also new grab handles at the rear that do not serve any purpose.
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On the inside, Mahindra has made the new Scorpio go premium taking inspiration from the XUV500. Done up in a dual tone shade of beige and black, the SUV gets a redesigned dashboard and instrument cluster with a new MID screen. The power window switches have now been moved to the doors from the centre stack. Customers can also avail the chrome package that adds chrome garnish to the grille and AC vents. The SUV also gets new 17-inch alloy wheels to boast off for higher trims, while the base version rides on 15-inch steel wheels.
In terms of features, the list includes an all-new 6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated GPS & Bluetooth, tyre pressure monitoring system, rain and light sensors, follow me home headlamps, steering mounted controls with cruise control, automatic climate control, driver seat height adjustment, electrically adjustable ORVMs, intellipark system, micro hybrid technology (available on base & top-end trims) and voice assist system. For safety, the 2014 Scorpio gets airbags, ABS, speed alert, seat belt reminder, auto door lock, digital immobilizer as well as panic brake indication.
Under the hood, the new generation Mahindra Scorpio continues to draw power from the same 2.5-litre diesel engine producing 75 BHP and 220 Nm of torque for the base S2 variant, while all other trims are powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk unit producing 120 BHP and 290 Nm of torque. Both the engines are paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox (no automatic transmission), while power is sent to either the rear wheels or all four wheels via the 4WD with Shift on FLY system (optional on S4 & S10 variants).
The engines have been tuned for improved fuel efficiency and the 2.2-litre model now returns an ARAI certified mileage of 15.37 km/l (old model was rated at 14.3 km/l). Turning radius has been reduced to 5.4-metres from the earlier 5.7-metres. The new generation Scorpio is available in a total of 6 variants that have been named as S2, S4, S6, S6 Plus, S8 and S10, with 5 colours available on the palette. Mahindra will later introduce S4+ & S6+ variants with safety package (dual airbags and ABS).
2014 Mahindra Scorpio Prices (ex-showroom, Mumbai) –
* Scorpio S2 – Rs. 7.98 lakhs
* Scorpio S4 – Rs. 8.60 lakhs
* Scorpio S6 – Rs. 9.77 lakhs
* Scorpio S8 – Rs. 10.84 lakhs
* Scorpio S10 – Rs. 11.46 lakhs
