With the advent of newer and better equipped rivals in the same price bracket, the Scorpio has begun losing its sheen. However, Mahindra is in no mood to buoy down and has updated the SUV with a plethora of new equipment and features that the facelifted model will get when it goes on sale later this year. As the spy shots indicate, the 2014 Mahindra Scorpio will get more upmarket on the inside. The test mule spotted was the top end model and the cabin is a major departure from the current layout.
The instrument cluster has been completely revised and looks fresh and smart. An MID screen has been incorporated into the instrument console between the speedometer and tachometer that showcases all the vital information including tyre pressure. The new multi-function steering wheel comes from the XUV500 and gets steering mounted audio and cruise control, while the dashboard mounted grab handle has been replaced by a full blown glovebox.
The single tone colour of the cabin from the outgoing Scorpio has been replaced with a dual-tone beige and black colour scheme, while the plastic quality also seems to have improved. Being the top-end model, the centre console sported a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit on the test mule that houses the audio system, satellite navigation and a rear-view camera display. The top-end model will also come with automatic climate control, while the air-con vents at the front and rear have been squared off. The rear vents though do miss out on blower control, but provide a charging socket.
In addition, the power window switches have been rightly moved to the doors from the handbrake area on the 2014 Scorpio facelift. On the outside, the updated Scorpio will retain the same silhouette but will dawn a leaner appearance. The front fascia will be much bolder with angular smoked headlamps, wider grille and mild tweaks to the hood. The side profile is largely the same, while the rear fascia will get LED tail lights, reworked tail gate and bumper. We also hope Mahindra has worked on to improve the ride quality and handling of the SUV.
Engine options remain the same with the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine producing 120 BHP that powers the higher variants, while the lower variants get the 2.5-litre m2DICR engine that produces 75 BHP. Both the engines are paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the top-end variant gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic as well. The Scorpio facelift can be expected sometime in the last quarter of this year, around Diwali, while the prices are most likely to see a marginal bump.
Source – Autocar India
