Mahindra is all set to launch the refreshed Scorpio SUV on November 14, 2017.
The current-gen Scorpio first came out in 2014, a recent set of spy shots confirm that this 2017 update looks more like a minor nip and tuck just to keep things going until an all-new Scorpio is revealed sometime in 2020.
Up front the refreshed Scorpio’s styling more or less stays the same. However, a closer look reveals the some of the design tweaks the SUV will receive. First up, the grille design is new with seven slats and devoid of any chrome bits. The front bumper also sees design tweaks; the airdam looks wider than earlier with prominent slats instead of mesh-like design on the current model. Additionally, the refreshed Scorpio’s turn indicators are likely to move on the wing mirrors as seen in the spy shot.
The SUV’s side profile is likely to remain the same with minor changes to its body cladding and plastic bits. It is likely to benefit with a new alloy wheel design as well. At the back, the rear door will see a flatter design with lesser creases. The rear wiper is likely to see a design tweak and the tail-lamp inserts will see styling changes and will not get the clear lens design found on the current model.
Apart from these minor styling tweaks the biggest talking point for the SUV, though, will be the engine update. The 2.2-litre mHawk unit is expected to develop 140hp (up by 20hp) in the facelifted SUV. The torque figure is likely to be revised as well. The set of five-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes from the current SUV are expected to be carried forward. However, the automatic gearbox will be a new unit by Aisin Seiki. This transmission is expected to be more refined and responsive than the outgoing Aisin-made gearbox.
The refreshed Scorpio is likely to lose out on mild-hybrid technology due to the higher taxation on hybrid vehicles under the recently implemented Goods and Service Tax (GST).
The company's managing director, Pawan Goenka, today said the higher tax rate has put a few automakers’ future hybrid vehicle strategy in a flux and such vehicles may lose their sheen.
"We will soon be coming out with a non-hybrid version of the Scorpio... Demand for hybrid vehicles will have to be reassessed. Hybrids may even get phased out," said Goenka in a conference call with reporters.
Mahindra had introduced a mild-hybrid system, called ‘Intelli-Hybrid’, on the Scorpio a year ago. The system provides electrical assistance while accelerating, gives enhanced fuel economy and has other functions such as brake-energy regeneration and start-stop technology.
Apart from the Scorpio, Mahindra is readying a slew of new model launches and updates. A lengthened version of the TUV300 (TUV300 Plus) is in the works and the manufacturer will bring in the U321 MPV, the S201 (Tivoli-based SUV) and a refreshed XUV500 with more power in the coming months.
Also see:
In conversation with Mahindra MD Pawan Goenka
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