Not content with delivering back-to-back runaway hits in the all-new Thar and XUV7OO launched in 2020 and 2021 respectively, Mahindra appears to be working hard for a repeat act in 2022. This time, it’s the aging Scorpio that’s due for replacement.
Caught testing in the busy GST Road that connects Chennai and Trichy, the new Scorpio seems to be taking shape well. Though the vehicle being tested still wears reasonable helping of camouflage, the upcoming Scorpio’s design cues – like the double-barrel headlamps, the toothy grille with Mahindra’s trademark vertical slats, the window line that kinks up at the C-pillars and the door handle at the top left corner of the tailgate – can clearly be seen. Also noticeable are roof rails that cantilevers at the rear, a shark fin antenna and prominent character lines running through the door handles on either side before tapering up. Though it’s futile to form an opinion based on this test mule, this particular Scorpio appears under-tired and doesn’t carry steel wheels as well as a butch SUV should.
While the Scorpio currently on sale has aged well externally, it’s interiors, dynamics and safety are pretty much outdated. There is only so much that could be done to a two-decade-old model like this one! The fact that the Scorpio is still one of Mahindra's better-selling models speaks volumes on the cult status it enjoys in semi-urban and rural parts of the country.
The new Scorpio then has big shoes to fill in without a doubt!
Expected to slot in just below the XUV7OO in Mahindra's line-up, the new Scorpio will use the same engines that power the former. The 2.0-liter turbo petrol and 2.2-liter turbo diesel mills would be paired with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Staying true to it's SUV lineage, the new Scorpio will also have a four-wheel-drive option with a low range transfer case for those mud-and-slush sojourns. The interiors are all set for a thorough overhaul and Mahindra's recent form on safety make me believe the Scorpio will not disappoint on this aspect like it's predecessor did.
So, is it a hattrick on the cards for Mahindra then? Sure looks like it, yeah!
