All-new Mahindra Scorpio spotted testing

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While the Scorpio currently on sale has aged well externally, it’s interiors, dynamics and safety are pretty much outdated.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!

Citroen's upcoming compact crossover spotted testing

Citroen might have just started it's Indian innings with the C5 Aircross but the French brand is already gearing up to mix it with the big boys in the coming years.

Leading the charge would be the car you see here. Spotted testing on two separate occasions several weeks apart - once inside Chennai city and the next time on the busy Chennai-Bengaluru highway - these test mules are likely to evolve into Citroen's entry-level offering for the Indian market. Codenamed CC21, Citroen has based this compact crossover on Stellantis' Common Modular Platform (CMP) that's shared with Peugeot and an army of other brands the group has in it's umbrella.

Likely to be badged the C3, Citroen's smallest and most-affordable crossover will feature the same quirky styling elements like the C5 Aircross that the French brand is synonymous with in Europe. Despite the camouflage, the split light clusters at the front, the stubby rear end and the distinct C-pillar can clearly be seen. Also visible are old-school flap-type door handles, signaling Citroen's intent to get the pricing right in the cut-throat sub-4m crossover segment the C3 would be in. One of the spy shots capture the C3 next to the Hyundai Creta which gives a fair indication of the Citroen's size.

Though not much of the interiors can be seen, the floating touchscreen in the center console is making its presence felt in a couple of shots. Expect good quality and intelligent features to be thrown in to go with Citroen's premium aspirations. 

PSA is said to be working on a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine to power the C3 while a 1.5-liter diesel engine might also join in due course. A 5-speed manual transmission is likely to be the mainstay with an automatic option also being planned. While the powertrain would be manufactured at PSA's joint-venture plant with Avtec near Hosur, the car will be assembled at a facility in Thiruvallur near Chennai that PSA bought from Hindustan Motors.

With Citroen India's plans to launch a new crossover every year from 2021 until 2023 out in the open, the C3 is likely to play an integral role in establishing the brand amongst the masses. When launched, the C3 will be pitted against a bunch of successful and competent crossovers like the Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV3OO. 

Will typical 'French' quirkiness prevail and make an impact? Let's wait and watch.

All-new Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycle caught testing

Royal Enfield has been doing everything right over the last few years. Be it the launch of their 650 cc twins in 2018 without teething problems, the subsequent carefully-planned expansion to many global markets and the perfectly-executed Meteor 350 debut last year, the Chennai-based brand nailed every one of them.

With Jawa, Benelli and Honda joining the fray, Royal Enfield's unrivalled supremacy in the 350-500 cc retro cruiser space is now a thing of the past. To protect it's turf, Royal Enfield is busy augmenting it's line-up.

One of the many models under development is an all-new 350 cc motorcycle that would complement the Meteor and the upcoming new Classic range. Based on trademarks filed by Royal Enfield way back in 2019, this could be called the Hunter.

Caught testing in the busy NH45 off Chennai, these spy shots give a fair indication of what to expect from this upcoming Honda CB350 and Jawa Forty Two rival.

Although the styling looks familiar at first glance, look closely and you'll be able to make out the subtle differences. For starters, the seating position is set lower than the Classic but not as relaxed as the Meteor. The single-piece seat is flatter and the taillights and rear indicators are placed higher. The exhaust pipe is stubby and more upswept too. These changes make this more of a retro scrambler.

The rest of the underpinnings - including the new J-platform with dual cradle frame, the refined 350 cc mill and front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS - are expected to be shared with the Meteor and Classic. The new instrument cluster with Tripper navigation is likely to be offered too as will a plethora of accessories and customization options.

Once this hits the market, Royal Enfield will have three different 350 cc motorcycles catering to different tastes in a similar price band. These are exciting times, not just for Royal Enfield fans but also for potential customers out there with around INR 2 Lakhs to spare. Watch this space!

Picture Credits: N. Swami

Mahindra Thar caught testing; Is a more powerful variant getting ready for export markets?

After years of testing across the vast Indian landscape, Mahindra launched the all-new second-generation Thar last October. Since then, the order book has been overflowing with Mahindra struggling to produce enough to meet demand.

Despite being a lifestyle vehicle, the Thar hit the right chords for thousands of Indians out there who are raring to go out and explore the impossible.

With the choice of a powerful petrol or a torquey diesel engine mated to manual or automatic transmissions and specced in either adventure (AX) or lifestyle (LX) series, there is a Thar for just about everyone. The iconic Jeep-inspired looks and the go-anywhere 4x4 credentials add to its appeal.

Just a few months after launch, it appears Mahindra is back to it's testing routine with the all-new Thar. Caught in the outskirts of Chennai on the highway that houses the Mahindra Research Valley, it begs to be asked what's new in here.

In terms of looks, there's hardly anything new apart from a couple of barely-noticeable changes. The tailgate now houses a rather large 4x4 badge which is currently seen on the right rear fender. Though it can't be seen in these pictures, the radiator grille has changed too from the tacky one the Thar on sale now has.

If reports circulating in the web are to be believed, Mahindra is said to be working on a more powerful tune for the 2.0-liter 'mStallion' petrol engine that powers the Thar. The car spotted testing here is the petrol automatic variant, which adds further ammunition to those reports. It is not hard to believe as the 150 horsepower the 4-cylinder mill generates right now isn't much for markets like Australia, South Africa and the Middle East where Mahindra intends to export the Thar. An addition of 20 to 30 horses would do the Thar a world of good and make it a strong contender against established rivals like the Suzuki Jimny and the more expensive Jeep Wrangler.

While nothing can be confirmed at the moment, just about anything related to the Thar is good news, given the car's popularity. So, let's keep guessing until Mahindra spills the beans!

Renault Kiger spotted testing days before unveiling

After tasting success with their 'made-for-India' models like the Kwid and Triber, the folks at Renault are at it again. This time, they have set their eyes on the booming compact crossover segment. After taking the wraps off the Kiger Concept virtually last November, Renault announced earlier this month that the production model would be unveiled on 28th January, 2021.

With just a couple of days to go for the official unveiling, the Kiger was caught testing on the busy Chennai-Bengaluru highway.

Despite it's evidently compact dimensions, the Kiger enjoys a good stance thanks to the wide shoulders and the wheels being pushed off to the corners. With Renault confirming that the production model would resemble the concept closely, expect Kwid-like split lighting clusters up front and C-shaped LED taillights at the back with a sharp cut in between. The latter, together with the sculpted tailgate seen in the concept, would give the Kiger a sharp-looking derriere. Those crazy wheels and bright green accents are not likely to make it to production.

Built on the CMF-A platform that already underpins Renault's own Kwid and Triber, Datsun's redi-Go and Nissan's latest hit Magnite, the Kiger is likely to carryover the 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that powers all of them. While it generates a modest 72 horsepower in naturally aspirated form, turbocharging bumps the power up to 100 horsepower. Transmission options would include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

If Magnite's pricing is any indication, expect the Renault Kiger to be priced aggressively, giving the established brands a lot to think about. Let's see how things pan out for the Kiger-Magnite duo!

All-new Mahindra XUV5OO spotted testing

The joint-venture with Ford might not be happening any more but the folks at Mahindra are going to have a busy year.

With the new Thar firing on all cylinders forcing the car-maker to ramp up capacity, two of their best-selling models are also getting ready for launch later this year. One of them, the all new XUV5OO, was caught testing on the outskirts of Chennai, not far off Mahindra's R&D Center.

Despite the heavy camouflage, it is clear Mahindra is looking to tone down the design and styling of the second-generation XUV5OO. The elimination of paw-shaped door handles and the reduced heft on the rear fenders are proof of that. Still, there are enough cues to not mistake it for anything but an XUV like the tipped-forward stance and the kinked-up window line. This restrained aggression bodes well for the new XUV5OO as it's likely to lock horns directly with the upcoming Tata Gravitas that wears sleek and contemporary clothes.

The interiors are likely to be significantly better than the current model with a plethora of features and improved build quality, fit and finish. Earlier test mules were seen with loads of kit including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a two-tone dashboard with a long, continuous screen incorporating the instruments and infotainment.

Powertrain options are likely to be carried over from the Thar. The 2.0-liter 'mStallion' petrol and the 2.2-liter 'mHawk' diesel would be on duty, albeit in higher states of tunes. Both would have a choice of 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions with All Wheel Drive likely to be on offer in select trim levels as well.

Mahindra, together with Tata, have been flag-bearers of safer cars in the Indian market with the XUV3OO currently holding the distinction of the safest mass market car on sale. Expect that to continue with the XUV5OO.

So, if you're in the market for a three-row SUV, please wait. All pointers indicate the all-new XUV5OO should be worth it!

Picture Credits: Karthik Chandrasekar

Ashok Leyland's upcoming LCV (Project Phoenix) spotted testing

When it was introduced in 2011, Ashok Leyland's Dost was a pioneer in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) space in India. With a car-like cabin, power steering and optional air-conditioning, the Dost was a whiff of fresh air in a segment that wasn't known to offer it's drivers much apart from basic load-carrying ability.

Understandably, the Dost was - and continues to be - a reasonable success. But with just a single model offering payloads between 1.25 - 1.5 tonnes, Ashok Leyland couldn't make serious inroads against Tata and Mahindra that offer several models with multiple payloads and configurations. That's set to change with the Chennai-based manufacturer preparing to launch a slew of LCVs, internally codenamed 'Project Phoenix'.

One of those appears to be a pick-up truck that's bigger than the Dost but would still be an option for those seeking 'last mile connectivity' solutions. Caught testing in the busy GST Road on the outskirts of Chennai, the test vehicle was easily recognizable as an Ashok Leyland, thanks to the protruding snout up front. This time, it doesn't protrude as much as the Dost and looks far sleeker. The window-line is steeply raked as well and looks all the more better for it.

In terms of size, this truck is visibly bigger than the Dost, indicating a higher payload. Our sources indicate Ashok Leyland's upcoming truck would compete in the 3.0 - 4.0 tonne category, plugging a big hole in the brand's LCV line-up. While not much is known about this new truck, expect the Phoenix - or whatever this is called - to feature sleek styling and a decently-loaded cabin, just like the Dost.

The Dost is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 60 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. Whether the same engine would be carried over to the new offering remains to be seen. There could be a bigger engine or more horses hidden beneath that camouflage. So, watch this space!

All-new Mahindra Thar spotted testing again

That Mahindra is working on an all-new Thar is not news anymore. In addition to the numerous spy-shots floating across the web, the Indian car-maker did a marketing masterstroke by sending off the previous-generation model with the special "Thar 700". Among others, this limited edition - the last 700, to be precise - had an unique Aquamarine paint job, factory-fitted alloy wheels, customized seats and a fender badge signed by Anand Mahindra.

While many expected Mahindra to make a splash at the just-concluded 2020 Auto Expo with the all-new Thar, that was not to be. Instead, the iconic off-roader that enjoys a cult following pan-India is still undergoing what we presume are final rounds of testing before it debuts. Caught in the outskirts of Chennai, this soft-top Thar had a camouflaged KUV1OO for company. While the image isn't clear, is that the electric KUV1OO testing alongside? More on that, later. 

As can be seen, Mahindra isn't fiddling with the Thar's legendary Jeep-inspired design. It makes sense. Why fix something that ain't broken? That said, the fact it looks so close to the real Jeep Wrangler - which, incidentally, is also on sale in India - can't be overlooked. Expect Mahindra to spruce things up nicely with LED lights all around and door handles and hood hinges that don't look antiquated like the current model's. Despite the camouflage, the Thar's stance is undeniably attractive with the relatively smaller steel wheels of the test vehicle - which appears to be a lower variant - being the only downer.

Interiors are expected to be thoroughly revamped with Mahindra finally deeming it fit to equip the Thar with niceties like power windows, multi-function steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system and forward-facing rear seats. With their focus on safety in recent times, there is a good chance the Thar will continue Mahindra's good run of form in Global NCAP crash tests with dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), seat-belt reminders and speed-alert system likely to be standard. 

Under the hood, all-new BS-VI compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine churning out 140 horsepower is expected to be the mainstay. A petrol engine, most likely to be the 2.0-liter 'mStallion' mill showcased at the Auto Expo, is also said to be in the works. Going by the P13 sticker on the test car, it could be this engine that's being given the workout here. With the underpinnings expected to be shared with the TUV3OO, the Thar will continue to feel at home off-road as it does on-road. 

With expectations and interest around the 2020 Thar peaking, Mahindra can't launch this quintessential SUV soon enough. Are you one of those waiting with bated breath to see how the 'desi' Jeep pans out in its modern avatar? You got to wait just that little bit longer!

On the masked KUV1OO accompanying the Thar, is that the all-electric version being tested? The image isn't clear enough to conclude. Let us know if you know more on that.

Hyundai Verna facelift caught testing in Chennai

Mid-size sedans might be running out of favour in the crossover-crazy Indian market but these elegant three-boxes aren't going down without a fight. One such model is the Hyundai Verna which has carved a niche for itself in India over three generations. The current model has been especially popular, often challenging Maruti-Suzuki's Ciaz and Honda's City for sales supremacy in the segment. 

Having been on sale in our country since 2017, the Verna is due for a facelift. While China got a controversial, love-it-hate-it design late last year, images of the Russia-bound Solaris facelift (That's how Verna is called there) that Hyundai released earlier this week made us feel better. Much better, in fact!

Now, we can confirm with authority the Verna facelift that's headed here is inspired by the Russia-spec model. Caught testing in Chennai by Mr. Sai Narayan, here are the clearest spy-shots yet of the soon-to-be-launched Verna, hinting at what's in store for us Indians. 

Beneath the camouflage that's now a bit more revealing than before, an outline of Hyundai's trademark 'Cascading Grille' with a diamond-shaped mesh pattern can be seen. At it's top edges, the grille can be noticed merging with a pair of wraparound headlights. Circular fog lights can be seen on the farther edges of the bumper. The profile hasn't changed much except for the shape of the alloys. Changes to the rear appear minimal with the taillights and boot-lid looking like an evolution of the current model.

So, those of you that have been having nightmares imagining the China-spec Verna on our roads can relax now!

With the Bharat Stage-VI norms coming into effect from April, Hyundai is revamping Verna's power-train lineup. All four engines of the current model - 1.4-liter petrol and diesel and 1.6-liter petrol and diesel - are reportedly on the way out, replaced by petrol and diesel engines displacing 1.5 liters. Both manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be paired to these engines. Zoom in on the window sticker and you will notice this car is the top-spec 1.5-liter petrol with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

We wish Hyundai sweetens the deal by offering the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission on the flagship variant.

Interiors are likely to get subtle changes as well and, in typical Hyundai fashion, get a plethora of features and creature comforts to keep the occupants happy. Remember, it was the Verna that introduced ventilated seats - an hitherto luxury car feature - to the masses! Expect the South Korean car-maker to continue that tradition.

When it goes on sale shortly, the Verna will face stiff competition from the Ciaz as well as the all-new fifth-generation Honda City. With similarly-priced crossovers out on the kill, this trio's fight to keep the segment alive and ticking is one to watch out for.

Genesis GV80 spotted testing in Dubai ahead of global unveiling this week

Genesis, Hyundai's luxury arm, has been struggling to make headway in the luxury automotive space globally. With just a trio of sedans at a time when customers worldwide are moving big time to SUVs and crossovers, that's hardly surprising.

Genesis kicked off 2020 releasing 'revealing' teaser images of it's upcoming SUV, the GV80. Seen in concept form as early as 2017 at the New York International Auto Show, the GV80 has been a long time coming. With just a couple of days left for an official reveal, it appears Genesis isn't done with the testing schedules yet!

Wrapped with camouflage and fitted with testing equipment, this mule was caught speeding past us on the outskirts of Dubai. At those speeds, Genesis' first SUV looked stable and sure-footed. The unique 'Quad Lights' signature stood out too, which is essential in the image-conscious premium segment the GV80 would be competing in. Car-makers usually head to Dubai for hot-weather testing as well as to see how their All Wheel Drive systems cope up with the desert sand. Genesis might have been doing the same too.

The GV80 adopts Genesis' "Athletic Elegance" design language. A large 'Crest' grille dominates the fascia flanked by twin thin LED strips on either side. The muscular profile has a roof-line that tapers down ever-so-slightly and a window-line that rises sharply. The rear has matching twin LED taillights on both sides. Interiors appear suitably upmarket with a modern and minimalist design and textures. Expected to do duty under the hood are 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol and a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 petrol engines with the latter churning out 380 horses.

All set for official unveiling on 16th January, the GV80 can't come soon enough. For all the critical acclaim that came it's way, the G70, together with the older G80 and G90, can only take Genesis so far. The GV80, though, gives Genesis a genuine chance of putting up a fight to the established luxury brands.

2020 Mahindra Thar spotted testing in Chennai

| Mahindra's lifestyle off-roader is all set for a complete makeover |

| 2020 Thar gets evolutionary styling, thoroughly-updated interiors and a powerful, new engine to go with it's legendary off-roading prowess |

| Factory-fitted hard-top and forward-facing rear seats are finally on offer |

As the saying goes, all good things come to an end. And the end is what the current-generation Mahindra Thar is staring at! Despite its total dominance on the niche it is currently occupying and the relentless love showered on it by its small yet loyal group of followers, the upcoming emission and crash safety norms meant the Nashik-based car-maker had no choice but to upgrade their lifestyle offering. And the smart folks at Mahindra did that in style by retiring the current-generation model with the limited edition Thar 700 that's on sale right now.

Work on the next-generation model is in full swing already, as is evident from these shots that capture a test mule parked by the roadside. Spotted on the busy GST Road in Chennai that also houses the Mahindra Research Valley, the test vehicle was quite an attention grabber. And therein lies Thar's charm! 

With straight lines and boxy proportions that draw more than a passing resemblance to the Jeeps of yore, the all-new Thar is a stunner even with all the camouflage it wears. Up front, the trademark 7-slot grille and round headlights seem to be carried over with little changes. What has changed though are the external hood hinges. The plastic hinges look pleasing in place of those rudimentary metallic ones on the current model. Both the bumpers are all-new as are the fender flares and - wait for it - the factory-fitted hard top (Soft top would be available as an option too). Some old bits, like the front indicators, taillights, rear view mirrors and flap-type door handles, remain but we're guessing Mahindra would be prudent enough to replace them with sleeker units that take up the style quotient by a few notches. 

A quick peep into the cabin revealed that the interiors are getting a much-needed revamp as well. The dashboard and center console were new but unfinished with provision for fitting a touchscreen infotainment system. We can also confirm the presence of a multi-function steering wheel, power windows for the front doors and forward-facing rear seats with seatbelts! Yes, you read that right! It sounds crazy but the Thar on sale in 2019 does not have any of these. Apart from these basic creature comforts, the new Thar would also come with dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, seat-belt reminders and a speed-alert system as mandated by the new safety laws. Overall, the new Thar would be a far more comfortable place to be in for the occupants.

The all-new Thar is said to be built on Mahindra's third-gen platform that also underpins models like the Scorpio and TUV3OO. That explains why it appears longer and wider than the current model. Thanks to the upgraded chassis, the suspension setup is changing for the better too with the current Thar's leaf springs making way for an independent suspension. Expect the new Thar to ride plusher, handle tighter and cruise better on highways than the outgoing model. But cruising on highways is not what Thars are made for. Mahindra would not disturb the Thar's legendary off-roading credentials which means the manually-operated four-wheel-drive system with low-range selector and differential locks are likely to be retained.

Under the hood, Mahindra is expected to plonk in a new BS-VI compliant 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that churns out 140 horsepower. That's substantially more powerful than the outgoing model's 2.5-liter CRDe diesel engine and should help the Thar's cause both on- and off-road. A 6-speed manual transmission is likely to be offered. If rumour mills are to be believed, a petrol engine and an automatic transmission could also make their way into the Thar at a later date. 

Mahindra is expected to unveil the all-new Thar at the 2020 Auto Expo with the vehicle going on sale a few months later. If the current Thar with all it's limitations can be as successful as it did, the new Thar - in all likelihood - is going to be a smash hit! Don't expect it to come cheap though.