2018 Mahindra Scorpio facelift features Imperio-like front grille and other subtle cosmetic updates; boasts more powerful engine making 140 hp
Mahindra & Mahindra has had tough times in terms of keeping its dominance across the SUV segment due to the introduction of new products from the country’s leading automakers, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
The former debuted the Vitara Brezza last year and it has become an instant success while the Creta from Hyundai quickly dispossessed the Mahindra range in achieving good sales numbers considering the compact as well as other lower segments.
We reported earlier that Mahindra was preparing special editions of its existing lineup to bring a sense of fresh air into the model offerings. However, the Mumbai-based manufacturer had also been working on a facelifted avatar of its highly popular Scorpio SUV.
The updated Mahindra Scorpio is arriving at your local showrooms as the market launch has happened today with prices starting at Rs. 9.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The current generation of Scorpio has only aged three years with its mature design language giving a slightly upmarket stance. The facelifted Scorpio has the basic boxy silhouette as the existing model.
Observing it keenly, only minor cosmetic revisions are implemented in the new Scorpio to keep the mid-life refresh minimalistic with modifications. The major change is the seven-slat front grille similar to the Imperio and a revised boot door with the absence of plastic body cladding. A new set of alloy wheels and subtle tweaks to bumpers up front and rear are also implemented.
However, the biggest change is under the bonnet as the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine now produce 20 more horsepower – at around 140 hp bringing it on par with the flagship XUV500. With 330 Nm of peak torque, transmission options will be the regular five-speed manual and the recently discontinued six-speed automatic unit has made way for a more refined and responsive version (formerly found in 2015 XUV500) sourced from AISIN.
Additional trims called S7 and S11 are included in the range as well with the more powerful engine as base variants stick with the low-spec engine. The outgoing Scorpio measures 4,456 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, 1,995 mm high and features a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. There are no change in dimensions as the facelift only sees cosmetic revisions to the exterior bits.
Mahindra could introduce new paint schemes to expand the range of options alongside changes to interior with revised dashboard, upgraded infotainment system allowing Android Auto connectivity, Connected Apps, EcoSense and Emergency Call alongside new seat upholstery and most importantly added convenience features to appease customers.
Offered across 17 variants, the outgoing Mahindra Scorpio carried a price range between Rs. 9.8 lakh and Rs. 14.88 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and thus only slight price bump is made on the facelift across the range.
The facelifted Scorpio will be followed by the arrival of a new XUV500 during the remaining course of this year predictably. With more updated products and limited editions in the pipeline, Mahindra could be aiming at clawing back the lost market share.
The updated Scorpio range gets same apps introduced on the XUV500 with Connected Apps, Ecosense & Emergency Call function. Android Auto has also find its way into KUV100 micro-SUV and TUV300 compact SUV as well and Scorpio doesn’t miss out on that.
Mahindra has been on a launch spree as new high-spec variants of TUV300 and XUV have been introduced recently while the KUV100 NXT with substantial exterior updates also made its way into the showrooms. With a refreshed product lineup, the largest SUV maker in the country is well and truly back in the game.
2018 Mahindra Scorpio Facelift Images
Spy Source: Bobby Sebastian