Next-gen 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will be global, it will have an updated platform and a new engine
The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio (Codename- Z101) was spied recently, which means the development of the new SUV is very much on track. The next-gen Scorpio will be a global model and should be far more modern than the current version. Here are 5 things to know
1. Design
The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will obviously look more modern than the current version. However, the company has previously revealed that in spite of being more modern, the new SUV will retain the rugged theme of the current version. The spy images have revealed that it could have a lower roofline than the current version.
The front-end is highly expected to have the signature 7-slat grille, while the headlamps will be wraparound units. The bonnet won’t have a scoop but bold wheel arches and a raked rear windscreen give the vehicle a dynamic look.
2. Engine
The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio won’t be powered by an updated version of the current vehicle’s 2.2-litre mHawk engine. Instead, the SUV will feature a BS-VI-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine that will be far more modern than the current oil-burner. The new turbo-diesel motor will be available in as many as three power tunes.
This will help the company use the same engine for the next generation of three of its popular models – Scorpio, XUV500 and Thar. There will be two transmission options on offer – 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. A four-wheel-drive system could be optional.
3. Platform
The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will ride on an improved version of the same platform that is responsible for underpinning the current version. The reworked platform will likely help the SUV offer improved vehicle dynamics and higher crash safety. Like we said, the new 2.0-litre diesel engine of the next-gen Scorpio will even power the all-new XUV500, albeit in a higher state of tune.
However, while the Scorpio makes use of a repurposed edition of the current model’s platform, the second-gen XUV500 will share an all-new platform with the new Ford-CUV that the Indian and the American automakers are together working on. The new Ford SUV will be slotted between the EcoSport and the Endeavour.
4. Co-developed by MNATC and MRV
Last year, the Mahindra Marazzo became the first-ever vehicle to be co-developed by the Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) and the Mahindra Research Valley, Chennai. The next vehicle that will be jointly developed at the above two locations is the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio.
The participation of the MNATC should help the company ensure that the new model would suit the tastes of international audiences. Hence, we can expect the vehicle to offer many safety features, a long equipment list and a decent build quality.
5. Price
It is a bit early to expect the company to drop a hint or two about the pricing. However, the new model is surely going to demand a premium over the current model. This will be due to the fact that the new SUV will be a lot safer than the current version. It will also offer lower emissions, which will be courtesy of a BS-VI-compliant engine.
As the particulate filter used in a BS-VI diesel engine is quite costly, it ends up leading to a higher price tag on the vehicle. Furthermore, the new safety regulations would mean that the SUV will be loaded with many standard safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, front seatbelt reminder and high speed warning alert as standard. All this will make the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio costlier than the current version.
Rendering Image: Cartoq