Indian carmaker Mahindra has unveiled the Scorpio-N – a big, 4WD 7-seater SUV that will be available in the Australian market next year.

The Scorpio-N is, Mahindra says, a completely new ground-up build, and a successor to the mid-size SUV which carries the Scorpio name and which has been around for 20 years.

The new Scorpio-N is built on a new body-on-frame platform, and in India will be available in five variants, with power coming from one of two engine choices – a 2-litre, 149kW/380Nm turbo petrol engine or a 2.2-litre, 128.6kW/370Nm diesel – with manual or auto transmission available along with two and four-wheel drive.

Features vary across the variants with diesel models getting the 4XPLOR terrain management tech, and range-topping models getting all the tasty features such as premium trim and connected car infotainment functionality.

Available are three on-road drive modes and four for off-road work. There’s a Pentalink suspension with Watt’s linkage at the rear and double-wishbone up front, and frequency-selective dampers. Disc brakes are all round and 17-inch or 18-inch wheels are available.

The Scorpio-N appearance is rugged and modern, and the interior is sophisticated with a nice design and materials. In top trim variants, there’s an 8-inch infotainment screen that gives access to a system powered by AdrenoX cockpit technology which will come with more than 70 apps, including Android Auto and Apple Car Play, GPS, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa functionality. Mahindra says it has partnered with a who’s who of tech firms – including Qualcomm, Bosch, Sony and Amazon – to deliver the connected set-up. Wireless charging for smartphones, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, and USB ports also figure in the fit-out.

Safety features include Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control; parking sensors front and rear; front, side and curtain airbags; driver drowsiness monitoring, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Mahindra says it intends to launch the Scorpio-N in Australia in 2023. The company’s retail network includes 49 outlets across six states.

Australian specification and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2022) 

25 July 2022