Mahindra launches its most powerful Scorpio at Rs 997,000

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today launched the refreshed Scorpio with prices starting at Rs 997,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The facelifted SUV, comes in seven-, eight- and nine-seater configurations, a few cosmetic changes on the outside and an engine tweaked for more power. 

The highlight of the facelift is that the more powerful engine is available only on the higher-spec S7 and S11 trims. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit now develops 140hp (up by 20hp) at 3750rpm and 320Nm (an increase of 40Nm) of peak torque at 1500-2800rpm. This engine is mated to a new six-speed manual transmission sourced from BorgWarner. Four-wheel drive is also available as an option on this engine.

The base S3 variant gets a 2523cc diesel motor that develops 75hp and 200Nm of torque while the mid-spec S5 and S7 come with a 120hp/280Nm version of the 2.2-litre mHawk engine. Both motors are mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

All the engines also come with a mild hybrid system that is meant to provide electrical assistance while accelerating, enhance fuel economy, use the brakes for energy regeneration and engage the start-stop function.

The exterior changes include a new grille design with seven slats, a tweaked front bumper, new projector headlamps, new round fog lamps, turn indicators on the wing mirrors, new 17-inch alloy wheels and a few styling changes at the rear including a new rear bumper, a new red theme for the LED tail-lamps, a new rear wiper and a new design for the tail-gate.

The cabin in the higher-spec Scorpio variants now sports new faux leather upholstery, and the steering wheel and gear lever are also wrapped in the same. The touchscreen infotainment system, that comes with navigation, doubles as a rear parking camera, the driver’s side power window has an auto-up function and there are new cubbies near the gear for a 1-litre bottle and a mobile phone. Tech on the top-spec Scorpio includes cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic headlamps and wipers, automatic climate control and Mahindra’s Blue Sense app that allows for control of the infotainment system.

In terms of safety equipment, the SUV comes with dual-front airbags, ABS, a speed alert, an auto door lock function and a digital engine immobiliser.