Mahindra Scorpio-N Detailed As A $15k Rugged SUV From India

Mahindra detailed the all-new Scorpio-N in India, one month after the official announcement. The ladder-frame-based model is dubbed the “Big Daddy of SUVs” and comes in ICE-only petrol and diesel flavors with optional all-wheel-drive and plenty of kit for the price. The Scorpio-N will be produced in India but it is a global model that will be offered in international markets in the near future.

Mahindra claims that the Scorpio-N is a clean-sheet design that doesn’t share any components with the aging Scorpio. The new SUV is based on the third-generation ladder-frame architecture, retaining the rugged character of its predecessor while bringing significant improvements in ride comfort, handling, NVH, and safety. Engineering took place at the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai in India, in collaboration with the Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in the US.

The design of the new model is a team effort by Italian design house Pininfarina and the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS). As a result, the Scorpio-N has traditional off-roader proportions but benefits from a more aerodynamic shape compared to its predecessor. The body is more muscular, the LED lighting units look a lot more modern while the chrome-infused grille incorporates Mahindra’s new emblem distancing itself from being a Jeep ripoff.

Inside the cabin, there is room for up to seven passengers thanks to a three-row layout. The coffee/black colored leatherette upholstery and the sunroof create an upmarket atmosphere. Tech-wise, there is an 8-inch central touchscreen and an additional 7-inch screen on the instrument cluster. More importantly, the AdrenoX-powered infotainment is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Alexa voice assistance and more than 70 apps including remote control features. The media system is connected to a 3D Immersive sound system by Sony with 12 speakers in the flagship trim.

The Scorpio-N engine lineup includes one petrol and one diesel variant which according to Mahindra offer the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment despite not having any hybrid assistance. The 2.0-liter TGDi mStallion petrol engine produces 197 hp (149 kW / 200 PS) and 380 Nm (280 ft-lb) of torque, while the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel produces 173 hp (129 kW / 175 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive.

The 4XPLOR intelligent terrain management technology allows the driver to change from 2WD to 4WD before taking the SUV off the beaten track to explore its credentials. There is also a choice between three driving modes called Zip (smooth driving), Zap (off-road) and Zoom (performance). The body-on-frame SUV features double-wishbone front suspension and penta-link rear suspension with a Watts link mechanism. Suspension features like the Frequency-Dependent Damping (FDD) technology and the shock absorbers with MTV-CL technology are said to offer a smooth and comfortable ride.

Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra’s automotive division, describes the Scorpio-N as “a global product, being unveiled simultaneously in South Africa and Nepal, alongside the India launch, and will be followed by launches in other international markets in the near future”. Among those markets will be Australia and New Zealand, where affordable and rugged ICE-powered SUVs have proven to be quite popular.

The Mahindra Scorpio-N will be produced in the Chakan plant in Pune, India. The automaker will be offering test drives in Indian cities in July, before opening the order books at the end of the month. Prices in India start from as low as ₹11.99 lakh ($15,178), and go up to ₹19.49 lakh ($24,673) for the flagship 4×4 trim. The first deliveries of the Scorpio-N are scheduled for the festive season which is towards the end of the year.