7 Things We Expect From The 2021 Mahindra Scorpio

Scorpio is one of Mahindra & Mahindra’s bestsellers and this SUV remains a force to be reckoned with for decades now. So what can we expect from the next generation of this hunky, popular vehicle, the Mahindra Scorpio 2021?

1. Pricing

   The base price of the 2021 version, would be around 13 lakhs which is a bit more expensive than the present Mahindra Scorpio. The next-gen Scorpio like its predecessor will be a rugged body-on-frame SUV. This mid-sized SUV will complete with crossovers like Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and the 2021 Tata Safari.

2. Sting or ScorpioN?
   

   

   The company might name the next-gen Scorpio the ScorpioN or Scorpio Sting (good wordplay indeed). The test mule that was spotted looked rather contemporary. Mahindra will position the sturdy next-gen Scorpio below XUV500 but above its champion Thar.

3. Engine
   

   

   The 2021 Scorpio will share the powertrain with the 2021 Thar, but we suspect the former will be strappier. The motor of the Scorpio 2021 will also be more powerful than its current model.

   Like the XUV500, we anticipate that the next-gen Scorpio would get a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine. But unlike the XUV500, the Scorpio 2021 will generate a max power of 150bhp and a peak torque of 320Nm. It will also come with a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine. This on the other hand might deliver a power of 158bhp with 320Nm.

   We presume both the petrol and the diesel alternative will get a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. The top-end variant might also come with a 4-wheel drivetrain.

4. Safety

   Mahindra XUV300 is the safest car in the country. Marazzo and Thar are not far behind. However, Scorpio had always been the odd one in the group. It traditionally had never been the safest of cars. The previous model received 0 stars for adult occupant protection in the Global NCAP.

   

   We are banking on this one to get a stronger ladder chassis that underpins the Thar. This would hopefully make the Scorpio better at receiving shocks and could possibly improve its safety rating.

   The next-gen Scorpio will have multiple airbags, which is reassuring (thumbs up for safety). Like the existing Scorpio, this one will also get Antilock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as well as rear parking sensors and electronic stability control.

5. Design
   

   

   We expect the Scorpio 2021 to be bigger with a longer wheelbase. It will possibly sport different body panels from the previous one. The front-end of the car will flaunt a whole new look with a redone grille and headlamps. The next-gen Scorpio will come with a redesigned rear fascia as well.

   It will also get 17-inch alloys with wider 245-inch tyres. Unlike the Scorpios that decorated the pages of history and the current one, this iteration will get a sunroof!

   That said, the Mahindra Scorpio 2021 will look much like its predecessor. This SUV will share the same upright stance we have learned to associate with the Scorpio name. Besides, this car will also have a tailgate that is horizontally connected.

6. Features

   The next-gen Scorpio will possibly have dual-beam headlight bulbs and C-shaped LED DRLs. It will probably get new LED tail lamps as well. We hope this mid-sized SUV would be feature-rich. It might come with connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multi-function steering wheel, automatic climate control, engine start/stop button and cruise control.

7. Interior
   

   

   Mahindra has completely changed up the interior of this SUV. Now the car comes with a dual-tone black and rich-brown cabin plus a refurbished dash. We hope the Mahindra Scorpio 2021 will have enough creature comforts in the interior. It will get a larger touchscreen infotainment system compared to the existing Scorpio. The new-gen SUV can also seat 7 people in its 3 rows.

   Even though the interiors of the new Scorpio is constructed indigenously, it was designed in the automaker’s Technical Centre in the US.

The Scorpio 2021 may possibly be rolled out before the festival season, following the launch of XUV500. The next-gen SUV won’t replace the current model though, as Mahindra must expect this car to compliment the sales of the Scorpio.