2020 Mahindra Scorpio: New spyshots of the next-generation SUV emerge

Over the past few weeks, Mahindra began testing the 2020 Scorpio SUV on Indian roads. Here are another batch of spyshots of the SUV. The next-generation Scorpio will be the automaker’s most powerful ladder frame SUV, and will reportedly pack in a 160 Bhp turbo diesel engine. The motor will be a new, 2 liter-4 cylinder unit that will be Bharat Stage 6 emission norms compliant. The 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will share its ladder frame with the next-generation Thar off roader. The entire platform that the SUV will be based on has been completely re-engineered to take the SUV into the future, one that involves strict emissions compliance that will only tighter each passing year, and a much more stringent safety testing regime under the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP).

Images courtesy Team-BHP

As the spyshots indicate, the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will have a totally new body, and is expected to be longer and wider. In terms of height though, the SUV is likely to sit lower, with a more squat stance. It’s code-named Z101 and is extensively testing on roads in and around Chennai, the city that hosts Mahindra’s research and development center called Mahindra Research Valley.

The test mule of the new Scorpio shows dummy headlamps and tail lamps, and there’s a prominent front grille. Mahindra is expected to give the new Scorpio’s grille vertical slats as well, given the fact that this is a characteristic styling touch of the SUV right from the day it was first launched more than a decade and half ago.

While most variants of the 2020 Mahindra Scorpio will be rear wheel driven, the automaker is expected to offer a four wheel drive layout on select trims. The four wheel drive transfer case, while being electronically actuated, will feature low range and high range options. The SUV is also likely to pack in a turbocharged petrol engine option, possibly with an automatic gearbox as standard.

This move towards petrol could be due to tightening emission norms. Mahindra could also make the platform future-ready, in other words ready to accept an electric powertrain. The new SUV is likely to retain a 7 seat layout, and a cut price variant to serve the cab and rural markets could also be launched. The lower priced variant is likely to have additional seats though.

While Mahindra is yet to indicate a launch timeline for the new SUV, we expect the 2020 Scorpio to arrive sometime next year. The 2020 Auto Expo could be the big ticket event where the SUV makes its debut.