Render: Mahindra Scorpio Facelift

First introduced in India during 2002, the Mahindra Scorpio SUV has been around for more than a decade now. Two generations and a flurry of facelifts later, the Scorpio’s third generation version will arrive only in 2015-16. In the interim, Mahindra has plans of launching a facelifted Scorpio, one that has been spotted testing in various parts of India. 

Based on the range of spyshots floating about on the interweb and Ssangyong’s close association with Mahindra, CarToq has put together a speculative render of the 2014 Scorpio Facelift. The 2014 Scorpio will get updated front and rear ends, replete with new headlamps, bumpers, grille and other assorted elements. We are likely to get to see the facelifted Scorpio at the 2014 Auto Expo.

With competition in the affordable SUV space mounting, Mahindra’s leadership position in this segment is coming under threat from a myriad of brands. Therefore, the 2014 Scorpio facelift is likely to get improved fit and finish levels on the inside, along with the design changes on the outside. Specific details of the facelift remain unavailable at this point in time.

However, in keeping with the nature of the facelift, engines and transmissions could be retained without any changes. The 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine that outputs 120 Bhp-290 Nm is likely to continue powering most variants of the Scorpio. The 2.6 liter and the 2.5 liter M2DiCR turbo diesel motors could also be retained on specific variants of the 2014 Scorpio.

The SUV’s current transmission options: a 5 speed manual and a 6 speed automatic gearbox are also expected to continue unchanged. Rear wheel drive and four wheel drive options will continue to be offered on the facelifted SUV.

With Mahindra launching the cut-price, entry level version of the XUV500 in the form of the W4 variant, some amount of cannibalization is likely to happen as more people warm up to the idea of a lower priced XUV500. Therefore, Mahindra is likely to price the facelifted Scorpio at current levels as increasing the SUV’s price along with the facelift might only serve to further increase cannibalization.