2023 Mahindra Scorpio-N Australian launch confirmed

UPDATE, June 28, 2022: Mahindra Scorpio-N Australian launch confirmed

Mahindra has confirmed its Scorpio-N SUV will launch in Australia next year.

Revealed late last month (see below), the Scorpio-N is Mahindra's answer to body-on-frame SUVs, such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X – albeit at a much lower expected price.

Designed by Pininfarina and Mahindra India Design Studio, the SUV will be produced in Pune, India, for the global market, with its Australian debut slated for 2023 – barring any further supply chain delays.

Mahindra will confirm local pricing and features closer to the Scorpio-N's local launch.

19

The story to here

19

May 25, 2022: Mahindra Scorpio-N revealed for India

Indian vehicle manufacturer Mahindra has taken the covers off its first all-new Scorpio four-wheel-drive SUV in 20 years.

Officially known as the Scorpio-N, the redesigned SUV is billed as a smaller, more-affordable rival to the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and other body-on-frame large SUVs.

The off-roader will be sold alongside the existing Scorpio – the crossover version of the Pik-Up utility sold in Australia – which has been in production since 2002 and will be renamed Scorpio Classic.

19

Although many details remain unconfirmed, the marque has announced the Scorpio-N will be offered with both petrol and diesel powertrains, each matched with a manual or automatic transmission.

A local launch is yet to be announced, however, more details are expected on June 27, 2022, when the Scorpio-N officially launches in India.

The unibody XUV700 revealed in mid-2021 to replace the XUV500 will arrive in Australian showrooms later this year, potentially to be joined by the Scorpio-N.

19

The current Scorpio Classic is not sold in Australia, however Mahindra has held the Scorpio trademark locally since February 2019.

Plans to launch the Thar have been thwarted by legal action from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia in recent months due to similarities to the Jeep Wrangler, currently leaving the brand with only the ageing Pik-Up utility.

Although the Scorpio-N features a ‘new’ chassis, the brand has retained the boxy styling of the previous model – albeit with modern touches, including LED headlights and chrome finishes.

19

The engine lineup is expected to be familiar to the XUV700, as seen in the Indian media, consisting of a 147kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with multiple states of tune.

Entry-level diesel variants output 114kW of power and 380Nm of torque, with the more-powerful tune producing 136kW/420-450Nm, depending on transmission.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

19

Above: Mahindra Pik-Up

No official images of the interior have been released, but spy photos published by Autocar India suggest it will adopt; a touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, climate control, and multiple USB ports.

The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio-N will go on sale in India in the coming months.

Stay tuned to 4x4 Australia for any further information surrounding local prospects for the Scorpio-N.