Competition in the sports utility vehicle segment has really begun to heat up with the proposed launch of the new and improved Mahindra Scorpio diesel.
The latest version of the Scorpio will be officially unveiled next week, and is expected to cost Rs 10,000-15,000 more than existing Scorpio models.
Currently, the petrol version of the Scorpio is priced at Rs 749,000, while the diesel version costs Rs 616,000 (all prices ex-showroom Mumbai).
The revamped Scorpio comes fitted with a more refined engine, which ensures better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction. It will also sport a new grille for better cooling of the engine bay. Adjustments have also been made to improve the handling and riding quality.
The interiors have also been given a minor face-lift in the form of new upholstery and seats that will now come fitted with hand-rests.
Those who loved the older version's sleek contours need not fret as the manufacturers have made only very minor modifications to the exteriors. The colour palette has also been expanded and the car will now be available in newer shades.
The manufacturers seem to have taken cue from their customers and analysts before deciding to smoothen out a few rough edges in the Scorpio.
Mahindra & Mahindra, which is riding high on the success of the Scorpio, has put the launch of a low-end version of the SUV on hold for now.
Company officials also denied plans to import and market Korean company Ssangyong's SUV, Rexton.
"We imported the car only to use as a benchmark for our R&D and have no plans of marketing the Rexton now. However, we might consider that option in the future," a senior M&M official said.
The Scorpio -- 15,000 units of which have been sold since its launch last year -- has helped M&M cruise through a very bad year in 2002, when poor monsoons affected tractor sales.
