Mahindra has let the Scorpio age for well over four years. The last update came in early 2009 (following the Xylo's launch) and ever since there's been only a single manufacturer-level limited edition variant.
The Indian utility vehicle major has not been updating the Scorpio on a regular basis, as sales are very strong. As several other manufacturers have either joined or are expected to join the utility bandwagon, now would be the perfect time for an update.
A Mahindra Scorpio facelift is indeed in the works and here are the first spyshots of a test mule. A forum member of Team-bhp.com named 'SMK' has managed to catch the vehicle near Bengaluru on the NH4. He reports that apart from the front and rear fascias, the dashboard and the seats were also camouflaged.
From spyshots it's evident that the facelift will be a minor restyling exercise. Going by the camouflaged areas, the front fascia, bonnet and the tailgate will go under the knife. We would love to see a complete overhaul of the very dated dashboard design and layout.
We expect this Mahindra to retain its hardware but there could be subtle improvements to the mileage, pickup or sound insulation. Given the ongoing SUV war, Mahindra has to use this opportunity to pack the car with more equipment thereby improving its VFM quotient.
In spite of being the oldest SUV in its segment, the Scorpio's still a brisk seller. In July, 3,256 units of Scorpio left showrooms which is better than the performance of the Renault Duster!
The refresh would help Scorpio reinforce its prospects against the Duster, and gear it up to take on the Honda Urban SUV and the Nissan Terrano.
Will the new Scorpio get its debut at the 2014 Auto Expo?
[Source: Team-bhp.com]
