2023 Mahindra Scorpio teased, likely for Australia

Mahindra is gearing up to reveal the first all-new Scorpio four-wheel drive in two decades, and it’s likely to make the trip to Australia.

The brand is teasing the new Scorpio in India, but hasn’t yet revealed it in full. Mahindra Australia hasn’t confirmed if the ladder-frame SUV, will make the trip to Australia – but CarExpert understands it’ll likely join the XUV700 SUV in the local range.

Mahindra has owned the Scorpio trademark in Australia since February 2019, and currently sells the Scorpio-based Pik-Up ute locally.

Like the XUV700, the Scorpio is likely to represent a huge step forward from its ageing predecessor. Indian media reports suggest the cabin will feature an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, and safety tech such as a 360-degree camera.

Spy photos reveal it’s also likely to feature a digital instrument binnacle, with controls on the steering wheel.

The current Scorpio is a similar size to the now-defunct, five-door Suzuki Grand Vitara. Given the XUV700 is a bigger car aimed at the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, it’s likely the next Scorpio will continue as a slightly smaller SUV.

Power is likely to come – in India, at least – from a carryover 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel engine. In the current Pik-Up it makes 103kW and 320Nm, sent to the road through a switchable four-wheel drive system with low-range.

Indian media also reports a 2.0-litre mStallion petrol engine will be offered as an option, once again with four-wheel drive.

Given the Pik-Up is based on the same bones as the Scorpio, a new ute is also likely on the cards for Mahindra. What that will look like isn’t yet clear.

The current Mahindra range features the Pik-Up ute, and that’s it. The XUV700 is on track to arrive locally in the second half of 2022, to replace the XUV500.

The brand has also previously expressed its intent to sell the rugged Thar off-roader in Australia. It was on track to make the trip Down Under before legal action from Jeep, which argues the Thar is a Wrangler clone, scuppered those plans.

Mahindra needs to provide FCA Australia with 90 days notice if it plans to bring the Thar to Australia in the future.

The Thar is a cult car in the subcontinent, with thousands of fanatical owners and a presence in both Bollywood and the Indian armed forces.

The new model is built on a new body-on-frame chassis with double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link solid rear axle with coils and dampers.

It has a locking rear diff, a transfer case with low-range gearing, 226m of ground clearance, a 650mm wading depth, and a fearsome 42 degree approach angle. The break over angle is up to 27 degrees.