Mahindra Launches Scorpio-N

Toyota Launches Brezza Clone, The New Urban Cruiser Starts at Rs 840,000

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has launched its new SUV ‘Scorpio-N’ – starting at INR 11.99 lakh. The company said in a statement that the Scorpio-N is designed, engineered and built to disrupt the SUV segment with its class-leading attributes, features and capabilities, to be acknowledged as the #BigDaddyOfSUVs. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is completely new ground-up, with no carryover components of the existing Scorpio. This allows the new SUV to elevate existing segment benchmarks across all critical parameters: performance, capabilities, technology, sophistication, ride and handling, NVH, interiors and appearance. Designed at Pininfarina, Italy, and Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS), Mumbai and engineered by the teams at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) near Chennai and Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in USA, and manufactured at the state-of-the-art world-class facility at Chakan, Pune, the Scorpio-N is truly a global product, the release pointed out. 

The company said the development and engineering of the Scorpio-N is the outcome of an overall investment of INR 1,600 crore which includes setting up a highly automated manufacturing line. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “The All-New Scorpio-N has been designed, engineered and built to be a game-changer. With its unmissable design, sophisticated ride and handling, thrilling performance, advanced technology, reassuring safety and of course, its terrain-conquering abilities, the All-New Scorpio-N takes forward the unbeatable Mahindra legacy of building authentic, desirable and tough yet sophisticated SUVs. The All-New Scorpio-N disrupts existing product category hierarchies and will be a force to reckon with across multiple SUV segments. It is a global product, being unveiled simultaneously in South Africa and Nepal, alongside the India launch, and will be followed by launches in other international markets in the near future.” 

R. Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M Ltd. said, “We started the development of the All-New Scorpio-N on a clean slate with no carry over from the existing Scorpio, which gave us the opportunity to not just raise existing benchmarks but set new category standards. We set out with the objective of delighting customers with a contemporary SUV boasting high levels of engineering, technology, dynamics, sophistication and refinement, and I believe we have succeeded in full measure. The All-New Scorpio-N’s third-generation body-on-frame platform has been engineered to ensure every drive is safe, comfortable and exciting, while delivering authentic SUV attributes. Combined with AdrenoX intelligence, the All-New Scorpio-N is an intuitive, immersive and enjoyable SUV to drive and own.” 

The company said the Scorpio-N would be available for test drives starting 5 July 2022 in 30 cities and in the rest of the country by 15 July 2022. Details of the test drives can be seen on the website https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-N. Bookings for Scorpio-N will open online and simultaneously at Mahindra dealerships 30 July 2022, 11.00 am onwards, it said. The ‘Add to cart’ feature for the Scorpio-N will be available online and at dealerships from 5 July 2022. Bookings will be done on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and will also form the basis of delivery dates, depending on the variant chosen by the customer, the release said. After customers have selected their choice of variant and colour to finalise their booking with payment confirmation, Mahindra will provide a two-week window to amend their choice of variant and colour – in case they wish to. Details of the booking process are available on the website https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio-N. The deliveries of the Scorpio-N will begin during the forthcoming festive season, it said.  

M&M said it is simultaneously unveiling the Scorpio-N in South Africa and Nepal, alongside the India launch. Mahindra said it is committed to introduce the Scorpio-N in Australia and New Zealand and will announce the details shortly. It said the Scorpio-N would be the first brand from the house of M&M to be globally unveiled (across focused international markets), aligning with Mahindra’s strategy to strengthen its global footprint. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is engineered for those looking for a new-age authentic SUV. Built on its new third-generation body-on-frame platform, the Scorpio-N boasts of structural rigidity, off-road capability and exemplary on-road manners. The Scorpio-N is powered by a TGDi mStallion (Petrol) engine with 149.14 kW (200 PS) of power and 380 Nm of torque, and mHawk (Diesel) engine with 128.6kW (175PS) of power and 400 Nm torque, offered in both 6-speed Manual and Automatic Transmissions, and 4X4 as option. 

The signature wheel arches have been made even more muscular taking inspiration from the sinewy silhouette of a swimmer. A metallic Scorpio tail element is seamlessly integrated into the beltline, swinging all the way to the top of the window, giving the Scorpio-N more of a sting. The Scorpio-N will be available in five body colour options: Deep Forest, Napoli Black, Everest White, Red Rage, Dazzling Silver, Royal Gold, and Grand Canyon. 

It greets passengers with top notch craftmanship – rich coffee-black leatherette upholstery, command seating position, centre console encased in robust metal finished dual rails, advanced infotainment system and more, taking the premium-ness to the next level. The interiors of the Scorpio-N are designed and fettled to offer a highly sophisticated sensation, delighting the driver and passengers alike, it claimed. 

It uses the most sophisticated technologies available to offer benchmark driving dynamics. The latest generation body-on-frame structure has been optimised to offer remarkable levels of dynamic competencies and assured handling capabilities. Additionally, the penta-link rear suspension features the segment-first watts link mechanism to offer confident ride and handling attributes. The Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, in combination with the Scorpio-N’s advanced shock absorbers featuring MTV-CL technology, is devised to offer a smooth, comfortable ride experience. The steering setup is remarkably smooth and responsive for a vehicle in its category, and All Four Disc brakes ensure exhilarating yet safe drive. 

The company said the Scorpio-N is designed to rule all terrains with the 4XPLOR, the intelligent terrain management technology. The Scorpio-N also gets three drive modes: Zip, Zap and Zoom. Zip for smooth riding especially through traffic, Zap for true Mahindra SUV performance and, Zoom to amp it up for a more engaging and exhilarating ride-quality. 

Powered by AdrenoX intelligence for an immersive and intuitive driving experience, it is laden with 70+ connect apps, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, and built-in Alexa functionality enabling hands-free access to entertainment, information and vehicle controls. 

Alexa voice assistant supports in-vehicle controls even in offline mode. With the Scorpio-N, Mahindra introduces the the what3words integrated with Alexa. 

AdrenoX also brings an Immersive Audio Experience by adopting 3D Immersive Sound System by Sony. Mahindra has partnered with Amazon Alexa, what3words, Qualcomm, Visteon, Blackberry QNX, Bosch, Sony and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deliver the connected SUV experience.  

The company claimed the vehicle has the lowest CO2 emission in its segment. Moreover, several sustainable technologies have been adopted in metallurgy and component optimisation such as latest generation dip paint (CG 800 CED coating) and low RRC tyres to lower CO2 emission, and LEDs for reducing the overall energy consumption by 10 per cent. (MT)

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Exports Cross 200,000 Units

Fronx Export

Maruti Suzuki India has announced that cumulative exports of its Fronx model have passed 200,000 units in under 38 months following the commencement of overseas shipments in June 2023.

Manufactured at the company's Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, the SUV is exported to nearly 90 markets, including Japan. The Fronx reached its initial 100,000 export milestone within 25 months, with the subsequent 100,000 units shipped over the following 13 months.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Every vehicle exported by Maruti Suzuki carries the hard work and pride of our people. Together, these vehicles take a piece of Indian manufacturing to nearly 120 countries. Fronx has been a key contributor to Maruti Suzuki’s success in exports. Since FY 24-25, it has been India's No. 1 exported passenger vehicle* and is now shipped to nearly 90 countries. After crossing the milestone of 100,000 exports in record time, Fronx reached its second lakh significantly faster, underlining its growing demand in the international markets.”

“Aligned with ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, Maruti Suzuki continues to showcase the prowess of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. Sustained focus on exports has earned the Company the number one position in passenger vehicle exports from India*. Illustrating this leadership, all three of India’s top exported passenger vehicles in Q1 FY 26-27^ were from Maruti Suzuki. The growing export volumes year-on-year are a strong endorsement of the reliability and appeal of the Company’s products across global markets,” added Takeuchi.

The Fronx remains the company's primary export model within its passenger vehicle lineup, supporting its total export volume across international regions.

Jeep Launches Compass 85th Anniversary Edition In India At INR 2.67 Million

Jeep Compass

Stellantis-owned Jeep India has launched the Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition, limited to 85 units at prices starting at INR 2.67 million (ex-showroom).

The anniversary edition incorporates visual updates to the exterior and interior of the vehicle platform. External changes include 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black alongside anniversary badging. The interior cabin features a black colour scheme paired with gold accents and contrast trim detailing.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Jeep Compass has always been central to the Jeep story in India, bringing the brand's legendary capability, design and authenticity to customers who expect more from their SUV. As Jeep celebrates 85 years globally, the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition gives this iconic nameplate a distinctive new expression. With exclusive anniversary-inspired styling, curated accessories and safety technologies, this special edition has been crafted for customers who seek a Compass that feels even more personal, intelligent and exclusive."

The vehicle is offered with optional accessory packages under the brand's personalisation options. These packages add functional and cabin features, including sunroof illumination, ambient lighting, a digital inner rear-view mirror and integrated front and rear dashcams. Bookings for the limited-run vehicle have opened across the company's dealership network and online sales platform.

Mercedes-Benz Opens New Dealership In Lucknow With T&T Motors

Mercedes-Benz

German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has opened its new sales facility in Lucknow in partnership with dealership operator T&T Motors. The outlet expands the company's network in Uttar Pradesh to 10 touchpoints across cities including Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi, contributing to a national presence of over 150 locations across more than 60 cities.

The new facility occupies 9,000 square feet, including over 5,000 square feet of carpet area and was completed in five months. The showroom accommodates four vehicle display bays, private and semi-private consultation zones, a lounge section for vehicle lines and a dedicated delivery bay. To support battery electric vehicles, the location incorporates a 180 kW DC fast charger with two charging bays, backed by a staff of 88 employees.

Brendon Sissing, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its luxury retail footprint across India, reflecting our ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The inauguration of T&T Motors’ new facility in Lucknow marks yet another important milestone in bringing world-class luxury products, services and experiences closer to our customers. Uttar Pradesh remains an important emerging market for Mercedes-Benz, and the growing aspiration for luxury mobility in Lucknow presents strong growth potential for Mercedes-Benz. Through modern luxury infrastructure, personalised consultations, digital capabilities and EV readiness, we are elevating luxury retail experience for our discerning customers in the city.”

Mahindra Lifestyler

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled its first global pick up christened Lifestyler, which will be launched in India as the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler. The vehicle will go on sale by April 2027 with prices starting below INR 1.97 million ex-showroom. 

First shown as a concept in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023, the pickup was designed at the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai and developed at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. It is built on Mahindra’s next-generation body-on-frame architecture and is intended for both payload and lifestyle use. The company claims to have around 267 patents in terms of innovation for the Lifestyler.

Dr Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “From the outset, our vision was to create a world-class global pickup that raises the bar for the segment while remaining true to Mahindra's strengths in authentic capability and value. The Scorpio Lifestyler is a testament to the strong product development capabilities at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). Built on our advanced next-generation body-on-frame architecture, it has been engineered to deliver the capability, durability, safety and refinement demanded by customers around the world.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler is inspired by how our customers work, play and explore. Combining bold exterior design, plush interiors and SUV-like comfort with unmistakable Mahindra toughness, it brings style and refinement to every journey. This philosophy is reflected in the three editions showcased today: Valley celebrates purposeful refinement, Reef embodies freedom and exploration, and Trail captures the spirit of boundless adventure. Together, they express our vision of a pickup that celebrates individuality while remaining rooted in capability, authenticity and the freedom to explore without limits.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “The Scorpio Lifestyler represents the convergence of global engineering and evolving customer aspirations. As we prepare for its India launch, we see a growing appetite among customers for a vehicle that delivers authentic capability without compromising on technology, safety, comfort or everyday usability. We are investing in building awareness, strengthening our network and creating the right ownership experience for this category. We believe the Scorpio Lifestyler has the potential to redefine expectations and shape the future of the pickup segment in India.”

While the technical details are still under the wraps, the company showcased three editions - the Valley Edition finished in Artemis Grey, the Reef Edition uses an Aquareef finish and the Trail Edition finished in Sahara Beige.

The Mahindra Lifestyler is aimed at the midsize lifestyle pickup segment in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It has been developed to meet requirements for capability, durability, safety, technology and everyday use across those markets.