2017 Mahindra Scorpio facelift launched

The prices of the updated 2017 Mahindra Scorpio start at Rs 9.97 lakh for the base S3 variant which is just Rs 4,000 more than the outgoing model

After the endless spy shots and a long wait, the facelifted version of the Mahindra Scorpio got launched today at a starting price of Rs 9.96 lakh for the base S3 variant. The top-spec trim is priced at Rs 16.01 lakh. All prices ex-showroom Delhi. Meanwhile, Mahindra has also changed the names of its variants and will now be available in S3, S5, S7 120, S7 140, S11 2WD and S11 4WD.

Mahindra has made quite a few cosmetic and feature changes to this 2017 Scorpio facelift. Starting from the front, the Scorpio facelift gets a new… ah, face. It comes fitted with a new radiator grille which looks somewhat similar to the grille of the current generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and Compass. The headlights remain more or less unchanged but the front bumper has been remoulded. It now gets a larger air dams, revised fog lamps and faux skid plates. Changes on the profile aren’t easily noticeable – look closely and you will be able to spot the new ORVMs and alloy wheels. At the back, the black panel from the older model has been replaced by a chrome slat at the centre. Gone are the clear glass taillamps from the outgoing model and in comes new red units for the Scorpio facelift. The rear bumper has been reshaped too and the 2018 Scorpio gets a larger spoiler too.

There are a few changes inside the cabin too. The biggest and most useful change of them all is the replacement of the third-row jump seats with a conventional bench setup. That being said, don’t expect to have acres of room in the third seat especially given that the 2017 Scorpio’s dimensions haven’t changed. The SUV now comes with beige interior and seat upholstery to match. Mahindra has also updated the dashboard and it now looks a lot more upto date than before. The Scorpio facelift also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While there are considerable cosmetic changes and interior updates, Mahindra has also brought in a retuned version of the mHawk engine for the higher variants. The 2017 Scorpio comes with two engine options and three states of tune. The base spec S3 continues to make 75bhp and 200Nm from the 2.5-litre m2DICR motor. Buyers can also get the Scorpio with the 2.2-litre motor which churns out 120bhp and 280Nm. Each of these options is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The is also the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission in the S7 and S11 variant. The automatic variants are good for 140bhp and 320Nm.

The 2017 Scorpio directly competes against the Tata Safari Storme. It will also have to hold its own against some of the other 5-seater SUVs in the market like the Renault Duster and Captur and the Hyundai Creta.