Mahindra readies up Scorpio Special Edition SUV

Over the past couple of months, the sting in the sales of the Mahindra Scorpio SUV has been stronger than ever, what with the decade-old SUV managing to outsell the recent upstart, the Renault Duster. The strong sales of the Scorpio over the past couple of months has meant that the SUV is now the second largest selling model in the SUV category, behind the top selling Ford EcoSport.

With competition set to increase in the coming weeks as the Nissan Terrano is due for a festive season launch, Mahindra seems to have taken the "Special Edition" route to sustain the sales momentum of the Scorpio during the festive season. Only 500 models of the Scorpio Special Edition will be built, to assure buyers a modicum of exclusivity. Prices are yet to be released. 

The special edition variant of the SUV comes with the following features, 

• Leather interiors with tan and beige finishes
• Roof mounted DVD player with 9 inch screen
• Chromed alloy wheels
• Leather wrapped gear knob, gear shifter and steering wheel
• Dual SRS Airbags for driver and passenger
• Wood trim on the dashboard

The Scorpio Special Edition will be powered by the 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine that outputs 120 Bhp-280 Nm. Torque transmission is by means of a 5 speed manual gearbox. The SUV is also available with 2 other engine options and one other body style: a 2.5 liter miC2DR turbo diesel engine used on the entry level EX variant and a 2.6 liter CRDI turbo diesel motor used on the Getaway variant. The SUV can also be specified with a 4 wheel drive unit, and a 6 speed automatic gearbox. 

An all new Scorpio is due for launch in 2015 or so, even as Mahindra is expected to give this SUV a facelift next year. The Scorpio was first launched in India during 2002 and ever since, the SUV has seen a range of upgrades and facelifts. A hugely successful SUV for Mahindra, the Scorpio was the first indigenously developed passenger vehicle for the brand. The SUV is sold in India, Australia and in many countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.