MAHINDRA SCORPIO N PICKUP

 Mahindra is the leading pickup truck manufacturer in India when it comes to commercial vehicle sales. But as far as the passenger vehicle segment is concerned, the company has only launched the first-gen Scorpio-based Getaway in India. Its low acceptance discouraged the launch of the second generation of the vehicle.

Now, Mahindra is gearing up to launch the Scorpio N pick-up truck, which has been tested in India for the first time. Given the recent uproar in the lifestyle off-roader segment, it seems the company is keen to introduce the pick-up in India. What better vehicle to define the lifestyle than a pickup truck, right?

Mahindra has also registered Scorpio N pickup design patents in India. The test model spotted in India is fully camouflaged and has minor differences from what we saw in the concept and design patent. A kink in its C-pillar is missing from the production model, and the tailgate handle is more conventional in style compared to the concept vehicle.

Other differences include the absence of fancy LED tail lights, which the company replaces with standard halogen bulbs, and a vertical styling. The fuel filler cap is circular in shape and is placed behind the left wheel arch. In design patents, the fuel filler cap was rectangular and behind the rear left door.

India's varied geography with diverse and challenging terrains makes it an excellent test bed for export vehicles. We expect Mahindra to launch it in India with a slightly higher appeal, closer to the concept that was showcased in Johannesburg, South Africa and seen in the filed design patents.

If Mahindra wants a low-cost product below the Isuzu V-Cross, currently India's most affordable passenger pick-up truck, the same attributes are welcome for its India launch. From the Kunjan spy video, we can see the Scorpion's alloy wheels, side silhouette (up to the C-pillars) and strong road presence.

We don't see the front fascia in this spy video. But it will be similar to Scorpio N. On the inside, we can expect the same dashboard and interior panels. In terms of powertrain, Mahindra may offer the 2.2-litre turbo diesel option from the Scorpio N with 4X4 options.

A Mahindra petrol engine may also be offered along with it. The rear load bed can accommodate a payload of up to 1.0 tonnes. Given the extensive testing practices of the local brand, the launch of the vehicle in India could be in 2025. Its main rivals are the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux.