The Hindu Business Line : Scorpio stings, in style and price

While the Scorpio Lx answers the growing customer demand for an entry level SUV with the new generation common rail diesel engine and value enhancing features, the Getaway is a niche, lifestyle vehicle.

Scorpio Getaway far from madding crowds.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has simultaneously launched two new variants of the Scorpio to improve the reach and appeal of the vehicle and to expand the choice available to potential customers of this modern sports utility. The new variants are expected to fill the gaps in the Scorpio's portfolio by offering choice at both the ends of the style band, surprisingly at nearly the same price point.

Of the two new variants, the Scorpio Lx is designed to attract the price-conscious SUV buyer. This new Scorpio is expected to offer customers an attractive entry-level SUV that sports a common rail direct injection diesel engine, with features that are among the best in its segment. The Scorpio Lx is adequately loaded with such features as power steering, air-conditioner, power windows, tilt steering and central locking offered as standard fitment.

Targeted at customers looking for a stylish, comfortable SUV that also offers high value, the new Scorpio Lx has been priced competitively at about Rs 7 lakh (ex showroom).

Two-in-One

M& M is the country's leading manufacturer of utility vehicles, and it has had a few successful pick-up trucks in its portfolio.

Globally, there are a number of car manufacturers that have combined the attributes of a pick-up truck and an SUV to come up with a lifestyle product that can double as a rugged off-roader and a comfortable city car.

This will be a vehicle that can offer space for goods, sports equipment, bikes, etc., at the rear, even as it offers premium design and a plush, comfortable passenger cabin. The excise duty norms and the lack of a sizeable market for this kind of a vehicle has been the reason for Indian manufacturers not developing products in this category.

But M&M now believes that there is a growing demand in India for a global lifestyle SUV and its latest variant, the Scorpio Getaway, will be a new category-creating offering on the Scorpio platform.

Entry-level premium sports utility.

The new lifestyle vehicle sports a grand deck that can carry various equipment and gear. It exudes ruggedness and style and is targeted at young customers for whom it will be an extension of their go-getting persona.

Its buyers will not shy flaunting their success and lifestyle and will largely be located in the metros.

The new Scorpio Getaway clearly has the DNA of the Scorpio. This vehicle complements the lifestyle of a growing breed of young adventurous Indians who are passionate about the vehicle they own and believe in working hard and playing hard. The India launch of the Scorpio Getaway follows the success of the vehicle in South Africa a little less than a year ago and in Australia recently.

Global styling

The Scorpio Getaway lifestyle SUV is a direct result of intensive testing and development of the Scorpio platform and the innovative Mahindra manufacturing set-up. It shares the same unique Integrated Design and Manufacturing (IDAM) process that created the Scorpio SUV. The Scorpio Getaway offers Indian consumers international styling and a globally relevant combo of a pick-up truck and a lifestyle SUV.

The design focus of the Scorpio Getaway revolves around providing maximum utility and convenience to the consumer through its grand deck at the rear, along with a cabin that boasts luxury, comfort and passenger space in the same league as the regular Scorpio.

Ample storage space has been provided inside, which features power steering, air-conditioning, power windows, remote central locking and a voice assist system as part of standard fitment.

The Scorpio Getaway is fitted with an alarm and immobiliser, and offers keyless entry.

Power-packed

The Scorpio Getaway is powered by the same 2.6-litre, CRDe common-rail diesel engine, designed in collaboration with Austria's AVL, global leaders in engine design.

It delivers a peak power of 115bhp at 3,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 28.3Kgm at a low 1,800 rpm, enabling it to offer more pulling power, even in lower gears, making it suitable for adventure travel.

It sports a rack and pinion steering mechanism. Power steering is standard and the steering column can also be adjusted to fit each driver's unique driving position.

The Scorpio Getaway boasts a relatively tight turning circle radius of 5.6 meters, which makes it easily manoeuvrable. The Getaway has ventilated brake discs in front, and drum braking in the rear. The vehicle offers independent front suspension, as well as a torsion bar with stabiliser.

The rear suspension consists of progressive leaf springs and hydraulic shocks. The engine has been teamed with a five-speed, synchromesh, manual gearbox.

The Scorpio Getaway will be available in 4X2 (2WD) and 4X4 (four-wheel drive) options and in four body colours. The Scorpio Getaway 2WD `Double Cab' would also be priced at about Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom).

While the Scorpio Lx widens the Scorpio's bandwidth and answers the growing customer demand for an entry level SUV with the new generation common rail diesel engine and value enhancing features, the Scorpio Getaway is designed to be a niche segment, lifestyle vehicle that will find buyers amongst existing car owners who are looking for a fun, weekend SUV.

Both the new Scorpios are being introduced based on feedback from potential customers.

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