The new Mahindra Scorpio (codename Z101) has been under testing for more more than 2 years now on public roads. The new generation model will be based on the brand new platform that is seen on the new Thar as well and will be completely all new.

Name

According to news updates, the new gen Scorpio is likely to be named with a suffix. Mahindra has trademarked the name “Scorpio Sting” for the new SUV. It is also likely that a special variant with the name “Scorpio-n” will be launched later.

Design

The new Scorpio will be longer and wider than before, but still

The design language will be evolutionary and will feature strong character lines that run along the sides, including a pronounced kink on the rear door that pushes upwards along with the window line; similar to the current gen model and the XUV siblings as well. At the back, it is likely that the new Scorpio will continue using a side-hinged door with vertically placed tail-lights.

Interior

Similar to the exterior, the new Scorpio will get an evolutionary yet fresh interior design too. The new upright dashboard is likely to house large portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system. Most of the switchgear will be shared with other Mahindra models like the new Thar and the Marazzo. The new SUV will also offer features such as Auto climate control, Auto headlamps, auto wipers, electric sunroof, side airbags, ESP, hill hold and leather upholstery on certain variants.

Powertrain

The new Scorpio SUV is expected to come with the same 140PS, 2.2-litre diesel with a 6 speed manual gearbox as the current model. The new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 153PS is also likely to be offered with a 6 speed manual. The 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox from the Thar is also expected to offered with both engines. Mahindra will provide four-wheel drive as well on the top spec variants, similar to the outgoing model.

Launch

The new generation Scorpio will be unveiled by May 2021, with an expected price range of Rs.11-18L ex showroom.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Jeep 7 seat SUV? It's already a well-known fact that Jeep is developing a new 7-seat SUV based on the Jeep Compass’ platform. While this new Jeep Full-size SUV will share a lot of parts with the Jeep Compass including the diesel engine, it likely to get a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine that currently serves on the five-seat Compass.

This new SUV will carry forward the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Multijet turbo-diesel engine which is available on the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and MG Hector. However, on this 7 seat SUV, this engine will produce around 200PS of

Internationally, General Motors’ version of the same 2.0L engine produces 210hp which can be seen under the hood of cars like the Opel Insignia sedan.

Apart from the turbo-diesel, this new SUV is also expected to get a 2.0L turbo petrol engine.

While the seven-seat version will be based on the Compass’ monocoque platform, it will be extended significantly to accommodate the third row of seats. The increase in wheelbase and length will also result in improved cabin space, especially in the middle row.

Design:

While the actual car hasn’t been revealed yet, prototypes of this SUV testing in Brazil. Going by the Spy images, the front-end of the new seven-seat SUV will remain largely similar to the Compass facelift except for some minor changes. The rear doors are also expected to become longer to aid entry-exit, while the rear styling will be significantly different with a larger overhang.

Features:

This new 7 seat SUV will offer more features than the top-spec Compass including a panoramic sunroof, full-LED auto headlamps, a large 10” touchscreen system, a colour TFT instrument cluster, leather upholstery, premium speakers, 18” or 19” inch alloy wheels, cruise control, more than 6 airbags, multiple drive modes and ESP with hill hold.

Launch and pricing:

When launched by late 2021 in the Indian market, the new 7-seat Jeep SUV will compete against rivals like the new MG Gloster, the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Tata Motors is getting ready for the launch of its new Sub compact crossover SUV, now named the PUNCH. Teaser images and videos have been released by the manufacturer, revealing just the front fascia. However, here are the complete details on the new micro crossover that we have figured out through spy images and videos.

Here are the details on the new Altroz turbo petrol:

The first crossover SUV based on the ALFA arc platform of the Altroz, with Harrier inspired styling.

Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl petrol engine similar to the Tata Tiago

Will also include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.

Top spec variant will offer Projector headlamps, TFT instrument cluster, Cruise control, touchscreen system among other features.

DESIGN The Tata Punch is essentially the production spec version of the HBX concept showcased at the 2020 Delhi Auto expo. Except for the more traditional looking front bumper which houses the fog lamps, the overall design remains almost identical. The projector headlamps are located lower in the bumper with the LED strips on top, quite similar to the Harrier. The wheel arches are muscular while also featuring black cladding all around. Unlike the Nexon and Harrier, the cabin is more upright, lending a more tall-boy crossover look. Being based on the Altroz platform, the rear door handles are integrated into the C pillar design along with the 90 degree opening doors, similar to the Altroz.

The rear design is more traditional, with a simple chiseled tailgate and raked rear glass. The rear bumper houses the Registration plate, being flanked by big reflectors. Unlike the off road spec tyres on the concept, the Punch will get 16” dual tone alloys on the top spec variants. All except the base model is expected to get roof rails also. Similar to the Altroz, only the higher variants will get rear wiper with washer and defogger.

DIMENSIONS The Tata Punch will slot below the Altroz in both, dimensions and positioning. The HBX concept was 3840mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1635mm in height. While the width and height of the production version may differ slightly, the Punch will be longer than the Tiago while being taller than the Nexon. It is also expected to be similar in width to the NEXON.

INTERIOR The overall design and layout of the interior will be almost identical to the HBX concept. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will offer a dual tone theme, with a centrally mounted freestanding 7” Touchscreen on top. The lower variants will also get the Harman monochrome audio system carried over from the lower variants of the Nexon and Altroz. On the top most Variant, the Punch will also offer the semi digital TFT instrument cluster setup similar to the Altroz XZ+.

Other features will include Cruise control, Auto headlamps and wipers, Smart key access with push button start, Engine auto start/Stop system, Auto climate control, Power windows and Auto folding ORVMs. The 7” touchscreen will offer 6 Harman speakers, standard Android auto / Apple carplay connectivity, What3words based navigation, IRA connected car features and Voice command controls for Media, FM, Auto AC and Calls.

While a front Armrest will not be offered, the rear seats will get a center armrest along with adjustable headrests only on the higher variants.

PRACTICALITY  Being almost as wide as the Nexon, the Punch will have a flatter rear bench, making it more comfortable for 3 abreast seating. Similar to the Altroz, the Punch will have a plethora of storage options including bottle and umbrella holders on the doors, a large cooled glovebox and cubbyholes in the center Console. The Boot space is expected to be at around 300L, which is better than the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100.

POWERTRAIN  The Tata Punch will continue with the same 1.2L 3cyl Revotron petrol engine from the Altroz. This engine produces 86PS of max Power and 113NM of peak torque with the option of a 5 speed manual gearbox or an AMT. The Tata Punch is also likely to offer an Economy drive mode for better efficiency. The higher variants will also offer Auto Engine Start/Stop feature.

It is likely that the iTurbo petrol or the Revotorq Turbo diesel could also be offered on the Tata Punch.

POSITIONING Being a feature loaded sub compact crossover SUV with the mentioned dimensions and powertrain options, the Tata Punch can compete with various cars across categories. The Lower specced variants could target the Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Spresso. The mid level variants could aim for the 1.2L petrol versions of the WagonR, Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100. The most feature loaded top variant could rival the 1.0L non turbo variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite; along with the 1.2L non turbo variants of the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet.

PRICING & LAUNCH 

       The Tata Punch sub compact SUV is expected to be launched in the month of October. Pricing is expected to start from Rs.4.99L for the base variant and go up to Rs.7L for the XZ variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Punch sub compact SUV.