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 overall design will continue to be butch and upright, staying true to the current gen model. The larger dimensions will help in providing better cabin space.

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.

 

Tata Motors will be launching their flagship Safari 7-seat SUV on 26th January 2021. The new gen Safari is essentially the 7 seat extended version of the Harrier 5 seat SUV based on the Land Rover derived OMEGA arc platform. Earlier this SUV was named the Buzzard at the Geneva auto expo, which was then changed to Gravitas for the Delhi auto expo last year. Now, Tata motors has finalized that it will be the successor to legendary and iconic Safari SUV.

Based on the Harrier, the Safari will be around 60mm longer than the Harrier to accommodate the extra 2

seats while also being taller to provide better headroom for the 3rd row. Except for the larger dimensions and extra seats, the Safari will be largely similar to the 5-seat Harrier. However, the front grille will receive a slightly different treatment, featuring the signature Tri-arrow pattern finished in Chrome.

The tailgate will be more upright, giving the Safari a more boxy appearance and the SUV will also feature long functional roof rails for lifestyle utility. The top spec variants will receive 18” dual tone alloy wheels with the design similar to the Harrier's whereas the lower spec variants will carry forward the exact same 17” alloy wheels seen on the Harrier’s lower variants. The higher variants are also likely to feature a Panoramic sunroof.

Tata Safari CAMO Edition

Tata Safari Dark Edition : 

Tata Safari Brown Colour:

The new Safari will be available in 6 or 7 seat configuration.

Other than these external differences, the Safari will carry forward the same features as on the Harrier:

• Xenon Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Rear wiper and defogger

• 18” Alloy wheels

• Automatic climate control

• Auto headlamps & wipers

• Cruise control

• 8.8” Touchscreen system

• Android auto & Apple carplay

• Harman audio system with 9 speakers

• Connect Next app suite

• Reverse camera

• 6 way Power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support

• Off White Leather upholstery

• Auto dimming IRVM

• Ambient mood lighting

• Rear centre armrest

• Smart key with Push button start

• Follow me headlamps

• Terrain response modes : Rough, Wet and City

Safety:

       Safety features on the Safari will include:

• ABS with EBD

• All wheel disc brakes

• Corner stability control

• 6 airbags

• Electronic Parking brake

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Hill descent control

• Roll over mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

• Perimetric alarm system

• Pretensioner seatbelts

Powertrains:

       The Safari, just like the Harrier will be available with a diesel engine mated to either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed torque converter automatic transmission. The 2L Kryotec turbo diesel produces 170PS Power and 350NM torque. From the XM variant onwards, the Safari will be available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport.

Launch & price:

        The new Safari is expected to be priced from ?15L to ?20L for the Manual variants and ?17.5L to ?21L for the Automatic variants. When launched on 26th January, Tata’s new flagship SUV will compete against the likes of the MG Hector plus and the next generation Mahindra XUV500. Stay tuned for further updates.

Toyota India is preparing to launch the facelifted Toyota Fortuner on the 6th of January, 2021. Apart from launching the facelifted version of the existing Fortuner, Toyota is also bringing the Legender version of the SUV as well. The Legender is essentially a highly upgraded flagship Variant of the Fortuner SUV, previously launched in Thailand and Australia. Bookings have commenced unofficially for the new facelifted SUV at select dealerships for an advance of Rs 50,000.

Toyota India has now released teasers of the new Fortuner facelift also revealing a few details as well.

Exterior:

The majority of the upgrades will occur at the

front end of the Fortuner. While the facelift of the existing model will feature a new grille, LED headlights with LED DRLs, redesigned fog lights and a new silver skid plate, the highest-spec Legender variant will feature a sharper front design with Bi-projector LED Headlamps with LED DRLs. Other changes will include redesigned 18” alloy wheels and re-profiled LED taillights. The Legender will feature unique design 18" alloy wheels.

Interior:

The new Fortuner launched in Thailand features an all-black interior with a new instrument cluster and a larger, 9” touchscreen infotainment system. The Fortuner Legender edition also offers a powered tailgate with the swipe-to-open function, wireless charging and a 360-degree parking camera. Similar to the facelifted Innova Crysta, the new Fortuner will also include Android auto and Apple carplay finally. 

Powertrains:

The first powertrain for the facelifted Fortuner will be the 2.7L petrol engine which produces 166 PS and 245 Nm through either a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox. The highest spec Fortuner Legender will get a new 2.8L turbo diesel engine which produces 204 PS and 500 Nm. While all the models will be 2WD as standard, only the diesel will get a 4WD option.

Price:

The current BS6 Toyota Fortuner is available from Rs 28.66 lakh to Rs 36.88 lakh (ex-showroom).

The price of the upgraded models will be available on the launch date, 6th January 2021.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Fortuner.