It is no secret that Mahindra is working on a new pickup truck which will take on the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. While Mahindra isn’t new to making pickups, the Chakan-based carmaker hasn’t been able to breach with this body style into the passenger vehicle segment somehow.
Two years ago, Mahindra showcased the Global Pik Up concept based on the Scorpio N. Now, a test mule has been reportedly spied on Indian roads in a fully camouflaged avatar. The first thing one notices is the extreme length of the vehicle most likely to be over 5.50 metre, which would make it longer than Hilux and V-Cross.
Mahindra Scorpio N Pickup: Visual highlights
The pickup test mule has plenty of visual differences over the Scorpio-N. To be available in both single- and dual-cab versions, the latest test mule gets the former. The front fascia looks completely different from its SUV parent with its meshed grille pattern flanked by rather unusual halogen headlamp clusters reminiscent of the iconic Hindustan Ambassador. It retains the clamshell bonnet from the Scorpio-N but the edges seem a bit more rounded.
The prototype appears to roll on 18-inch steel wheels which suggests that the unit seen in the spy shots could be a lower or mid-spec trim. However, the concept showcased a couple of years ago was equipped with all-terrain tyres whereas the one seen here gets the normal road-biased tyres.
Although it gets the same ladder-on-frame chassis underneath, the suspension of the pickup truck will likely be heavily reworked in order to carry heavier loads. Inside the cabin, the dashboard and feature list are expected to be carried over from the Scorpio N.
Mahindra Scorpio N Pickup: Expected Powertrain
Mahindra is expected to equip the upcoming Scorpio-N pickup with the familiar 2.2-litre diesel engine. In the Scorpio-N SUV, this unit is offered in two tuning levels: the lower-spec version delivers 130 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the higher-spec variant produces 172 hp along with 370 Nm when paired with the 6-speed manual and 400 Nm with the 6-speed automatic.
A 4×4 drivetrain with a low-range gearbox with a low-range transfer case will also be offered along with multiple terrain modes. It remains uncertain whether Mahindra will also offer the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine on the pickup. This petrol motor churns out 200 hp, with torque figures standing at 370 Nm with the 6-speed manual and 380 Nm with the 6-speed automatic.
Mahindra Scorpio N Pickup: Is it Vision SXT?
Mahindra has already teased four new concept models on its social media handles that are slated to be showcased at the upcoming Freedom NU event on August 15. We believe the Vision SXT could possibly be the preview to the upcoming concept based on the Scorpio N.
