Mahindra has launched the S3+ variant for the Scorpio. The S3 variant had earlier been discontinued post the BS6 transition, making the S5 variant the entry-level variant. Now, however, the S3+ will be the entry level variant in the lineup, with a price tag of Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Under the hood, the S3+ variant retains the same 2.2-litre diesel engine, paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The outputs, however, are 120bhp and 280Nm, lower compared to the other variants (140bhp and 319Nm), which are once again paired only to a six-speed manual gearbox. There is no news of an automatic gearbox in any of the variants, anytime soon.
On the outside, the S3+ variant, being the entry level variant, gets unpainted front and rear bumpers with 17-inch silver steel wheels. On the inside it gets vinyl seat upholstery, manually adjustable ORVMs and will be on offer in seven- or nine-seater options with the last row getting side-facing benches. The S3+ variant is also equipped with features like dual airbags, ABS, front fog lamps and seat belt reminder as a part of the safety kit.
A makeover for the Scorpio is still due, and we expect it to get a complete overhaul on the interiors and exteriors. For now, however, the Scorpio remains the last ladder-frame in its class while its contemporaries like the Safari have shifted to monocoque construction.