Mahindra Scorpio has been in news for quite sometime now. After trailing against Renault Duster, the model has managed a strong come back in the Indian automobile market. This is clearly evident from sales that Scorpio has recorded in the last three months. Notably, it reported sales of 4,345, 3,356 and 3,256 units in the months of September, August and July, 2013, respectively. Here, a mere look at sales data indicates that Scorpio has recorded gradually increasing sale figures. As per industry experts and as the auto company must be eagerly hoping, the demand is likely to go up due to onset of the festive season in the country. Thriving on the recent takeover from Duster and good sales, Mahindra & Mahindra has recently launched the new updated special edition of its iconic model Scorpio. Customers can avail this special edition at a retail price of Rs. 11.8 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). Interestingly, the company has offered only 500 units of this new updated version of Scorpio.
On the other hand, Nissan Terrano was rolled out on 9th October, 2013 in the Indian automobile market at a starting price of Rs. 9.58 lakh. Incidentally, as of now, Terrano has got 6,000 pre-bookings as confirmed by company officials. One of the officials during the launch was quoted as saying, “Terrano product range includes seven variants with three engine options. Terrano price range to start from Rs. 9.58 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai). Since the unveil (last month), pre-sales bookings are around 6,000 units.” There are rife news that customers who have placed the order post the launch of this utility vehicle might have to wait for 2 months due to pre-bookings. This clearly indicates that Nissan has every reason to be cheerful and hopeful about the success of Terrano. Nissan India President Kenichiro Yomura, while reflecting the same thing, said, “Terrano is an important product for us and will set the pace for future product launches slated for 2014..."
The special edition of Scorpio comes equipped with a powerful yet fuel frugal 2.2-litre, 4 cylinder mHawk diesel engine that is able to generate an output of 120 bhp. This special edition model is visually more powerful and can easily clock a speed from 0 to 60 kmph in 5.7 seconds. This newly introduced model is also high on safety aspects to ensure a safe drive for both, drive and passengers. As such, it comes with various safeguards like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and airbags. Still more, it comes equipped with an EST (Extra Stability Technology) suspension system for achieving greater stability, ensuring a comfortable ride on tough terrains.
Nissan Terrano comes in two variants, one that runs on petrol and other on diesel. The petrol version of this utility vehicle gets its power from a K4M petrol mill while the diesel variant is powered by a powerful and fuel efficient K9K diesel powertrain. Also, even while considering diesel variants, customers either can avail the one with an output of 108 bhp or 83 bhp. By giving flexibility on the power front, the vehicle certainly lures its prospective buyers. Moreover, Terrano comes with a number of high end features like dual front SRP airbags, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) with BA (Brake Assist), 205 mm ground clearance and 475 litre boot space.
Exteriors of Special Edition Scorpio have been livened by introducing chrome plated alloy wheels and racy decals while interiors have got high gloss wood finish central bezel, gear shift and gear knob, leather seats with encasing of leather on the steering wheel and a roof mounted 9-inch DVD player for rear passengers. Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. excitedly said at the time of launch, “With its classy appearance and plush interiors, I am sure that the Scorpio Special Edition will be an instant hit with consumers. An unmitigated success since its launch, the iconic Scorpio has kept up the momentum even in its 11th year. I am sure that this limited edition will create a new benchmark in class and exclusivity to further spruce up the appeal of the Mighty Muscular Scorpio for its consumers.”
Terrano certainly appears to be the best re-badged vehicle developed under the alliance between Nissan and Renault. The auto company has done well to offer distinctive and appealing exteriors to this utility vehicle. As is evident, Nissan India President Kenichiro Yomura too seems to hint the same thing when he said, “Terrano is an important product for us and will set the pace for future product launches slated for 2014..." In the light of above mentioned facts and discussion, it would be too early to draw out conclusions for New Special Edition Scorpio and all new Nissan Terrano. Apparently, both the vehicles are recently launched and time will only tell who will supersede the other.
