Mahindra set up shop in South Africa at the turn of the century. Many may have expected the Indian automaker to turn tail and leave after a few years. After all, it is quite difficult to make headway in such a brand loyal market. However, eighteen years later the company is one of the fastest growing automakers in the local context. In fact, the firm has a special affinity for SA and unveiled two new Mahindra SUVs simultaneously here and in its home market last week.

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New Indentity

Not only were two new Mahindra SUVs shown here for the first time ever, the company also took the occasion to show its brand new identity. The company’s signature ‘M’ has been replaced by a much more stylised, chrome-look ‘double M’. The new motif is also supposed to represent twin peaks, as the brand plans to rise to new heights.

Range-topper

The first of the new models to debut recently was the Manindra XUV700. This mid-size SUV replaces the XUV500 in the current portfolio. It is an all-new offering that is based on a unibody design. Owners can choose between two engine options. The first is a 2,0 litre turbopetrol that offers  147 kW and 380 N.m of torque. The second is a 2,2 litre turbodiesel with 136 kW and 450 N.m of torque. New buyers can choose between front or all-wheel-drive versions as well as six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

High-tech Interior

The interior of the XUV700 is the biggest departure from any existing Mahindra product. It is a high-tech proposition that features a combination of two 10,25-inch high-definition screens that show vital info ahead of the driver and handles all entertainment information. The system even features Alexa integration, however, the level of services offered will depend on what SA is privy to at the time.

Click here to read our Mahindra XUV300 launch report.

Another SUV

The XUV700 was shown alongside a new-generation sibling called the Scorpio-N. This is the hardier, more off-road biased SUV at the top of the Mahindra food chain. Scorpion-N is of a ladder-on-frame design and features the hardware to make it suited to off-road expeditions. Among these is a solid rear axle and an electronically controlled terrain management system which allows for shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD.

The Scorpio-N is also powered by one of two engine options. The petrol fed unit has 147 kW of power with 380 N.m of torque. While the diesel version has 129 kW of power and 400 N.m torque. These can be mated with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. 

Summary

Mahindra has grown from strength locally. These two new Mahindra SUVs will add to the existing car park of nearly 70 000 units that currently roam our road network. Both vehicles are expected to be added to sales listing in the early part of 2023. While no pricing has yet been announced, past experience leads us to believe that it will be competitive.