Mahindra has released a teaser image of a near-production concept based on the 2023 Mahindra Scorpio, heralding an all-new global ute for the Indian brand that’s due to go on sale in 2025.
The concept will be unveiled on August 15, while the production version will serve as the long-awaited replacement for the Mahindra Pik-Up that’s now expected by mid-decade – a year earlier than anticipated, but still 18 years after the Pik-Up first landed.
Developed under the Z121 codename, the Mahindra Scorpio ute will be based on the same ladder-frame chassis as the Scorpio SUV that remains Australia’s cheapest large diesel 4x4.
The new ute is expected to have a longer wheelbase and be considerably longer overall than the Scorpio, which measures 4662mm from end to end.
The extra length will be needed to accommodate both a dual-cab and a generous load bay that will offer a payload of at least 1000kg.
According to insiders, the new utility is being developed as Mahindra’s first ‘global pick-up’ and will be distinctly different to both the Scorpio and the old utilitarian ute it supersedes.
To face tough opposition from the likes of the Ford Ranger and incoming new-generation utes including the just-unveiled 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, the new Mahindra mid-size ute should undergo as much, if not more, development in Australia as the Scorpio SUV.
The Scorpio was subjected to 120,000km of punishment, including tow testing, hot-weather testing in the Northern Territory and cold-weather testing in the Snowy Mountains.
Get ready to go global.
— Mahindra Automotive (@Mahindra_Auto) July 29, 2023
Experience freedom. Break boundaries. Our new Global Pik Up vision is ready to be unleashed. #Futurescape #GoGlobal
??Cape Town, South Africa
???15th August, 2023 pic.twitter.com/5BEDzDU9D2
The SUV uses a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel developing 129kW/400Nm. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a selectable 4WD system with dual-range transfer case, plus an electro-mechanical rear diff lock.
Towing capacity is rated at 2500kg for the SUV, but we’d expect the ute to move up to 3500kg to match its major rivals.
Watch out for more details as the concept’s unveiling approaches over the next two weeks.