Mahindra has added a range-topping 2.6-litre turbodiesel with common-rail fuel-injection and standard anti-lock brakes to its Scorpio SUV's.
The new, intercooled turbodiesel produces a claimed 85kW at 3800rpm and 283Nm from 1700rpm; it drives through a five-speed manual gearbox as on the rest of the range which now runs from the least-expensive 4x2 diesel at R194 000 to the 4x4 GLX eight-seater at R234 000 - which, Mahindra says, is 25 percent less than its closest competitor.
Each comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and an optional service plan of either three years or 60 000km or three years or 100 000km.
Mahindra SA chief executive Vijay Nakra said: "We are expanding our offering in terms of passenger comfort, safety and convenience.
"The common-rail diesel engine speaks of Mahindra's technological maturity and reaffirms the company's endeavour to launch a new product every six months."
At the same time Mahindra SA announced the launch of Mahindra Financial Services in alliance with Absa. Dealers now have finance and insurance specialists able to offer vehicle and asset finance, life and vehicle insurance, vehicle tracking, private-sale finance, mechanical breakdown warranty, smash and grab protection, vehicle recovery and cellphone and Bluetooth kits.
It also plans to offer cover for out-of-warranty vehicles.