India’s Mahindra has introduced five new crossover lines and secured a strategic partnership with Volkswagen to advance electric vehicle initiatives. The collaboration aims to adapt elements of Volkswagen’s platform for Indian electric cars, while Mahindra continues to offer its traditional ICE models with ongoing updates as a core part of the lineup.
mahindra
The Frame-based Mahindra Scorpio recently underwent a design refresh in August, featuring redesigned bumpers, new headlights, and a modern radiator grille. Inside and under the hood, the model gained an Android-based multimedia system and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel delivering 132 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The Scorpio is offered to Indian customers in seven-seat and nine-seat configurations.
Prices for the updated Scorpio fall around 15,000 USD (roughly 900,000 rubles). In June, Mahindra launched a new generation Scorpio-N in India, presenting a completely redesigned silhouette built on a rigid frame with independent suspension at both axles. The Scorpio-N is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel producing 175 horsepower.
The classic Mahindra SUV lineage also touched the Russian market briefly as the Mahindra Marshal, with only a handful of units assembled at the GAZ facilities in 2005 before the project stalled.
The SsangYong Rexton, previously a result of a collapsed Korean brand, regained a second life in India. In 2018, the Mahindra Alturas G4 began local assembly, adopting a solid rear axle instead of independent suspension. Its powertrain features a 2.2-liter diesel engine delivering 181 horsepower mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
tata
Tata, the Indian conglomerate, owns the British brands Jaguar and Land Rover, which are also assembled in India. Under its own label, Tata manufactures affordable passenger cars and compact crossovers aimed at value-conscious buyers.
The Tata Nexon, a compact crossover about four meters long, sits in a segment comparable to the Renault Sandero Stepway. It quickly became one of the best-selling models in its home market. Nexon offers a 110-horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.5-liter diesel of the same power, with front-wheel drive as standard.
Inside, Nexon features a digital instrument cluster, a navigation-equipped multimedia system, and voice control. A bracelet-style key option, similar to a feature in some Land Rover models, is also available. In 2022, an electric Nexon variant joined the lineup, delivering 143 horsepower and a range up to 437 km, while a more affordable version offers a 312 km range on a single charge thanks to a smaller battery pack.
The Tata Harrier sits on a shared Jaguar Land Rover platform with Tata enhancements. Collaborations with British outfit Lotus Engineering helped refine handling. At 4.6 meters in length, the Harrier is close in size to the Land Rover Discovery Sport, and it uses a twist-beam rear suspension instead of independent setup. It is front-wheel drive, powered by a 140-horsepower turbocharged petrol engine from a Tata-Fiat joint venture. Higher trims arrive with climate control, a rear-view camera, alloy wheels, and a Terrain Response mode to adapt to diverse road surfaces.
In the more affordable segment, Tata offers the Altroz hatchback, the first model built on Tata’s own modular platform. With a length around four meters, Altroz enjoys favorable tax treatment in India. The engine is transversely mounted, with a MacPherson-strut front suspension and a semi-independent rear axle.
The Altroz lineup includes an 85-horsepower naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel delivering 90 horsepower. The base version in the Indian market includes ABS, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors, while optional features extend to a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a rear-view camera.
Adaptation to Russian realities
Sergey Burgazliev, an independent automotive industry consultant, notes that Indian automakers aiming for Russia would need roughly a year to tailor their models to local conditions. He observes that Tata’s range demonstrates an industry level comparable to Brazil, which provides a benchmark for Russia as a potential market. Burgazliev emphasizes the necessity of a test program to evaluate winter and off-road performance, heating systems, engine warming, larger washer reservoirs, crankcase protection, adaptive bearings, and lubricants before any market entry. He adds that Indian manufacturers tend to move deliberately into new markets but can launch aggressive promotions once a decision is made.
According to Burgazliev, Indian cars are priced competitively due to large domestic production, which could be a concern for Russian producers if Indian brands enter the market. Industry editor Maxim Kadakov expresses skepticism about wide consumer appeal, noting that Mahindra has previously tested the Russian market without lasting success. He argues that Russians favor vehicles with larger engines and conventional designs, and that parts availability and service networks are critical factors for success. Kadakov also cautions that the appeal of compact, low-engine cars may be limited in Russia, given consumer preferences that have shifted away from this segment. He suggests that the overall market interest hinges on spare parts logistics and after-sales support, especially in remote regions, where potential buyers weigh long-term ownership costs. In this context, while Indian models may draw interest for their price point, the risk of a limited after-sales footprint remains a significant hurdle for widespread adoption.