The U.S.-bound 2010 Mahindra Scorpio will be an upgraded version of the so-called "all new" model unveiled in April 2006, though the basic design dates from 2002. It's a truck-type four-door SUV wagon with a separate frame, three-row seating for up to seven, and the same general dimensions as a Honda CR-V or Jeep Liberty. Though it is unclear what engine the 2010 Mahindra Scorpio will use in the U.S., the SUV's current engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel that was co-engineered with Austria's AVL company. This powerplant, dubbed "mHawk," uses four valves per cylinder­ and common-rail fuel injection, features claimed to enhance mpg and minimize exhaust emissions (notably the greenhouse-gas carbon dioxide). Other modern touches include an aluminum cylinder head, extensive use of recyclable plastics, and advanced nano-tech metallurgy.

So far, the Scorpio has been sold exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, but we expect the U.S. version will only offer a 6-speed automatic. The new transmission would almost certainly be purchased from an established outside vendor such as Germany's ZF or even General Motors. Unlike other markets, buyers here should expect a standard four-wheel-drive system.

The automatic transmission is one of many changes reportedly planned before the 2010 Mahindra Scorpio lands in America. Others would include adding dashboard and side airbags, which were not part of the original design brief, plus revisions to upholstery, sound-deadening, assembly quality, and other necessities to suit American tastes. On the other hand, the Scorpio is already offered with expected "first world" features like antilock brakes, rear-obstacle detection, auto-on headlamps, even rain-sensing wipers, so those should be available here too. There's even a four-wheel independent suspension tuned by British sports car legend Lotus.

Still, M&M and Global realize all too well that they have but one chance to succeed in the demanding U.S. market. In addition, a spokesman for the U.S. importer tells Consumer Guide that the company wants to squelch the idea that the SUV can only compete in the American market with a low-price strategy. That means the 2010 Mahindra Scorpio must be a credible and appealing entry from day one. That's why Mahindra is reportedly spending $80 million to prepare its SUV for American prime time--and required Global Vehicles to chip in $65 million of it. Of course, some of the funds will go toward setting up the dealer chain and satisfying U.S. safety and emissions rules.

What changes might be made? Well, the Scorpio's swing-out cargo door could well be exchanged for the liftgate Americans prefer, and the pair of inward-facing third-row seats could give way to a front-facing bench, however small. Marketing would also probably dictate a styling clean-up, with the dated bodyside cladding erased and a less-fussy grille installed. And U.S. buyers would certainly expect available leather trim, a navigation system, and similar niceties that the Scorpio now lacks.

With all this, plus cutthroat competition among established small SUVs, the 2010 Mahindra Scorpio looks to be a here-today, gone-tomorrow proposition. But indications are that the vehicle itself is sound (though we've not driven one yet), and Perez seems committed to a professional, long-haul sales-and-service effort. As he told Automotive News, "We're not trying to come in at the bottom of the market. We're going to deliver the most advanced fuel-efficient diesel technology."