Mahindra
will launch SsangYong Rexton SUV in Inida on 17th of October which coincides
with the Tata Safari Storme launch. The Rexton is the first vehicle from
Ssangyong in India, and to remind our readers, Mahindra bought majority stakes
in Ssangyong Motors of South Korea in March 2011, which means Mahinda owns the
brand Ssangyong. The Rexton will be launched in Mumbai on 17th October followed
by launches in New Delhi and Bangalore.
The Rexton
coming to India is the 3rd generation model, internationally known as Rexton W
which was showed at 2012 Busan Motor Show. Built on the first generation Mercedes
M Class platform (W163), Rexton uses tubular frame chassis and will compete
with Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Endeavour and Hyundai Santa Fe in
India.
The 3rd
generation Rexton looks prettier than the current model. The changes in the
front and rear give a descent look to the vehicle. The power train will be 2.0L
CRDi engine which replaces the current 2.7L diesel sourced from Mercedes. The
1998 cc in-line 4 cylinder diesel engine produces 154 Bhp of power and is
equipped with intelligent torque vectoring system. The Rexton will be 6th SUV from Mahindra. Expect it to be priced around Rs. 20 lakh.
The Rexton
in India will come with 5 speed automatic transmission with a 5 speed manual
transmission also available. The Rexton will be equipped with safety features
such as electronic stability program (ESP) with with emergency brake assist,
hill descent control (HDC) and active rollover protection (ARP).
Speaking on
the announcement of Rexton launch in India, Dr Pawan Goenka, President,
Automotive, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Chairman, SsangYong Motor said
that Mahindra with the launch of XUV500 entered into premium SUV segment and
the company would like to enter high end SUV segment with the launch of Rexton.