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| Mahindra Rexton II |
Mahindra Rexton is a seven seater SUV made in partnership with north Korean auto major Ssangyong . Mahindra unveiled Rexton along with Korando in auto expo 2012 Delhi. Rexton been in the Korean market for quite sometime and proved to be a successfull SUV in Korea and in Latin Amerca. After Mahindra acquired 70% stake in Ssangyong , Rexton is the first vehicle to be launched in India. Rexton is undergoing all kinds of modifications so as to take a smooth ride on Indian roads. Mahindra is planning to place Rexton in a segment far beyond from XUV 500, altogether targeting a different set of audience. Estimated price that is going to be attached to Rexton is between 17-20 lakhs.
Rexton is in Korean market for over a year and still it is the most popular SUV in the market. Rexton is not well known for its looks but for its design. Mahindra Rexton II is going to be best looking SUV from Ssangyong. Rexton II is made on Mercedes M-class frame. The chassis is a traditional body on frame model. The three strip chrome grille makes it look like a Mercedes. from the side the Rexton looks good with large glass area, tinted windows and big 18inch wheels. The door handles and the outside rear view mirror are in body colour and at the rear the design not exciting, a routine look a large boot door and a spoiler. The tail lamps are big and rectangular which doesn’t add charm to the vehicle.
Interiors of Rexton II are designed with utmost care to impress the drivers in todays competitive market. The big central console and chunky dashboard gives you a relaxing feel. A must mention feature is a 5.5 inch lcd screen that can be connected to a digital camera or a camcorder. We do notice the cheap plastic panels and some fake wood inserts are spoiling the airy look of the cabin. The dials are illuminated with different color lights. Rexton impresses the audience in the aspects of space and controls available. Ample space in the vehicle enables the passengers to sit back and relax while driver takes care of the traffic and all the controls are within the reach of driver. Top end Rexton get s the facility of electrically adjustable and heated front seats. The luggage spaxce is limited with all seven seats placed, seats need to be folded for boot space of 1338 litres.
The Rexton is likely to come with one engine – an old Mercedes-sourced 2.7-litre, in-line five-cylinder, DOHC engine that is longitudinally mounted and develops a modest 165bhp. The unit develops 188PS and 402 Nm of torque and uses a 4WD system. Acceleration is good with 100kmph in 12 seconds and a top speed of 200kmph. The engine is matched to both a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission gear box. Until you walk down to Rexton you don’t see Rexton is that big as Ford endeavour or any other SUV in its class. I don’t think Rexton could match the such huge SUVs like Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Renault Koleos and own XUV 500 in all kinds of features.. Lets wait and see.
The Ssang Yong Rexton II is a practical and affordable SUV. Its strengths would be the competitive price and premium features. Built quality is good but off road abilities aren’t up to the mark when compared to its competitors. Even though the SUV shares a few common things with the old Mercedes M Class poor styling definitely a aspect to think over.
Price Range (in lakhs)*
Ex-showroom price Rs 16-18 lakh (est)
Engine
Power 165bhp at 4000rpm
Torque 34.6kgm at 1800-3250rpm
Transmission
Gearbox 5-speed auto
Dimensions
Length 4720mm
Width 1870mm
Height 1830mm
Wheel base 1540mm
Chassis & Body
Weight 2099kg
Tyres 255/60 R18
