M&M-SsangYong Rexton launch on Oct 17

Mahindra-SsangYong has revealed that it will launch the much-awaited Rexton SUV in India on October 17. India will get the third-generation Rexton, known internationally as the Rexton W which was showcased at the Busan Motor Show, 2012.

Based on the first-generation Mercedes M-Class (W163), the Rexton is a body-on-frame SUV that will compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

In terms of styling, the Rexton W gets a new nose that includes new projector headlamps with LED-surrounds and LED fog lamps. The redesigned chrome-lined grille is wider, looks much smarter and houses a large SsangYong logo in the centre. The front bumper is also all-new, lending the upgraded vehicle a more aggressive demeanour than the current model. The new wheel-arches blend well with the overall design, as opposed to the bulbous ones on the current car. It also gets integrated LED turn-indicators on the wing mirrors.

The Rexton’s trademark Z-shaped C-pillar remains ( a carry-over from the base structure of the M-class) and rear styling gets minor sheet metal changes. The rear bumper-line now flows well with the lip of the boot-lid and the mildly re-shaped tail-lamps look better. On the inside, the SUV has received minor upgrades -- lighter shades and improved plastics. The Indian version will also be offered with leather seats and beige interiors.

The new Rexton gets a new common-rail diesel motor - the e-XDi200 active. This 1,998cc, 154bhp, in-line, four-cylinder, diesel motor replaces the current 2.7-litre engine sourced from Mercedes.

According to our sources the Rexton will come with a 5-speed automatic gearbox and there will be a manual transmission-equipped variant as well.

Speaking on the upcoming launch, Dr Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Chairman, SsangYong Motor said, “The launch of the much acclaimed XUV500 last year helped Mahindra stamp its presence on the segment of premium SUVs. The Rexton will be the first SUV from the SsangYong portfolio brought to the Indian market by Mahindra. With the launch of the SsangYong Rexton, we hope to further expand the Mahindra presence in the high-end SUV segment. The Rexton will be Mahindra's sixth product line."

The Rexton will be assembled in India at Mahindra's Chakan plant. Expect Mahindra to price the Rexton at around Rs 18.5 lakh.

Checkout the SsangYong Rexton photo gallery here