SsangYong Motor Company, a subdivision of the Indian UV maker Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited, has planned to roll out its new premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Rexton in the country on October 17, 2012. The company will launch the Rexton first in Mumbai and then other cities like New Delhi and Bangalore will witness a phase wise launch. Industry experts believe that the yet-to-be launched SsangYong Rexton will make a fine competitor against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
The upcoming 2012 SsangYong Rexton is anticipated to hold a 2.7 litre Common Rail diesel powertrain under its hood, which churns out a maximum power output of 165 Nm and a mammoth torque delivery of 340 Nm. Further, the powerplant will come assimilated with a 5-speed manual transmission system that ensures hassle free and convenient driving pleasure. The drivetrain incorporated in the 2012 SsangYong Rexton is renowned all over the world for its sheer power and performance, besides the car will come laced with all the cutting-edge and futuristic attributes of a world class premium SUV.
Coming to under the hood specifications of the Toyota Fortuner, the popular and Indian favourite product from the stables of Japanese auto maker Toyota, features a 3.0 litre diesel engine with a displacement of 2982 cubic centimetre. The power-mill delivers a maximum power of 168 bhp and a peak torque of 343 Nm, besides comes mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Evidently, Rexton's power and torque outputs are slightly less than those of Toyota Fortuner but considering the small engine of the SsangYong SUV, it definitely scores better in terms of power and performance.
The pricing will also be a dominant factor in steering the future of the SsangYong in the country. Industry experts believe that the upcoming 2012 Rexton SUV will carry a price tag around Rs. 20 lacs in the Indian market. Toyota currently retails its Indian favourite Fortuner in a price bracket between Rs. 21.2 lacs and Rs. 22.4 lacs in the country, besides the SUV is currently the market leader in segment. Thus, an intense battle will surely be witnessed in the Indian SUV turf between SsangYong Rexton and Toyota Fortuner soon.
The upcoming Rexton SUV is SsangYong's first product to be made available in the Indian market and thus, the domestic car buyers will naturally be a little apprehensive before buying its models. However, the familiar brand name of Mahindra and Mahindra may prove handy in luring the domestic SUV lovers towards investing in the Rexton SUV. Toyota Fortuner has acquired an enviable fan following in the country and it's not going to be a cake walk for the SsangYong Rexton to outpace its Japanese counterpart. Currently, the Korean auto major markets the Rexton SUV in 66 countries across the globe, including markets of South Korea, Russia and Europe.
