Reference Auto

Mahindra company and global SUV specialist SsangYong’s Rexton, which has been priced cheaper than its counterpart SUVs such as the Ford Endeavour as well as the Toyota Fortuna, also offers a RX7 variant, which is loaded with features and this car has some pedigree also (it is based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-class) but will such a pricing strategy for an unknown brand (SsangYong) work in India, at least initially?

Though a Mahindra brand, SsangYong is virtually unknown in India and the former would have to do some form of ad blitz to bring the Korean brand into limelight.

And, it does not seem that the Rexton, which comes for Rs 18.83 lakh for the RX5 version and Rs 21 lakh for the RX7 variant with automatic transmission, will make a splash in the near term.

The Rexton will be available in more than 13 cities initially.

The SsangYong Rexton has a globally famous 2.7 litre, 2696 cc engine which comes with 184 bhp of power and 402 Nm torque in automatic and 162 bhp and 340 Nm torque in the manual transmission.

Both variants come with offroading capabilities - all wheel drive or torque on demand (intelligent 4x4).

The Rexton also offers four airbags, stability program, anti-lock brake system, hill descent control, slip regulation and active rollover protection along with engine immobilizer. It is one of the few SUVs in the world which maintains an unblemished record in safety.

SsangYong cars are known for their safety and comfort along with the smooth drive features.

Besides five-speed manual and five-speed E-tronic automatic transmission, the Rexton SUV also offers touchscreen six-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation, DVD, CD, MP3, FM and USB.

Moreover, there is also the fully automatic climate control system, memory function, outside rear view mirrors, electric sunroof, which comes with tilt and open function, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel. The SUV also offers rain sensors and auto headlamps, among others.

Notwithstanding its initial response (which may not be too great), the Rexton is undoubtedly a very powerful and premium SUV, which comes with a litany of top class technology, comfort and safety features.

The Rexton offers premium leather upholstery, eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, which includes lumbar support, flat-folding second and third row seats, automatic easy access function for the driver, auto day and night internal rear view mirror, dual-tone beige and black interiors along with metal grain accents.

So SsangYong, a top-class SUV maker which prices its products economically, needs to do a lot of brand-building to make itself known countrywide before Mahindra can see the Rexton’s sales soar to unprecedented levels.