Rexton RX6 to fill the gap between RX5 and RX7

Mahindra Rexton Review by Expert

How about a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that has got calm on-road functioning, sedan-like drivability, juicy off-roading ability, awesome interiors and a touch of Mercedes Benz alongside exterior styling by prominent designer from Italy. Yes, you guessed it right that’s SsangYong Rexton by Mahindra, it’s the Korean automotive giant’s product that was acquired by Mahindra last year. This long running SUV from SsangYong stable was initially launched in the year 2001 after which it has seen many upgrades in the form of Rexton I, Rexton II and the latest is Rexton W, where W stands for ‘Work of Art’. This newest model of Rexton-range has lately made its debut on Indian soil. Mahindra Rexton W is essentially the third generation Rexton by Korean carmaker Ssangyong Motors. 

Based on the famous Mercedes Benz M Class platform, the Mahindra Rexton W boasts the ability to seat 7 occupants. This SUV is one-of-a-kind from UV Mogul Mahindra as it is the inaugural premium offering in the country that will be positioned above existing heartthrob Mahindra XUV 500. The authoritative SUV definitely offer the best amalgamation of better fuel economy, apt versatility, optimum comfort, and advanced safety. The premium SUV is presented with loads of specs choice, be it the option of 4X2 and 4X4 or manual and automatic gearbox.

Being a premium SUV, the Mahindra Rexton W interiors are best in class and have many underpinnings from Mercedes M Class SUV. The inside has plentiful space with premium leather upholstery all around alongside loads of convenient aspects around. The dashboard of Mahindra Rexton W is classy with all leather insertions, while central console comes with wooden finish spreading sheer premiumness all around the cabin. The modern music system that has CD player with support of USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth phone connectivity along with chrome accented AC ducts and controls.

Furthermore, Mahindra SsangYong Rexton W gets leather wrapped steering that has mounted audio and phone controls lined up with cruise control function too, for stress free drive. Additionally the some very advanced safety features will include Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control along with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, 6 airbags and many more. The Mahindra Rexton W gets motorized by a mammoth 2.7L diesel engine that is available in two different power tunes of 162 PS and 184 PS alongside respective peak torque of 340 Nm 402 Nm.

Mahindra Rexton Rivals

By launching premium SUV Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton the company has pitted itself against the reliable likes of Toyota Fortuner in the country. The interesting part is typical aggressive pricing along with exquisite features by the SUV king, Mahindra & Mahindra. The premium presentation Mahindra Rexton is undoubtedly pitted in the Rs 20 lakh segment with a cut throat price strategy. Let’s compare it with Toyota Fortuner SUV that grabs a large chunk in the segment since its launch.   

On the specs part, Fortuner has a diesel engine of 3.0L while Rexton carries a 2.7L powertrain under hood that churns out different power tunes of 162PS, 340Nm and 184PS, 402Nm. On the other hand Toyota SUV generates 169PS, 343Nm. So here Mahindra provides with a choice to seize power as per your desire. Both are available with Automatic Transmission variants and 4X4 mechanism. On the mileage war, be it manual or automatic both end up in a draw state, as the mileage of Mahindra Rexton and Toyota Fortuner is in close proximity that revolves around 08 kmpl to 13 kmpl.

There are many features inside that Toyota Fortuner doesn’t boast like cruise control, electrically powered sunroof, advanced navigation system, hill descent control and side airbags. Here what Toyota Fortuner does feature is Bluetooth and reverse parking camera, whilst Rexton is equipped with audible parking sensors. Feature wise Rexton is more value for money. On the service part, Toyota is leaps ahead of Mahindra, whereas UV maker will take some time to match up.

Mahindra Rexton Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The best part about the collaboration with Mahindra of SsangYong Motors is that Rexton SUV only boasts rugged and sturdy capabilities for which Mahindra is famous but will also offer better mileage with advance diesel engine technology from Korea.  Motorized by a new 2696cc, active diesel powertrain it churns out different power tunes of in the form of maximum power of 162 PS and 184 PS along with considerable peak torque of 340 Nm and 402 Nm. With this engine it delivers a city mileage of about 09 kmpl, whereas the highway efficiency numbers climb up to ARAI certified 12.40 kmpl. Moreover the mileage lessens with highly powered AT variant the returns 08 kmpl in city circumstances and 11.18 kmpl on longer routes, approved by ARAI. This sort of mileage of Mahindra SsangYong Rexton, considering the premium aspect, makes it one of the best mileage oriented premium SUVs in India.

Mahindra Rexton Models and Features

Mahindra Rexton is initially offered in two variants including one manual transmission with two-wheel drive (2WD) and one auto transmission with four-wheel drive (4WD). The RX5 is the lesser price variant of this model which has 4X2 mechanism and equipped with a rear wheel drive system. However, there is an option of switching to all wheel drive mode with Intelligent 4x4 Torque-On-Demand system (TOD) with low ratio. On the other hand, the RX7 is a 4X4 variant of the car which is equipped with an all wheel drive system. The RX5 and RX7 variants are equipped with RX270 XDi and RX270 XVT diesel engines, respectively.

Below are the major highlights of these variants :

Compare Mahindra Rexton Models

Mahinda Rexton Colors

Mahindra Rexton is available in four colors like Volcano Black, Opulent Purple, Moondust Silver and Satin White.

Volcano Black	Opulent Purple	Moondust Silver	Satin White

Mahindra Rexton Engine, Power and Performance

The Mahindra Rexton is available in two diesel engine options including 2696cc RX270 XDi, 5-cylinder diesel and a 2.7L, 2696cc RX270 XVT, 5-cylinder diesel engine. The XDi diesel engine come loaded with RX5 variant and deliver a peak power of 162 PS @ 4000 rpm along with a peak torque of 340 Nm @ 1800-3250 rpm. It comes coupled with a five speed manual transmission along with a Torque on Demand drive train. The intelligent Torque-On-Demand system (TOD) with low ratio in the 2-wheel-drive model never lets you feel the absence of an all wheel drive system.

On the other hand, the RX270 XVT engine comes equipped with RX7 variant and delivers an utmost power of 184 PS at 4000 rpm along with a peak torque of 402 Nm at 1600-3000 rev per minute. This is an auto transmission (AT) variant which come coupled with an Etronics AT system in combination with an all wheel drive system. Both of these engines of Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton are compatible with new BS-IV emission norms which makes them more eco-friendly as compared to the other older SUVs.

Mahindra Rexton Pickup and Acceleration

The Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton carries immense potential as far as the peppiness of the powertrain is concerned. With Mahindra, power, packed and backed with performance has been appreciated by its aficionados in the country and the same oozes out of 3rd generation Mahindra Rexton. Powered by the new 2.7L turbo diesel engine base RX5 variant has the ability to shoot maximum power of 162PS and 340 Nm of torque is capable of attaining a top speed of 180 kmph. Moreover the high end 4X4 RX7 variant, which extracts a peak power of 184 PS alongside 402 Nm of meaty torque, reaches the top speed of 194 kmph. Another impressive part of Mahindra Rexton engine is that achieves 100 kph mark from naught in mere 13-14 seconds. This effortless completion of task; be it pickup or top speed of Mahindra SsangYong Rexton, it is enough to put the challengers at feet.

Mahindra Rexton Interiors and Features

Same as exterior, the Mahindra Rexton interiors is superbly crafted and gives you a posh cabin like feeling. You enter the Rexton and feeling will be like entering a luxurious cabin. The major luxury enhancing features of the car include Dual tone beige and black interiors, Metal grain accents, Premium fabric / leather upholstery, Leather wrapped steering wheel with additional metalgrain accents, Leather wrapped gear knob with chrome and metalgrain accents and premium floor mats.

Now coming to the comfort and convenience features, the new Rexton come equipped with some of the best in segment features like 8-way electrically / manually adjustable driver seat, adjustable lumber support for driver seat, Automatic easy access function for driver seat, electrically adjustable ORVMs with folding and heating features, audio controls mounted on steering, manual / auto Day and night IRVM, Power windows with driver side auto up-down. The Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton is featured with an advanced AC along with fully automatic climate control system. The entertainment package of the car seems up to the mark with a touch screen Infotainment system that plays- MP3, DVD alongside supports USB & Aux, while a team of 6 speakers ensure a surround sound to the occupants. A voice instructed rear parking sensor is offered to reduce the parking hassle.

Also, there are a number of new innovative technological features offered with the top end variant of Mahindra Rexton which includes E-tronic shift buttons on steering wheel and shift position indicator along with Speed sensitive power steering, Memory function with 3 presets for driver seat & ORVMs, Electric sunroof with tilt/open function and sunblind, automatic head lamps and rain sensing wipers.

 

Mahindra Rexton Exteriors and Features

The Mahindra Rexton Exteriors are superbly fascinating and shows true muscle and power even from its looks. The SUV is claimed to be an ultra- sensuous craftsmanship in the making. There are a number of features that make new Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton exteriors stylishly rugged. The front profile of the car hosts unique bonnet scoop with bold ‘Merc’ like headlamps and superbly finished front grille at which the ‘Ssangyong’ badge takes centre stage. The fog lamps are perfectly positioned on the aggressively designed bumper. The ‘Eagle Eye’ projector headlamps of the car come in combination with ‘L’ shaped parking lights alongside uniquely designed sleek fog lamps at front of Ssangyong Rexton.

Side profile of the car has been made even more exciting with the help of features like very well  crafted Premium silver colored roof rails, Chrome side moldings, Stainless steel side step with rubber inserts and all these impressive facets stand tall on the stylish yet concrete 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels of Mahindra Rexton. Moreover, the curves and muscle throughout the side profile of the Indo-Korean SUV enhances its road presence further, with finishing touch given by the ORVM mounted turn indicators. Additionally the icing on the cake comes in the form of electrically powered sunroof that has tilt/open feature besides sunblind aspect.  

The rear of Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton is quite neat displaying the sheer premiumness of a prolific vehicle.  At rear there is a huge windscreen that again reflects the front muscle alongside an elegant rear spoiler LED tail lamps that has 'L' shaped parking light, which are aptly visible for the approaching vehicle even in daytime. Moreover the sporty rear spoiler and 'W' emblem denoting ‘work of art’ together with bumper that has bold ‘REXTON’ engraved that is sure to catch every eye.

Safety Features in Mahindra Rexton

The list of Mahindra Rexton safety features is full of advanced technological equipments that protect both, the passengers as well as the vehicle with its superior active and passive safety elements. The major safety highlights of the SUV include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with off switch, Active rollover protection, ABS, Anti-slip regulation, Hill Descent Control (HDC) with on/off switch, Dual front airbags, Side airbags for higher variant, Seat belt pre-tensioner & load limiter, 3-point ELR seat belt for driver and co-driver, 3-point ELR seat belt for 2nd row seat. The strengthened body structure with reinforced Ultra-rigid steel frame with triple layer construction.

Mahindra Rexton Driving and Handling

Being and off-roader, the new Mahindra Rexton driving and handling maneuver are designed to be in complete control of driver. No matter what the road conditions are, new Mahindra Rexton offers a full proof performance thanks to it’s a range of technological features like Independent double wishbone front suspension with anti-roll bar, Independent 5-link rear suspension with anti-roll bar, Intelligent 4x4 Torque-On-Demand system (TOD) with low ratio, Anti-slip regulation, Active rollover protection, Hill Descent Control (HDC) with on/off switch and many more.

The RX5 variant, which is a rear wheel drive variant, comes with an advanced Intelligent 4x4 Torque-On-Demand system (TOD) feature that enhances the performance on off-road journeys. On the other hand, the RX7 variant is loaded with an efficient all wheel drive system that ensure an uninterrupted and comfortable journey no matter what the road conditions are.

Mahindra Rexton Accessories

Being fully loaded with styling, comfort & convenience and safety features, the Mahindra Rexton is offered with a range of accessories. The Mahindra Rexton accessories include Touch screen Infotainment system with the compatibility for MP3, DVD, USB port & Aux-in and 6 speakers. In addition to this there are a number of standard accessories that enhances the premium feeling at both interior and exterior fronts including Leather wrapped steering wheel, Removable ashtray, Coat hook, Premium floor mats and many more.

Mahindra Rexton Conclusion

Premium SUV Mahindra Rexton clearly indicates the fact that company in this new stream is here to dominate as they in the mass segment SUVs up till now. The class leading amalgamation of performance and technology, besides handsome artwork inside out by Korean design engineers evidently screams practicality. Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton will not only create its own niche in the premium SUV segment, but also make the living tough for the long staying leaders in the segment.

The rivals like Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Captiva would have never imagined that a domestic UV-maker will have a blast at them in their own ‘bomb-proof’ den. Now, as Mahindra has stepped into this elite category where it contends with world-class players, it needs to take care of the servicing part in the country. Because in long term, the stable and upright after sales service matters a lot in ‘make or break’ of product.

Mahindra Rexton FAQs

Q1: Where to contact for after sales service of Ssangyong Rexton, will there be separate showrooms for it in India?  
Answer: The Mahindra-Ssangyong Rexton after sales service will be carried out by Mahindra itself at their wide spread dealership network across the country.  As Rexton SUV is a premium product of its acquired Korean auto maker, SsangYong Motors.     

Q2: How many seater is Mahindra Rexton?             
Answer: Mahindra Rexton is a large size SUV with three row seating arrangement and ability to seat 7 occupants comfortably.

Q3: In which cities and states is Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton available as of now?  
Answer: Mahindra Rexton is currently available only in the states of Delhi NCR and Maharashtra. In the Delhi NCR region it is available in Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and NOIDA. Furthermore in Maharashtra state it is present in cities like Mumbai, Thane, Nerul and Panvel.

Q4: Is the recently launched Mahindra Rexton model known as Ssangyong Rexton II in the global market or Ssangyong Rexton W model?
Answer: Mahindra has launched the latest version of long running Rexton model in India that is Ssangyong Rexton W. And this, the 3rd generation model of Rexton was showcased at Busan Motor show this year.

Q5: Does Mahindra Rexton feature cruise control and 4x4 or AWD (all-wheel-drive) in the feature list?
Answer: Of course, the modern feature of cruise control alongside powerful mechanism of 4X4 or AWD (all-wheel-drive) are a part of top end variant RX7. Furthermore some other class leading features comprise of premium leather upholstery, GPS navigation with loaded maps, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, touch screen display, electric sunroof and Etronic gearbox.