Speculations are rife that India’s popular UV maker, Mahindra is developing a new variant of SsangYong Rexton. The new variant will be dubbed RX6, presently the vehicle is offered in two variants, RX5 and RX7. Mahindra is eyeing to fill the slot between the two variants by inducing a mid variant, RX6. Being the middle variant, Mahindra will pass on most of the features from RX7 to RX6 trim. On the outside, LED daytime running lights, automatic head lamps and automatic wipers will be equipped; Mahindra will also offer the new variant in all-wheel drive system. Among the comfort features, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, electric sunroof and leather upholstery will class up the cabin.
Powering the RX5 and RX7 variants is the sturdy 2.7 litre , 2,696 cc, five cylinder diesel engine that develops varied power and torque outputs. The engine housed in RX5 develops 162 Bhp of maximum power along with a peak torque of 340 Nm. Engine equipped in RX7 generates 184 Bhp and 402 Nm. RX6 is expected to be equipped with the same engine as in RX5 basic version. Rexton RX5 comes affixed with a manual transmission while the top-of-the-line variant RX7 adorns an automatic transmission. Mahindra is likely to offer RX6 variant in a five–speed manual transmission.
The company had displayed a 2.0 litre diesel variant ofRextonat the 12th Auto Expo earlier this year. Rumours are doing the rounds that Mahindra could bring in an entry-level trim of the vehicle later in the domestic market. The 2.0 litre diesel powertrain comes with a displacement of 1,998 cc and belts out a top power of 153 PS and a peak torque of 360 Nm. A five-speed E-Tronic automatic gearbox will be mated to the 2.0 litre motor.
Rextonrange is priced at Rs 18.87 lakh for the RX5 variant and the RX7 trim is tagged at Rs 21.1 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Therefore we expect the new RX6 mid level variant to be priced somewhere between this range.
With the induction of a mid level model in Rexton Range, company hopes to see surge in demand for the vehicle. The SUV might not have many takers in the domestic market but it is a popular model in overseas markets.
