South Korean auto maker SsangYong, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra, has been in the news due to the expected launch of upgraded Rexton W. According to reports, the South Korean firm has introduced this model in the United Kingdom, which implies that it could make way to India pretty soon. Notably, SsangYong has made some changes in the design of this model to make it look more attractive. Earlier, the South Korean company launched Korando facelift, which was appreciated by customers and critics. Industry experts feel that Rexton W Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) could do well in India due to rising demand in the segment.
Sources claim that Ssangyong Rexton W has been launched in UK in three variants, namely SX (manual), EX (manual) and EX (automatic). Reportedly, the base EX model has a starting price of 21995 pounds, which is about Rs. 21.9 lakh. Rexton W runs on a 2.0-litre turbodiesel e-XDi engine that comes with Euro-5 compliance and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Rexton W is capable of delivering a maximum output level of 153 bhp along with peak torque of 360 Nm. In addition, there is also an option of five-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission.
As far as interiors are concerned, SsangYong has provided a refreshing look by adding aluminium-effect and chrome finishes, which enhance the style quotient of new Rexton W. This seven-seat model comes with standard equipment, which includes cruise control, leather covered steering wheel and gear knob, electric and heated door mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and air conditioning. EX model of SsangYong Rexton W also get a driver's seat that is electrically operated, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery. Safety is one thing that SsangYong has really focussed on while upgrading Rexton W. Security features of this upgraded version include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), hill descent control and airbags (dual front and side).
Industry experts feel that the rising demand for SUVs in India will augur well for this new version of Rexton W. The current generation model of this utility vehicle was introduced in India in October 2012. Since it is an unknown entity in the Indian market, SsangYong has not been able to register healthy sales figures. However, in the future, with able assistance from the dealership network of Mahindra & Mahindra, this firm has a chance of making a name for itself in India. It is being said that like the current generation model, new SsangYong Rexton W is going to come to India via the Complete Knocked Down (CKD) route.
