The Indian premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment just got more exciting with the addition of a brand new product coming from the stables of Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited and its South Korean subsidiary SsangYong Motor Company called Rexton. The SsangYong Rexton marked its presence on the Indian turf on October 17, 2012 and the company has introduced two models of its new SUV in the Indian market, under the namesakes - RX5 and RX7. The base model Rexton RX5 and the top model Rexton RX7 carry a price tag of Rs. 17.67 lacs and Rs. 19.67 lacs, respectively with all prices corresponding to the ex-showrooms of Mumbai.
Prior to its launch, the Rexton SUV had already generated an immense buzz in the Indian market with many domestic enthusiasts eyeing the latest M&M-SsangYong offering as their next-to-be vehicle. The 2012 SsangYong Rexton competes against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero SFX, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe. Accordingly, some intense competition can be expected between the Rexton and its contemporaries in the Indian premium SUV scene.
The 2012 SsangYong Rexton RX5 incorporates a 2.7 litre RX270 XDi diesel motor, which churns out a peak power-torque output of 162 bhp and 340 Nm, respectively. Interestingly, the top end variant Rexton RX7 comes fitted with a refined 2.7 litre RX270 XVT engine under its hood that delivers out a whopping power-torque equation of 184 bhp and 402 Nm, in the order of their mention. Further, the Rexton RX7 underlines its power and performance quotient by effortlessly racing to a top speed of 194 kmph. The ARAI certified mileage ratings of the SsangYong Rexton RX5 and RX7 are 12.4 and 11.18 km per litre, respectively.
The Toyota Fortuner is the current champion and market leader in the country. The premium SUV from the Japanese auto giant instantly dominated the market upon its arrival and has set an important benchmark in terms of an overall impact of a single vehicle. The Fortuner comes assimilated with a 3.0 litre, 2982 cc, diesel motor that churns out a maximum power of 168 bhp and a peak torque of 343 Nm. Evidently, the Rexton RX5 and RX7 can pose a stiff competition to the Fortuner and it is going to be interesting to see a major territorial dispute in the Indian premium SUV market. The Japanese auto maker retails its Fortuner SUV in the country within the price range close to Rs. 21-23 lacs in the Indian auto market, which proves to be nothing but inferior to the aggressive pricing of the SsangYong Rexton.
The Ford Endeavour has been another fawned upon premium SUV in the country with many Indian admirers of the brand getting awestruck with the car's macho built and gorgeous looks. The Endeavour comes trimmed with a 3.0 litre, 2953 cc Duratorq TDCi diesel powertrain that puts out a peak power delivery of 155 bhp and a maximum torque of 380 Nm. The power-mill incorporated under the hood of the Ford Endeavour also features a state-of-the-art fuel injection system coupled with a five speed manual transmission gearbox. The American auto major has offers the Endeavour within a price tag close to Rs. 18-21 lacs and considering its below par engine performance and a stiff pricing, it can be said with certainty that SsangYong Rexton beats all its competition with a big margin in the country.
