Will Ssangyong launch the new Rexton SUV in India?

Ssangyong Motor a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled the New Premium SUV, the Rexton W (the ‘W’ stands for ‘work of art’), for the first time at the 2012 Busan Motor Show held at Bexco on May 24. With its modern, sophisticated look and powerful engine, the Rexton W continues the legacy of Ssangyong’s flagship Rexton SUV.

Mahindra had showcased the pre-facelift model at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.

The Rexton W is the third generation of the company’s Rexton family of SUVs -the Rexton and the Rexton II being the first two models. The new Rexton W incorporates premium elements, in line with the development concept of ‘performance tells the style of an SUV.

The exterior styling is now sharper and more modern, sporting an assertive front-end with LED daytime running lights, mirror-mounted side indicators and a refined rear with redesigned tail-lights. Chrome and silver highlights have been added inside to brighten the cabin.

The Rexton sports an all-new 2-litre diesel engine that produces 154bhp of peak power and 367Nm of peak torque. The 2L diesel engine returns a fuel efficiency of 13.7 km/l (2WD A/T) and is mated to a Mercedes-sourced 5-speed automatic transmission. A bi-turbo version of this engine is in the works which produces up to 200bhp/500Nm.

The Ssangyong Rexton will be made in India at the chakan plant and the setting up of the assembly line could one possible reason for the delay. It makes more sense for Mahindra to launch the facelifted version of the Rexton as compared to the current model. However there is no word from the company as to when and which model will make it to India.