Mahindra is putting a stop to new alphanumeric names
beginning with the G4 SsangYong Rexton. The company will sell this SUV as the
‘Alturas’, a name that doesn’t end with an ‘O’ sound, finally. According to a report from Autocar
India, the name Alturas signifies the new heights Mahindra is trying to reach
by reentering the mid-size SUV segment, which is dominated by foreign brands.
The Mahindra-badged version will set itself apart from the Korean donor with a
distinctive radiator grille consisting of vertical slats in chrome finish and
high-gloss black finish, high-gloss black radiator grille frame and chrome
bonnet applique.
The Mahindra Alturas will have a ground clearance of
244 mm and a turning radius of 5.5 metres. It will come in two grades: G2 and
G4. Both grades will employ a 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops 180 hp
and 450 Nm of torque. In the SsangYong-badged version, this engine comes in a
tuning of 178 hp and 400 Nm (with 6-speed MT)/420 Nm (with
7-speed AT).
Both grades will feature the Mercedes-Benz-made
7-speed automatic transmission as standard. Only the G4 grade will have a
part-time 4WD system. This grade will come equipped with a large touchscreen
infotainment system with satellite navigation and smartphone integration,
ventilated seats with memory function, leather upholstery and an electronic
parking brake among other goodies.
The Mahindra Alturas will cost much lower than the
Toyota Fortuner, the prices of which start at INR 26.20 lakh (ex-showroom
Delhi). Rivalling frame SUVs will include the Ford Endeavour and Isuzu MU-X. Mahindra had confirmed last month
that it will launch the Alturas on 19 November, and had earlier said that it
would be the most expensive Mahindra SUV to date. However, now it has postponed
the event to 26 November. The company will display the new flagship SUV in a
dedicated space at its modernised dealerships that are called ‘World of SUVs’.
