2017 SsangYong Rexton
The 2017 SsangYong Rexton which is set
to make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October has been caught
testing somewhere in Asia. The current gen model which is based on the old ML
class has gotten long in the tooth.
Likely to be based on a new platform,
the Rexton will be the second major product to be launched by SsangYong after
it came under Mahindra’s umbrella (Tivoli and XLV are derivatives of one
platform).
Going by the South Korean automaker’s
several design studies over the past few years, we can expect the exterior
styling to have absolutely nothing in common with the outgoing car. The basic
design direction is expected to be based on the LIV-1 concept which was
unveiled in 2013.
The Rexton will be edgier with more
expressive sheet metal surfaces than the current car. The interior, as seen in
the spyshot, plusher seats, new dashboard and centre console. It’s reasonable
to expect a high-end touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic
climate control, automatic headlamps and rains sensing wipers.
The 2017 SsangYong Rexton is likely to
be powered by an improved version of the existing Mercedes-derived 2.2-litre
diesel engine. A new 2.0-litre petrol engine is also expected to join the
lineup. Rexton is the only SsangYong model to be marketed in India. We expect
the new gen premium SUV to be launched here sometime in the second half of
2017.
