Mahindra has released a second teaser video for the
2018 Auto Expo revealing that the company will showcase a new flagship SUV at
the event. The new Mahindra SUV will be the India-spec version of the Ssangyong
Rexton.
While the teaser does not reveal much, it is evident
from the front and side profiles that it is the Ssangyong Rexton. Visually, the
SUV is expected to be nearly identical to the Rexton save for changes to the
front grille and possible tweaks to the bumpers. And, of course, Mahindra
badging all around.
The second generation Rexton will be launched in
India with a Mahindra badge as the Ssangyong nameplate does not enjoy a strong
brand image in India. While the name has not been unveiled yet, online media has
taken to calling it Mahindra XUV700. When launched, the Ssangyong Rexton based
SUV will become Mahindra’s flagship offering in India.
The SsangYong Rexton made its world debut at the
Seoul Motor Show in April this year. It went on sale in Korea in the same month
priced at 33.5 million won. Powering the Rexton is a 2.2 L
e-XDi220 LET capable of 187 PS and 420 Nm.
The biggest challenge for Mahindra will be keeping
the price competitive as the Rexton will go up against very strong rivals like
the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. According to a report from September
2017, Mahindra will target a very competitive price tag and will attempt to
undercut the Toyota Fortuner by INR 3-4 lakh.
