SsangYong Motor, the Mahindra-owned South-Korean automaker, has released the official sketches of the next-generation Rexton SUV. The company has also announced that production-ready version of SsangYong Rexton would be unveiled next month at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show. It is being learnt that it would be launched in the Indian market as Mahindra's new flagship SUV, while being positioned above the XUV500. Being internally codenamed as Mahindra Y400, it is based on the LIV-2 concept which was showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Finally, Mahindra SsangYong Tivoli is not launching in India!
Going by the official sketches, it can be said that next-generation Mahindra SsangYong Rexton would retain majority of the styling elements of the LIV-2 concept, including the front bumper and aggressive front grille. The official sketches also indicate that the new SUV might also come with LED daytime running lights (DRLs). Being based on the ladder frame architecture, the new-gen Rexton SUV would get a new chassis and suspension system. Mahindra could make several changes in the model to comply it with the Indian road conditions. There could also be styling updates to make it a more familiar Mahindra SUV. Mahindra Y400 would take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe in India.
The cabin is expected to be premium and up-market with a plethora of features. The sketches reveal the presence of a big 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with almost every modern technology such as navigation, Apple carplay and Android Auto. Mechanically, it could be powered by the 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine with top power output of 184bhp and peak torque performance of 420Nm. In all likelihood, it would be available with both the 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The range-topping variant might also feature a 4X4 drive system. The SUV might also get a petrol variant with a new 2.0L engine, which is under development. The Y400 is expected to be named as 'Mahindra XUV700', while it launches in the country by the end of 2017 or early 2018. The prices could be in vicinity of Rs. 25-30 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom).
