The Mahindra Ssanyong Rexton is a muscular looking SUV series, that is available only in a diesel guise and with 3 variants. One of them is an automatic trim. Though it is a utility vehicle, the manufacturers have taken care in making it appealing with its external design, which can be noticed in the first glance itself. Its skin carries a chrome based radiator grille, eagle eye shaped headlamps, body toned bumpers with a couple of integrated fog lamps, a set of 16-inch, 10-spoke alloys along with sporty rear spoiler and a specially designed company emblem. The most significant aspect of any utility vehicle is its performance, then the safety quotient and its carrying capacity. First in line, the performance is not compromised as it has an all wheel drive mechanism and an intelligent 4x4 torque-on-demand system with a low ratio and an ability to accelerate up to speeds of about 180 to 194 Kmph. Its braking mechanism is supported by ABS and EBD along with electronic stability program and hill descent control plus disc brakes to all wheels among others. Pertaining to the safety quotient of this vehicle and the occupants in it, the overall body is made up of reinforced steel panels and crumple zones to distribute the collision impact force without crushing the cabin. Additionally, an active slip and active roll-over protection is useful while off-roading particularly. Seatbelts, dual front airbags safeguard occupants from fatal injuries, while an engine immobilizer will keep the vehicle safe from thefts. Next in line is the storage efficiency, which is is justified by a massive 475 litres boot space and an ability to withhold 78 litres in its fuel tank, both beneficial in planning for long journeys. All the rest of its factors will only accord to the comfort present in this series. There are many exclusive features incorporated and one among them is a 3 preset memory storage for the driver seat customized adjustments along with external mirror adjustments according to that particular driver. An infotainment system that can support quite a lot of multimedia functions along with touch capacity screen and video function as well is present. Rain sensing wipers can be of great help during monsoon. Automatic headlamps that work through sensors will be useful during drives on runways especially where switching-on/off in the middle of the drive is not very pleasant. The automatic version not only alleviates the driver's engagement in shifting gears, but also wouldn't allow to even stretch arms any further than the steering wheel. This is enabled in this model by equipping thumbs up/down switches on the gear shift knob and steering wheel to change gears with a lot of ease. Apart from these, there is a speed sensitive power steering with tilt adjustment. The electric sunroof has sun blinds to it, a cigarette lighter is there and there are about 3 sockets with 12V power for charging small electronic devices. Other automated functions are auto dimming inter rear view mirror and sunglass holder, electrically foldable, adjustable plus heated external mirrors. All these contribute not just in making the drive strain-free, but also a pleasure. Company offers an impressive three years or 1,00,000 kilometres of warranty is well known for after-sale service.
Exteriors
This SUV looks very robust yet elegant for a utility vehicle. The very structure itself gives an impression of sophistication. Nothing extraordinary is attached to its shell, but whatever is present, is offered in a neat and decent design. Its richness is achieved by its simplicity in its design. On the front, one can see a chrome radiator grille with Rexton emblem sitting over it in style. There are headlamp cluster, which has similarity to an eagle eye on either sides and a simple airdam right below the body toned bumper. The turn indicators integrated outside rear view mirrors and blacked out window sills and pillars give a decent and contrasting appearance to its sides. Spoiler at the rear and rails on the roof are an added decoration. Rear end is further styled by a pair of LED tail lamps with L-shaped parking lights. Overall image is dominated by a classy set of 10-spoke alloy rims fitted to the wheel arches, which are further equipped with tubeless radials.
Exterior Measurements:
Its dimensions are pretty generous and justifying its massive appearance. An overall length is 4755mm along with a total width is about 1900mm. It stands at a height of 1785mm (without roof rails). A ground clearance of 208mm is good enough for a utility vehicle on Indian roads.
Interiors
Ed's Take: The interiors of the Rexton has spacious and do feel premium. The plastic quality is good and the overall fit and finish is decent. The third row of seats are disappointing as there isn’t any kneeroom.
The dual tone black and beige interiors look good as a combination of two colors make an interesting design. One can see metal grain accents all over the cabin. Top end variant is bestowed with leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob and leather seats as well. There are three 12V power sockets – 1 on the dashboard, the other below front passenger seat and another one in the trunk. Reading lamps are fitted to the roof for all three rows. Premium floor mats will keep the cabin clean. An illumination is there for the spacious glove box that can be used to store quite a few things.
Interior Comfort:
A lot of luxury features are incorporated in this vehicle, which justifies its price range. The driver's seat has 8-way electrically adjustable facility along with lumbar support. The outside rear view mirrors can be electrically adjusted, folded and heated as well. A cigarette lighter and an ashtray are also available. Steering wheel can be adjusted and audio controls are mounted onto it that adds to the convenience of its driver. Driver and co-passenger have sun-visors with mirrors and lights. All the rows have air-conditioning vents and the third row has blower controls as well. Sunglass holder, coat hooks and map pockets contribute to the inner storage capacity. Power windows with auto up/down switch for driver side window and keyless entry are other functions that offer added comfortableness.
Interior Measurements:
A wheelbase of about 2,835mm enables to have a spacious cabin in which there is plenty of leg room and shoulder space along with a generous head room which lets even tall occupants seat comfortably. The boot space can contain 475 litres within it and the fuel tank capacity is of 78 litres.
Acceleration & Pick-Up
Ed's Take: Despite being such large in size, the Rexton has good acceleration. The drivability is decent too.
The manual transmission trims can accelerate to a top speed of 180 Kmph and can breach the 100 Kmph mark from naught in just 11 seconds. While the 5-speed automatic transmission gear box can make this mark of 100 Kmph from scratch in much lesser time of about 9 seconds. They are expected to reach a maximum speed of 194 Kmph.
Engine and Performance
Ed's Take: The automatic transmission has a more powerful engine. But the transmission does blunt the performance of the engine. However, overall it’s a decent package and the power of the engine is at par when compared to competition. The manual RX6 is the pick of the lot.
The 2.7 litre diesel engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gear box and has five cylinders along with 20 valves. This is further coupled with a turbo charger and can generate a power of 162bhp at 4000rpm and a pounding torque output of 340Nm between the range of 1800 to 3250rpm. Based on a common rail direct injection fuel supply system, it has a fuel efficiency of 12.4 Kmpl on bigger roads and this is minimized to about 9.4 Kmpl within the city, when driven under standard driving conditions. It gears upto 180 Kmph maximum speed and breaches the 100 Kmph mark in just about 11 seconds. The other variant which is offered with a 5 speed automatic transmission gear box is incorporated with the same engine. This motor generates a power of 184bhp at 4000rpm and a thumping peak torque output of 402Nm at 1600 to 3000rpm. It touches 100 Kmph mark in 9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 194 Kmph. A fuel economy of 8.18 Kmpl in the city and 11.18 Kmpl on highways can be expected.
Mileage
Ed's Take: The Rexton has decent fuel economy on the manual. The efficiency on the auto mode isn’t that bad either.
All its trims run based on a common rail direct injection fuel supply system. The manual gear box variants have a mileage of 9.4 Kmpl in the city that stretches up to 12.4 Kmpl on highways. While the automated gear box trim is efficient enough to deliver 11.18 Kmpl on runways and limits to 8.18 Kmpl under the standard driving conditions.
Power of Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton
Ed's Take: The power of the Rexton automatic is good, despite the sluggish nature of the gearbox. The manual has a new variant RX6, which isn’t permanent four-wheel drive.
All its variants have a displacement capacity of 2696cc. The trims mated to a manual transmission gear box can generate a maximum power of 162bhp at 4000rpm and a torque of 340Nm at 1800 to 3250rpm. On the other hand, the automatic version can produce 184bhp at 4000rpm and a peak torque output of 402Nm at 1600 to 3000rpm.
Braking & Handling
Ed's Take: The ride of the Rexton is composed and it feels like a premium SUV cabin, as it doesn’t jitter. Even the handling is decent for the size of the vehicle.
Any SUV is highly dependent on these two aspects, which are the maneuverability and braking. Taking this into consideration, the company has equipped a set of adept ventilated disc brakes that further have high performance calipers to its front wheels. While a pair of conventional disc brakes have been fitted to the rear wheels that generates proficient stopping power. To further enhance this mechanism, this UV series have been integrated with anti lock braking system as well. Pertaining to its suspension, a double wishbone is given to its front axle, whereas, the hind axle gets a 5 link mechanism. Raising the bar in this section are the anti roll bars given to both axles that helps this massive vehicle to deal with all the bumps and jerks on the roads. Maneuverability is quite slick with a responsive power assisted steering wheel, which have a speed related feature that gives a meticulous response and supports a turning radius of about 5.7 meters.
Safety & Security
Ed's Take: The safety features on the Rexton include dual airbags, ABS, ESP with hill descent.
This segment is one of the most crucial section of any utility vehicle. The car maker has been generous in this regard and bestowed this SUV with quite a few protective aspects for the passengers. There are dual front airbags for enhanced safety of the driver and co-passenger, while the side airbags take care of any collision from either sides of the vehicle. Then there are seatbelts for all the occupants that also has pre-tensioners as well as load limiters, which add to the protective cover. On the outside, it has a triple layer construction with ultra rigid steel, which makes it very strong and muscular. Then there are reinforced steel panels along with well placed crumple zones and side impact beams, which further enables it to deal with all the jolts and shocks caused on any terrain. Apart from all these critical aspects, there is a headlight leveling system, power door locks and seatbelt warning along with an advanced engine immobilizer. Other innovative functions include ESP with an off-switch, anti slip regulation, hill descent control and active rollover protection as well. This UV also have other standard aspects like door ajar warning in the instrument panel, a dual horn, tinted glass for all windows, tubeless radial tyres, rear windscreen defogger and a set of powerful headlamps.
Wheels
This neatly carved out wheel arches of this model series are blessed with a set of stylish 10-spoke based 16 inch alloy rims, which are further embedded with company's badge. These rims are further affixed with tubeless radials of size 235/75 R16, which provides an excellent grip on any terrain. There is also a full size spare wheel fitted in its boot compartment with other tools for changing the tyre. This is a standard feature across all the variants in this model series.
Pros
1. Performance of its engine is very good.
2. Seating as well as leg and shoulder space is impressive.
3. Sleek and lustrous exteriors adds to its advantage.
4. Lavish comfort aspects, better than rivals.
5. Ample presence of authorized service centers across all major cities.
Cons
1. Absence of Bluetooth connectivity is a major drawback.
2. Price tag is slightly higher than other contenders.
3. Automatic adjustment facility to front seats could have been given.
4. Mileage can be a hurdle, as it is lesser than competitors.
5. Interior theme still has scope for improvement.
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