Ssangyong has revealed a new generation of its flagship SUV, the Rexton, ahead of its official debut at the next month’s Seoul Motor Show. Codenamed as Y400, the new gen Rexton will join the Korando, Actyon and Tivoli in the South Korean carmaker’s SUV line-up.
Based on the brief glimpse we got from a design sketch, the new Rexton remains true to the LIV-2 concept showcased at the Paris Motor Show last year. The new Rexton now looks more modern and imposing than the outgoing car with larger, well-designed headlamps and prominent body creases. The black bumper cladding is redesigned for a fresh appeal, the two silhouette creases on the side, roof railing and the large chrome alloy wheels are all scrounged from the LIV-2 concept. One more interesting aspect to this new Rexton is the logo on the grille. It still bears a ‘two-wing’ design, but very different from the one Ssangyong generally uses on all its cars. It remains to be seen whether or not the Korean manufacturer will adopt this as its new insignia.
The LIV-2 concept inspiration continues on the inside as well. However, while the concept had an all-white interior, the new Rexton’s cabin is done in a dual tone of black and brown. The centre console is carried forward and is dominated by a huge 9.2-inch screen surrounded by air vents on either side. The opulent air to the cabin is complemented by the lavish upholstery, wooden trims and diamond-pattern leather on the door trims and the dashboard.
Details are scarce regarding what will be powering the new gen Rexton, but it is expected to retain the powertrain from the LIV-2 Concept. So under the hood will sit the newly developed 2.0-litre GDi turbocharged petrol engine producing around 225bhp and 350Nm. The oil burner would be a 2.2-litre turbodiesel putting out 180bhp and 420Nm. Transmission option would include a Mercedes-Benz sourced seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
It is speculated that the new generation Rexton will make its debut under the Mahindra badging. The SUV will be positioned above the XUV500 and will be a new flagship from the Indian manufacturer. Evidently, the new car will undergo a few nip and tucks for the Indian-spec and will rival the likes of Ford Endeavour and the segment leader Toyota Fortuner.
