On releasing teasers of the new Rexton a few believed this would be a new generation model. But now we know that’s incorrect.

Ssangyong has presented the Rexton facelift dubbed Rexton W that sports an all-new 2-liter diesel engine that produces 154bhp of peak power and 367Nm of peak torque. A bi-turbo version of this engine is in the works which produces up to 200bhp/500Nm. The facelift was completed over a period of two and a half years and the W stands for “Work of Art.” Since a new engine is part of the changes, the testing period was long.

The 2L diesel engine returns a fuel efficiency of 13.7 km/l (2WD A/T), an improvement of about 20% as compared to the existing Rexton. It is mated to a Mercedes-sourced 5-speed automatic transmission.

Coming to the cosmetic changes, the front-end transformation is a delicate chrome affair. The front-grille looks classy and projector headlights with LED light guide have been installed. The hood has been redesigned and turn indicators are installed on the car’s wing mirrors.

Ssangyong Rexton W official video presentation

[can't see the video above? Head over to the Youtube page for direct viewing]

The car is mounted on new 18-inch alloy wheels. Ssangyong has mentioned in the press release that the vehicle will be available at dealerships in Korea during June.

The car continues to boast of a decent level of safety features such as ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ARP (Active Roll over Protection), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and UWS (Ultrasonic Warning System). Convenience features such as smart key, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and rain-sensing wipers are also available. Ssangyong has mentioned that a power socket is provided on the dashboard so that its customers can charge their accessories on the move.

We have no word from Mahindra if the Rexton facelift is the model the company’s supposedly bringing out later this year. Mahindra has tested and showcased the pre-facelift model at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.

Ssangyong Rexton W Image Slideshow

Can’t see the image slideshow above? Head over to the Flickr Gallery page to catch it!

Mahindra is planning to revive the lost image of its Korean brand Ssangyong in one of the world’s biggest car markets, China.

Ssangyong was earlier owned by the Chinese company SAIC Motor Corp when it filed for bankruptcy. Mahindra took over the firm by acquiring a 70% stake in the shares. It started importing Ssangyong vehicles into China last year but has not met targets due to the negative image that the brand has gained under its previous owners.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, the man at the helm of affairs in Ssangyong, has stated that Mahindra has taken measures to build the brand image and price its product keeping the competition in perspective. The company will also carry out a survey in order to know if the customer requires any kind of a special vehicle or features.

Ssangyong sold 1,14,000 vehicles last financial year, out of which two thirds were exported. This year the company expects to sell around 1,25,000 cars and 1,60,000 in 2013.

Mahindra-Ssangyong Connection:

Mahindra and Ssangyong are together working to create a platform that will be shared by products from both companies.

Presently the R&D departments of both the companies are engineering a new powertrain. This is a very expensive exercise for both firms and something that Mahindra or Ssangyong could not have worked on alone.

Plans for Mahindra:

Dr. Goenka has stated that currently there are no plans to drive Mahindra into the Chinese market and the focus would be to achieve a reasonable market share for Ssangyong. As of now Brazil is said to be an important market for Mahindra products. The XUV500 and the Scorpio are heading there in the coming years. Mahindra is also expected to come out with an announcement for plans on its US foray shortly. The journey has been on and off in the US.

Mahindra has seen a 15% growth in its sales and is also planning to invest Rs. 30 billion to setup a plant in India that will churn out 2,50,000 units annually.

Mahindra will also introduce the new facelifted Verito soon in the Indian market along with the mini Xylo.

[With inputs from Reuters.com]

Camouflaged Genios were tested in the same location about two years ago.

The mini Xylo version Balaji has captured is the model with the Xylo facelift’s front-end. The mini Xylo is codenamed U203 (also mentioned on the notice stuck on the car’s windshield).

The car is undergoing development for the last two years. A few months ago, Mahindra’s engineers were asked to come back with an improved powertrain that had lower NVH, according to our sources, which is the reason for the product’s delayed launch.

Mahindra is likely to position the U203 alongside the Verito and tag it as its first mini SUV. Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine producing 60-70bhp and 160-170Nm of torque. By the festival season, the mini Xylo will be launched in India locking horns with the Renault Duster, Maruti Ertiga and Ford EcoSport. We’re also told that a brand new mini SUV project (code – S101) that has the footprint of a Ford Figo has kicked off at the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai.

Mahindra mini Xylo Image Gallery

Now the Great Escape has been clubbed under an umbrella brand called ‘Mahindra Adventure’ which will also include Mahindra’s motorsport division.

The Mahindra Adventure Season 2 will consists of three type of events:

• Great Escape
• Challenges
• Multi day Escapes

The really existing ones are the multi-day escapes which are as follows:

• Monsoon Challenge (South to West) – 19th – 22nd July
• Monastery Escape Classic – 26th July – 5th August
• Authentic Goa – 16th – 22nd August
• Spice Challenge (South) – 7th – 9th September
• Trination Escape (North to East) – 15th – 29th September
• Wild Escape (Central) – 16th – 21st November
• Royal Escape Classic (North) – 27th December – 1st January

The enthusiasm is literally palpable. Mahindra claims that more than half the events are sold out already.

In order to keep the off roading community entertained on the move, the company has also launched an adventure focus e-magazine called ‘Get Lost’. Currently only available on iOS platform, the magazine has a wealth of information on Mahindra’s off roading activities and other adventure related topics. An Android version will be available very soon.

If we had to pick one event for you, we would blindfoldedly sign up for the Monastery Escape which takes to Leh and Ladhak through drop-dead gorgeous scenery and unbelievably stunning landscapes.

Don’t know what it feels like to be a part of the Great Escape? Head to our experience of the Saklespur Great Escape

Its been 1.5 years since the Mahindra Thar was introduced in India and Mahindra has been listening to its customers and the weather forecasts.

Today afternoon, Mahindra has introduced an improved Thar installed with air conditioning and an engine immobilizer. A soft top roof is provided though a hard top can be ordered through Mahindra’s customization program.

These changes are applicable only to the 4×4 variant that is powered by a CRDI engine. Mahindra continues to sell the 4×2 and 4×4 version with the DI engine in BS3 markets, but they do not receive these additions.

The glorified variant of the Thar is priced at 6.75 lakh rupees (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The other aspects of the Mahindra Thar have not been changed. It continues to be powered by a 105 bhp CRDI diesel engine.

Image – Mr Vivek Nayer, Sr. Vice President – Marketing at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Auto Sector, strikes a pose with the improved Mahindra Thar in Mumbai.

Improved Mahindra Thar Image Gallery

Surprisingly, despite of the outdated looks, the car has not showed decline in sales figures since Nov 2011.

Ever since Mahindra introduced the Verito, it has been able to an increasing number of buyers and were able position it among utility vehicles such as Xylo, Bolero and Scorpio.

However the Mahindra Verito (which is essentially a Dacia Logan) has been around since 2007.

The opportunity of a facelift helps Mahindra to further bring the styling of the Verito in line with Mahindra’s DNA. The only difference between the Mahindra Verito and Dacia Logan was a Mahindra logo on the grill and the steering wheel. Thus, this facelift will bring the Verito closer to the Mahindra family.

Our rendering maestro, Shoeb, has put forward his thoughts of what the new Verito should look like. The biggest change one can see is the new grill which is in-line with the Mahindra DNA. A generous dollop of chrome to make the Verito look upmarket can be seen evidently. Mahindra should focus heavily on the luxury appeal of the Logan to make sure that it calls out to families more than commercial operators.

The front bumper sports horizontal lines and its orientation is flipped. New crystal clear headlamps sport high-mounted indicators instead of side-mounted ones. Wipers are adjusted to match Indian conditions (old Logan and Verito had the wipers for LHD markets). Bigger OVRM units now have a plastic housing (earlier Verito/Logan used body panels and the mirror seemed like they were sticking out of them).

Coming to the rear, one can see a new set of tail lamps and a new boot lid with a dedicated area for the number plate area (old Verito had its number plate on the rear bumper). One can also expect new wheel caps and if we are lucky a new alloy wheel design to be a part of the facelift.

Mahindra should also work comprehensively on the interiors as the current ones feel very dated. The huge slabs of plastic should be replaced by something more aesthetic and appealing. A new center console is also expected because previous spyshots showed camouflage in that area.

Don’t expect major changes to the mechanicals. The K9K engine may be further refined to get more kmpl but we doubt if any changes will be made to the power delivery.

What are your expectations from the facelifted Verito?

The displays at the show is dedicated to farmers and off-roading enthusiasts and some of them will be available for purchase. The Mahindra stand will have a total of nine models; a trio of Adventure editions of the Scorpio (SUV, SC pick-up, DC pick-up developed in conjunction with off-road specialists LA Sport), a single-cab Bolero pick-up, a Genio pick-up and a pair of special edition models.

A Scorpio pick-up that has been modified with inputs from Leisure Wheels magazine and an XUV500 customized in conjunction with Weg/GO! Magazine displayed at the show can be specially ordered.

We’re keeping an eye on the Nampo Harvest Day Show models so stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com to know more!

[Source - CarMag.co.za]

The history of the Dacia/Renault/Mahindra-Renault Logan

When the Logan was conceptualized by Renault, its objective was to build a reliable and affordable car. In 2007, Renault and Mahindra formed a JV in which the companies had 49% & 51% stake respectively. In 2007 they launched the Logan here. It’s sales were good at the start but began to drop not only because of its looks but also due to its pricing and the lack of variants and upgrades.

In 2010, Renault sold its 49% stake to Mahindra, but continued to support M&M through a license agreement which included technical support. In 2011 Mahindra relaunched the Logan in the name of Verito which means ‘Truth’ in Latin, with the Mahindra badge and subtle cosmetic changes. The Verito enjoyed good response from consumers. By Jan’12, YOY growth of Verito was at 51.99% and even Renault India was amazed by its success.

Mahindra Verito facelift Changelog

• Front bumper sports horizontal lines and its orientation is flipped.
• New headlights with indicators at the top.
• Front grille has a horizontal chrome slab like the Civic’s grille. It could be in the attempt to lend it an upmarket look.
• Wipers are adjusted to match Indian conditions (old Logan and Verito had the wipers for LHD)
• New boot lid with number plate (Old Verito had its number plate on the rear bumper)
• No Lip spoiler

Under the hood of the Mahindra Verito facelift

On the mechanical front the Mahindra Verito retains the same efficient and acclaimed 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engine. Mahindra has spoken about launching a sub-4 meter version which is also expected to have the same engine.

We think Mahindra doesn’t intend to make any major changes on the engine and platform because the present Verito is enjoying considerable success.

[Pics by MAS of Team-Bhp.com]

Mahindra postponed plans to export the XUV500 and spent all their time and efforts into ramping up production and deliver as many cars as they could. They are still in the process of delivering cars to the 7,500 customers who were chosen from the lucky draw that marked the end of the second round of bookings.

We’ve shown you a spyshot of a LHD XUV500 camouflaged and testing in Italy late last year. It wasn’t there as a squad car for vacationing officials as Mahindra is indeed planning to launch the XUV500 in Italy and Australia. Mahindra has developed a LHD variant and the design of the vehicle enables it to pass all necessary emission norms. Chile is another market that is high priority.

Production at the Chakan plant will slowly be raised from 3,000 to 4,000 units and eventually reach 5,000 units, this report adds.

[Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com]

Another fun fact is the Rexton is the second SUV in India the relatively-affordable segments to ride on Mercedes Benz technology. The Force One is the first. Mahindra will introduce Ssangyong vehicles Rexton and Korando C (5 seater styled like the Captiva) in India to compete in segments above the XUV500.

Mahindra acquired Ssangyong last year and one of the reasons was that they felt Ssangyong products complement their lineup well. Since the acquisition, exports of the Korando C have started and sales is back on track. Mahindra and Ssangyong are also jointly developing platforms, one in India and another in Korea. The XIV concepts showcased in recent international auto shows hint at a compact crossover Ssangyong could introduce in the next two-three years.

Mahindra showcased the Rexton at the Delhi Auto Expo this year and IAB reader Sameer Bachhav (who earlier sent us pictures of the Mahindra XUV500) spotted the same variant (RX270) testing in Nashik where the Rexton maybe assembled later this year. Mahindra also has a production plant in Chakan where the XUV500 is made and the company has the option of utilizing this plant’s capacity for supporting Ssangyong products.

Its a bit confusing at this point as to whether Mahindra will bring in the facelifted model seen testing in Korea and China, anticipated with new front and rear fascias. This is a cosmetic operation not involving mechanical changes.

Ssangyong updated the Rexton in 2010 with a new frontal collision warning and prevention system along with changes to engine and exhaust to curb emissions. The Rexton will hang out with the Renault Koleos and Toyota Fortuner and there’s new company coming in the form of the Audi Q3 and next generation Hyundai Santa Fe.

Ssangyong Rexton spyshots