Introduced in March 2017, the SsangYong Rexton G4 or the Mk4 SsangYong Rexton is three years old now. It’s time for the mid-size SUV’s mid-cycle refresh. Development is going on overseas. Camouflaged prototypes have been put on test in South Korea and Europe.

The 2020 SsangYong Rexton, as seen in the new spy shots, will feature considerable design changes. Most of the visual revisions will be seen at the front. The facelifted model will feature a larger hexagonal radiator grille for a more dominating appearance. Cosmetic changes will include a revised front bumper, redesigned, LED headlamps and tweaked rear combination lamps including horizontal LED stripes as well.

SsangYong doesn't seem to be jumping on the split headlamp bandwagon just yet. That's a good thing, though. While split headlamps are a new trending design cue among SUVs and MPVs, only a few have been able to replicate the perfection of Citroen, a company that’s been on it for years now. SsangYong will replace the Rexton G4’s HID headlamps with LED headlamps, though. The traditional headlamp setup suits the character of the frame SUV better anyways.

On the inside, the 2020 SsangYong Rexton will feature a new, electronic gear shifter. There could be more changes, but this is the only one that has been revealed so far, via a spy shot. The new model should also have enhanced performance and efficiency. However, there’s no information with respect to mechanical changes, if any.

Also Read: BS6 Mahinda Alturas G4 launched, priced from INR 28.69 lakh

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more SsangYong updates and other four-wheeler news.

[Image Source 1: autospy.net]

[Image Source 2: bobaedream.com]

Renault Duster

The reigning king of compact SUVs once upon a time, the Renault Duster has faced a lot of heat in recent years, mainly because of being too old and the growing competition.

The Renault Duster was given a mild cosmetic update for the second time in 2019, but some of the dealers are still left the old model, which can be availed with discounts of up to INR 2.20 lakh for the 85 PS diesel engine variants. And if you are not willing to get that and stick to the once-again-facelifted version, you can still benefit from discounts of up to INR 1.5 lakh.

The Renault Duster is currently available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (106 PS/142 Nm) with both 5-speed manual and CVT gearbox options and a 1.5-litre diesel engine in two states of tune (85 PS/200 Nm and 110 PS/245 Nm). While the 85 PS diesel has a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, the 110 PS diesel is offered with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT gearboxes, with the 110 PS diesel manual variant having an optional AWD version as well.

Renault will be discontinuing all the diesel variants of the Duster altogether before the BS-VI norms kick in, which means this is the very right moment to buy it if you aspire to own one. Currently, the prices for Renault Duster commence at INR 7.99 lakh* for the base petrol-MT variant, going all the way up to INR 12.50 lakh* for the range-topping diesel-AMT variant.

Renault Captur

Launched with a lot of fanfare back in 2017, the Renault Captur has found it tough to crack the Indian compact SUV/crossover market, despite being a mechanically well sorted package. The crossover character has failed to attract the Indian customers, which has led to poor sales.

The Renault Captur shares its 1.5-litre petrol engine (106 PS/142 Nm) with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox and 1.5-litre diesel engine (110 PS/245 Nm) with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox with the Renault Duster. The diesel engine will be discontinued by the end of March. While the BS-IV stock is almost over at many dealerships, some of them still have them, and they are offering them at massive discounts of up to INR 2 lakh.

The prices for the Renault Captur range from INR 9.50 lakh* for the base petrol variant to INR 13.00 lakh* for the top-spec diesel variant.

Nissan Kicks

The Kicks was a whole new offering from Nissan in India after years and quite different compared to all of its previous launches in India. However, due to the dominating presence of Hyundai Creta and the arrival of more well-equipped new entrants like MG Hector and Kia Seltos, the Nissan Kicks never picked up as strongly as Nissan had hoped.

The Nissan Kicks gets the same 1.5-litre petrol engine (106 PS/142 Nm) with 5-speed MT and 1.5-litre diesel engine (110 PS/240 Nm) with a 6-speed MT from the aforementioned Renault SUVs. The diesel engine is going to be permanently discontinued by next month.

The BS-IV Kicks can be had with discounts of up to INR 1.70 lakh, including corporate and exchange bonuses. Nissan is already readying the BS-VI version of the Kicks and may launch it in March. The prices of the BS-IV version range start at INR 9.55 lakh* and go up to 13.69 lakh*.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is the model that popularised the C-SUV segment and still remains the best choice in its segment. It is available in a lot of configurations, a lot more than usual. It was recently upgraded to BS-VI but BS-IV units are still available, albeit in limited numbers. Some of the remaining BS-IV units were made in 2019.

For the 2019 Compass, specifically the petrol-automatic versions, Jeep is offering discounts of up to INR 1.90 lakh. Even for the 2020 BS-IV units which are remaining, one can avail free insurance.

The BS-IV Jeep Compass is available with two engine options to choose from – a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit (163 PS/250 Nm) and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit (173 PS/350 Nm). While a 6-speed manual gearbox is common to both the engines, the petrol engine can be had with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission optionally. The diesel engine can also be had with an AWD system. The prices of the Jeep Compass range between INR 15.60 lakh* and INR 26.80 lakh*.

Mahindra Alturas G4

The flagship offering from Mahindra, the Alturas G4, is positioned against the heavyweights like Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. The Alturas G4 might not be churning out high volumes, but it offers spectacular value for money package.

Mahindra is already conducting the test runs of BS-VI version of the Alturas G4 and will launch it soon. However, some of the dealerships still have got the BS-IV version and are offering it with benefits of up to INR 1.75 lakh.

Based on the Ssangyong Rexton G4, the Mahindra Alturas G4 comes with a 2.2-litre diesel engine coupled to a 7-speed automatic gearbox as standard. This engine produces a 181 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque. The 7-seat mid-size SUV comes in a 2WD variant and a 4WD variant, priced at INR 27.70 lakh* and INR 30.70 lakh*.

*Ex-showroom

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is a mid-size frame-based SUV and a direct competitor of the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X. The Ford Endeavour is selling around 500 units a month, while the Toyota Fortuner has an average monthly sales of around 1,500 units. The Mahindra Alturas G4 sells around 350 units a month.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width and 1,845 mm in height (with roof rails). It has a 2,865 mm wheelbase, and it seats seven people. Under the hood, there’s the e-XDi220 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing 133.1 kW (180.97 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm. A Mercedes-Benz-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission sends the drive to the wheels. A part-time 4WD system is optional.

On the outside, the Mahindra Alturas G4 features HID projector headlamps with LED dual-function DRLs, LED front fog lamps with cornering lamps, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and dual-tone roof rails. Interior highlights include tan and black quilted Nappa leather upholstery, 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory profile, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-inch colour driver information display and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety front, Mahindra equips the Alturas G4 with nine airbags, electronic parking brake, HSA, HDC, ESP, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and around view monitor.

Also Read: Mahindra XUV300 specifications leaked ahead of launch on 14 February

The Mahindra Alturas G4 retails at INR 26,95,000 (ex-showroom India) in the 2WD configuration and INR 29,95,000 (ex-showroom India) in the 4WD configuration.

[Source: autocarindia.com]

The latest SUV from M&M looks much like its South Korean donor model from Ssangyong. Visually, the only disparity arises out of the new grille, a different alloy wheel design, and the badges. The new model measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,825 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,865 mm and a massive ground clearance of 244 mm. The colour palette for the Alturas comprises five options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, BSVI-compliant turbocharged diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 180.5 PS at 4000 rpm along with a peak torque of 420 Nm at 1600 - 2600 rpm. The motor comes mated to a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic transmission. While the entry-level variant features a rear wheel drive drivetrain, the fully-loaded model provides a four-wheel drive setup.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is on sale in a price bracket of INR 26.95 lakh - 29.95 lakh (introductory ex-showroom price). At this price point, the new model holds a pricing edge over its immediate rivals.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The Mahindra Alturas G4 offers a segment-leading equipment level, with various first-in-class features. Here is a look at the equipment list of the top-spec trim -

• HID Headlamps with LED DRLs
• 18” Machined Alloy Wheels
• LED tail lamps
• LED fog lamps with cornering lamps
• Silver and black roof rails
• Chrome window surrounds
• Tan and Black Interior
• Quilted Nappa leather upholstery
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-way adjustable powered driver seat with memory profile
• Dual Zone Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC)
• Electric sunroof with Anti-pinch feature
• Ambient Mood Lighting

Speaking on the launch of the flagship SUV, Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra said -

The launch of the Alturas G4 is a significant moment in the automotive journey of Mahindra which will take the brand to the next level. The product is the epitome of luxury in every sense. Therefore, we believe the Alturas G4 aptly redefines royalty which is also its positioning.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is essentially a re-badged G4 Ssangyong Rexton that comes to us via CKD import route. There's isn't much to differentiate between the two as the visual disparity is limited to the front grille, alloy wheel design, and the badges. The new model measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,825 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,865 mm and a ground clearance of 244 mm. The new model is available in five colour options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

Powering the Mahindra Alturas G4 is a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, BSVI-compliant oil burner that churns out a maximum power of 180.5 PS at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 420 Nm at 1600 - 2600 rpm. The motor comes mated to a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic transmission. The base model features a rear wheel drive drivetrain, while the fully-loaded version offers a four-wheel drive setup.

The suspension is courtesy of a double-wishbone with coil spring arrangement up front and a five-link setup with coil springs at the rear. Both the variants feature disc-brakes on all the four wheels and ride on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 255/60 profile tires.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

Mahindra Alturas G4 2WD Features:

• Projector headlamps
• Black and grey cabin
• Black centre console
• 8-way power driver's seat
• Auto up and anti-pinch only for front windows
• TPMS for front tyres
• Monochromatic display for the instrument cluster
• Dual front airbags

Mahindra Alturas G4 4WD Features:

• 4WD
• HID headlamps
• LED fog lamps with cornering function
• Power tailgate
• Brown and black quilted leather upholstery
• 9 airbags
• Auto up and down for both front and rear windows
• Colour TFT-LCD display for the instrument cluster
• 360-degree surround camera
• Illuminated scuff plates
• Auto tilt function for ORVMs

*introductory ex-showroom price

Bookings of the new flagship model are open for INR 50,000. The new SUV is expected to have a starting price of around INR 24 lakh. It will be assembled from CKD kits imported from Ssangyong, South Korea. That said, the manufacturer insists that Alturas 'will compete with players that operate in the Rs.30+ Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) price range.

The company has not entirely dropped the alpha-numeric nomenclature system. Alturas means 'heights' in Portuguese. As per the company, its latest SUV suits those who 'have reached the pinnacle of success in their lives.'

The Mahindra Alturas will be available in two variants - 2WD AT and 4WD AT. The latter will offer three driving modes - 4-wheel drive low, 2-wheel high and 4-wheel high. Both the versions will be powered by the 2.2-litre e-XDi turbo-diesel engine that outputs 180.5 bhp and 450 Nm, and feature a Mercedes-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission option won't be on offer.

Aesthetically, the Mahindra Alturas mirrors the G4 Ssangyong Rexton in no small extent. The disparity is only in the grille, badges, and alloy wheels. The company reveals that the new model will be available in five colour options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The company insists that the SUV model will offer 'unmatched safety.' Its donor, the G4 Ssangyong Rexton, is the first-ever passenger vehicle to boast a quad-frame body structure with 63% 1.5Gpa-grade high-strength steel. Safety features for its Indian counterpart should include electric parking brake, ABS with EBD, nine airbags, hill assist control, and traction control.

For the uninitiated, the Mahindra Alturas is a rebadged G4 Ssangyong Rexton, with the only visual disparity arising out of the new grille and badges. It will be available in five colour options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

Alturas is a Portugal word that translates to 'heights'. As per the manufacturer, the Mahindra Alturas is for those who 'have reached the pinnacle of success in their lives.'. While the company is yet to divulge information on the new model's price, it has said that the SUV 'will compete with players that operate in the Rs.30+ Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) price range.'

Furthermore, the manufacturer has confirmed that the Alturas G4 will launch in two variants - 2WD AT and 4WD AT. It also reveals that the latter will be equipped with additional features. Powering the new model will be a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that outputs 180.5 bhp and 450 Nm. The motor comes mated to a Mercedes-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD hardware on the pricier trim will offer three modes - 4-wheel drive low, 2-wheel high and 4-wheel high.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The Mahindra Alturas will be assembled from CKD kits supplied from South Korea, and compete with the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.

Visually, the Mahindra Alturas G4 mimics its donor to a large extent. The only differences arise out of a new grille with vertical slats, new badges, and a new set of alloy wheels. Spy images of the interior have revealed that cabin remains entirely unchanged, with the only exception being of the Mahindra branding on the steering wheel. The SUV will be available in five exterior paint options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

The company has confirmed that the Mahindra Alturas G4 will be sold in two variants - 2WD AT and 4WD AT. They will draw power from an e-XDi220 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that produces a maximum power of 180.5 bhp along with a peak torque of 450 Nm. The oil-burner will be paired with a Mercedes-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD-equipped version will provide three driving modes - 4-wheel drive low, 2-wheel high and 4-wheel high.

The equipment list on the pricier version will include premium black and tan Nappa leather upholstery, a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric sunroof, and handsfree boot release. The safety net will comprise nine airbags, ABS with EBD, hill assist control, and vehicle stability program.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

As per the company, the Mahindra Alturas G4 will compete with 'players that operate in the INR 30+ Lakhs (Ex-Showroom) price range.' That said, the new model is expected to hold a significant price advantage over the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner.

Image source - cartoq.com

For the uninitiated, the Mahindra Alturas G4 is the Indian-spec G4 Ssangyong Rexton. Visually, there's little to differentiate it from the South Korean SUV it's based on. The only visual disparities arise out of the new grille, less sophisticated alloy wheels and the different badges. The Indian-spec mid-size SUV will be available in five colour options - New Pearl White, Napoli Black, Lakeside Brown, Dsat Silver and Regal Blue.

The Mahindra Alturas G4 will be sold in 2WD AT and 4WD AT variants. The latter will offer a host of premium features, including black and tan Nappa leather upholstery, colour MID, dual-barrel HID projector headlamps, LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators, Electric and ventilated front seats with memory function, 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronic parking brake, electric sunroof, handsfree boot opening and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The safety net on offer should include ABS with EBD, nine airbags, hill assist control and vehicle stability control among others. As the Mahindra Alturas G4 is basically a re-badged G4 Ssangyong Rexton, it will possess the donor's quad-frame body structure with 63% 1.5Gpa-grade high-strength steel.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is assembled from CKD kits supplied from South Korea and will compete with the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Isuzu MU-X. The new flagship model from Mahindra will retail through dedicated space at the UV giant's upgraded passenger car dealerships that have been named 'World of SUVs.'

[Image Source- facebook.com]

While both the models will be powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that outputs 180.5 bhp/450 Nm mated to a Mercedes-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission, 4WD will be restricted to the pricier version. It will offer three modes - 4-wheel drive low, 2-wheel high and 4-wheel high. Here are the purported features of the two variants of the Indian-spec G4 Ssangyong Rexton  -

Mahindra Alturas G2 Features

• Black and grey Nappa leather upholstery
• Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Dual-barrel HID projector headlamps
• LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators
• Electric and ventilated front seats with memory function
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electronic parking brake
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Mahindra Alturas G4 Features

• Black and tan Nappa leather upholstery
• Coloured Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Dual-barrel HID projector headlamps
• LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators
• Electric and ventilated front seats with memory function
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electronic parking brake
• Electric Sunroof
• Handsfree boot opening
• 20-inch alloy wheels

Both trim levels should offer several standard safety features, including ABS with EBD, nine airbags, hill assist control and vehicle stability control. The Mahindra Alturas, which will be assembled from CKD packs from South Korea, will benefit from the Korean donor's quad-frame body structure with 63% 1.5Gpa-grade high-strength steel.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The Mahindra Alturas will be pitted against established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. That said, it is expected to enjoy a pricing advantage over its adversaries. The new flagship from M&M will be sold through a dedicated space at the company's upgraded outlets that have been branded ‘World of SUVs’.

Source - autocarindia.com

Both the trims will feature a Mercedes-made 7-speed automatic transmission. Powering the Mahindra Alturas G4 is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 180.5 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm. For the G4 Ssangyong Rexton, the motor outputs 131.1 kW (178.42 hp) and 400 Nm (with 6-speed MT) and 420 Nm (with 7-speed AT). The higher grade gets a part-time 4WD system with three modes - 4-wheel drive low, 2-wheel high and 4-wheel high.

While the Mahindra Alturas G4 looks much like its Korean counterpart, the new flagship SUV from M&M features a new radiator grille with vertical slats. Moreover, the Indian-spec model puts on a chrome finish on the grille and the hood. The costlier trim will be equipped with goodies like ventilated seats with memory function, large touchscreen infotainment unit that supports smartphone mirroring and satellite navigation, leather upholstery, and an electronic parking brake.

The Mahindra Alturas is expected to offer several standard safety features, include ABS with EBD, nine airbags, hill assist control, and vehicle stability control. Like its Korean donor vehicle, the Alturas rides on a quad-frame body structure with 63% 1.5Gpa-grade high-strength steel.

Also Read - Mahindra S201 (Vitara Brezza challenger) to offer an electric sunroof, launch in January 2019

The Mahindra Alturas G4 rivals the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. That said, it's likely to cost significantly lesser. As the new flagship model caters to a more sophisticated clientele than other vehicles in the company's line-up, M&M will retail the Rexton-based SUV through a dedicated space at its upmarket outlets that are called ‘World of SUVs’.

[Source - auto.ndtv.com]

According to a report from Autocar India, the name Alturas signifies the new heights Mahindra is trying to reach by reentering the mid-size SUV segment, which is dominated by foreign brands. The Mahindra-badged version will set itself apart from the Korean donor with a distinctive radiator grille consisting of vertical slats in chrome finish and high-gloss black finish, high-gloss black radiator grille frame and chrome bonnet applique.

The Mahindra Alturas will have a ground clearance of 244 mm and a turning radius of 5.5 metres. It will come in two grades: G2 and G4. Both grades will employ a 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops 180.5 hp and 450 Nm of torque. In the SsangYong-badged version, this engine comes in a tuning of 131.1 kW (178.42 hp) and 400 Nm (with 6-speed MT)/420 Nm (with 7-speed AT).

Both grades will feature the Mercedes-Benz-made 7-speed automatic transmission as standard. Only the G4 grade will have a part-time 4WD system. This grade will come equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and smartphone integration, ventilated seats with memory function, leather upholstery and an electronic parking brake among other goodies.

The Mahindra Alturas will cost much lower than the Toyota Fortuner, the prices of which start at INR 26.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Rivalling frame SUVs will include the Ford Endeavour and Isuzu MU-X.

Also See: Base variant of the Mahindra S201 with steel wheels spotted in Mumbai

Mahindra had confirmed last month that it will launch the Alturas on 19 November, and had earlier said that it would be the most expensive Mahindra SUV to date. However, now it has postponed the event to 26 November. The company will display the new flagship SUV in a dedicated space at its modernised dealerships that are called ‘World of SUVs’.

Readers would recall that Maruti Suzuki christered the previous generation Baleno station wagon variant as the 'Altura'.

[Source: autocarindia.com]