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-   -   Mahindra launches the SsangYong Rexton @ 17.67 - 19.67 lacs (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/127900-mahindra-launches-ssangyong-rexton-17-67-19-67-lacs-10.html)

Saw one on lavelle road a couple of weeks back. :thumbs up

I did see a REXTON on road, not sure of the version, with last row a bit crouched for a 6 footer, unlike a T Fort, may be I am wrong, but looks good though an unknown brand of SY, but the devil is the M&M service, how do you expect the present service folks to be working on a premium product, the most expensive Mahindra Vehicle, I have had experiences of friends having technicians being brought over from Chakan to sort out problems in XUV, though being a Scorpio Owner for 8-9 years did not have the confidence in M&M service beyond the warranty period, it is not good. I sincerely hope that XUV and Rexton have a separate service center so that the customer feels valued, one look at the service centers in Bangalore, will put you off. I may be sounding biased, but having a T Fort and the service experience is entirely different than what I have gone thro' with M&M.

M&M has disappointed the people like me who prefer the manual drive by stripping off the RX5 of almost all the gizmos (which are available even in the humble Scorpio).

I wish they would come up with a manual model between the RX5 & RX7.

M&M already has separated the service for XUV & Scorpio and I m sure they would be having / planning a separate area for the Ssanyong lineup. I agree with you on the service part as the A.S.S. technicians are at loss for complex issues and depend on Mahindra engineers for support.

I have been looking to buy a car ever since I sold off my Toyota Fortuner in November last year. Today I decided to test drive Rexton. Went to VVC motors in Hyderabad. They obliged instantly.

Here are my observations on Rexton in comparison to Fortuner.

What is better in Rexton:

[1] Better ride quality on front and rear seats. The driver set is electronically adjustable and three positions can be stored in the car memory. Since my car is mostly chauffeur driven, rear-seat ride quality was an important concern. Fortuner was particularly bumpy, even worse than an Innova. However, I found Rexton to be more comfortable. The only area of concern for me was the under-thigh support, which I found a bit less than desired. I am 6.2 ft and maybe that is the reason I felt it lacking. If I buy it, I do intend to put extra cushion to improve it.
[2] Way better interiors and gizmos, something that T Fort was starved of. Even in the new Fortuner the central console looks like an eyesore with its silver/ chrome finish.
[3] a more responsive engine. Although the engine is 2.7 liter in comparison to a 3 liter engine for Fortuner, it generates better power and torque than Fortuner. Also the autobox is five speed, which gives better driving experience at higher speed in comparison to Fortuner automatic. I did notice an acceleration lag around 30 kmph speed, but thereafter the car just flew
[4] The exteriors look very good and much more premium for the car of its price range. I became an instant fan of their 'purple' colour variant. It looked stunning.
[5] Less noise in the cabin. I peaked at 160 kmph on the Hyderabad Nehru ORR. To my surprise the cabin noise was very limted.
[6] Steering mounted controls are very useful. Although the plastic used appears a little cheap, still it provides the functionality including gear change.

What is better in Fortuner:
[1] Sales experience - I was a bit disappointed with the executives selling the vehicle. They were not fully informed about the car. For example I asked them about the 0-100 acceleration time and they didn't have any number to quote. In general there was a noticeable difference between the sales folks at Toyota and Mahindra. Maybe this was a one off showroom. I intend to visit their second showroom in Secunderabad on the weekend.
[2] Some plastics expecially in the rear space seemed hastily cut and arranged. They have a clip locking system (using it for want of a better term) for a number of 'pockets' in the boot space.
[3] The third row seating is really bad... even worse than a Fortuner. For me it doesn't matter though as these are rarely used.
[4] Mahindra's lack of experience in the premium segment - I will love to see them succeed, but will they be able to match Toyota prowess... I doubt it
[5] Fortuner is built like a tank. Rexton... maybe not. I will really think twice before taking it through a 4x4 drive.
[6] Rexton interior plastics do at times look a bit cheap and wobbly.

Other points:

FE seems a little higher than Fortuner. I was given a quote of 9 on Automatic and 11 on Manual. My Fortuner used to give me 9.5 on the manual.

The sales exec told me that there is a three month waiting period. They have delivered eight Rexton and have bookings of another 25 with them. I am not sure I want to trust that number. My driver also interacted with a customer who was taking vehicle delivery. He did mention that the test drive really impressed him.

Toyota bumper to body integration is quite smooth. In Rexton test vehicle I could see a few mm dip while moving from body to the rear bumper.

MY OVERALL IMPRESSION - If Mahindra can match this vehicle with excellent after sales service then I think this vehicle will be a good hit. It seems to be a good proposition for a 18-20 L ex-showroom price.

I did a quick short TD of the Rexton 2 days back. My findings are:

Pros
1. Good looking SUV. Not overdone like XUV.
2. Plush looking interiors.
3. Amazing ride quality.
4. Good power and torque (I drove an AT)
5. Low NVH levels. There were reviews where people said engine is noisy. I didn't feel it inside.
6. Umpteen gizmos and features.
7. Electrically adjustable seat will move backwards when you switch off the ignition. Nice touch.

Cons
1. Interior design seems a little outdated.
2. Middle row seat height from the floor is very less. Under thigh support bad as a result.
3. Felt body roll. Couldn't test this well since I was driving on a straight highway.

Siddharth

Reflecting on my experience , I also felt the same with VVC motors, I don't think you will have a better experience at the Secunderabad showroom.Other point I would request you to also think of is the After Sales Service; having experienced "automotive" (both centers) and vvc. I always felt having dealt with cabs and farm equipment the Quality and Attention to Detail are always lower compared to Toyota .

At the Kothaguda Toyota showroom the general manager,service manager and sales guys had worked in automobile showrooms in middle east;it was a pleasure interacting with such a knowledgeable set of people v/s the MBA freshers that I encountered at Mahindra showroom and the service centers.

Considering it is going to be a 20 Lakh+ car, has the "After Sales Service" of Mahindra geared up to service that class of customers is a question I will have while considering the Rexton. Unless they have separate service centers for these vehicles

I am seriously considering Rexton clap:. The only issue being that it is almost a 10L higher than my budget. It is indeed one of the most impressive cars/ SUVs I have evaluated in recent times.

The on-road price in Hyderabad is as follows:

RX7: ex-showroom price is 20.53 L and on-road 24.32 L

RX5: ex-showroom 18.34 L and on-road 21.75 L

Booking advance is 40k.

I inquired about the interest free loan and there were none. I was hoping that like the Merc and BMW they may also have a 3 year interest free loan considering that it is Mahindra's first foray in a premium segment. Still hoping and keeping fingers crossed.

Yesterday i went to take a look at Rexton on St Marks Road. There were no Test drives available at that time and i was promised the concerned executive will call me and arrange for a test drive. So it was just getting in/out, trying out a few things, looking at fit-and-finish of the car activity.

The fit and finish somehow did not inspire confidence in me. Switches felt slightly loose, the rear right door was not closing properly even after banging it in. Otherwise the car felt spacious.

It might be because it was parked but i felt the gear changes were too rigid and coarse, not smooth as butter in some of the other cars i have seen.

I pronounce the Rexton a hit (as much of a hit as a 20 lakh+ car can be). I saw three on the road on my way to work this morning at 8 a.m.!

I think I may have spotted the Korando being put through testing this past weekend on the outskirts of Pune. Notice the white camouflage which could pass off without being noticed if just driven by. Smart thinking.

Isn't that Rexton?
If it's not, than the two look incredibility similar from the back

This is not Korando, but Rexton.

That's indeed a Rexton!
Look at these pics.

1. Rexton



2. Korando


Pics : Google search

Thanks for the correction, wonder why it was camouflaged though.

Not camouflaged, just masked for transportation before delivery.