Resurgent SsangYong bets big on all-new G4 Rexton

Korean carmaker SsangYong today took the covers off its new premium flagship SUV – the G4 Rexton – on the opening day of the Seoul Motor Show. The company is bullish on the big SUV’s sales prospects in the global market, aiming to replicate what the Tivoli has done for the brand.

The model is expected to hit the Indian market towards the end of the year, though, unlike its predecessor, the SUV will be badged as a Mahindra.

In terms of styling, the G4 Rexton shares much of the design of the LIV-2 concept, with notable changes coming in the form of revised bumpers, toned down headlamps and black body cladding in place of the concept’s body-coloured cladding. Another change on the car is the brand’s logo which is now more angular in comparison to the ones on other SsangYongs. So far there is no indication if this is a new logo for the company's entire line-up.

The significance of the all-new model can be seen from the presence of a strong contingent from SsangYong owner Mahindra Group, led by chairman Anand Mahindra who had yesterday tweeted, “We think this will be another blockbuster for a newly resurgent SsangYong.”

It’s no surprise that Mahindra is bullish on SsangYong’s growth prospects. In 2016, the Korean carmaker sold its highest volume in 14 years, posting record sales. The company sold a total of 155,844 units and posted revenue of 3.6285 trillion won (Rs 21,122 crore), an operating profit of 28 billion won (Rs 163.38 crore), and a net profit of 58.1 billion won (Rs 339 crore), turning to profits after nine years, since 2007.  SsangYong’s growth was mostly driven by the Tivoli brand of SUVs whose sales grew sharply by 34.7% year-on-year to 85,821 units, giving a new impetus to the company’s performance.

Speaking at the G4 Rexton global debut today, SsangYong Motor CEO Choi Jhong-slk said, “Following the Tivoli which has set new standards for small SUVs, the Rexton will announce the revival of the large-sized premium SUV with traditional 4x4 values. The new platform will fulfill the core role for realising mid- to long-term strategy along with the Tivoli platform.”

“We plan to build a full line-up of SUVs by introducing a new product every year over the next few years, including a brand-new pick-up truck. We will also focus our resources on creating further growth by developing an EV and other eco-friendly vehicles for the future,” he added.  

Powering SsangYong’s range-topping SUV is a 2.2-litre e-XDi220 diesel engine paired with a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic gearbox. No engine outputs have been revealed, though it could be expected to be around 181hp, the same as under the hood of the LIV-2 concept. Power is channelled to either the rear or all four wheels via a selectable four-wheel-drive system.

A highly efficient 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine will also be offered, matched to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. 

With growing demand from around the world for cars with strong off-road driving performance and good towing capabilities to meet the growth in leisure interests, SsangYong expects to see further applications of its body-on-frame, front engine/rear drive layout in large SUVs.  

The G4 Rexton, which draws heavily from the LIV-2 concept shown at the Paris Motor Show last year, is high on safety features. It has been constructed using a Quad-Frame body structure that uses 1.5Gpa giga-steel, a world first. It also features 63 percent advanced high strength steel (AHSS) to create greatly improved body strength while reducing weight.

The big SUV comes with nine airbags including a driver knee-airbag and second-row side airbags. There are also advanced driver assistance systems in the form of Autonomous Emergency Braking System, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection.

The spacious G4 Rexton has what SsangYong calls a ‘Refined Deluxe’ interior that’s clad in Nappa leather. Thanks to optimised space design, the vehicle is claimed to have the largest rear legroom in the segment; it is the sole model that can carry passengers at the rear and also accommodate four golf bags.

The G4 Rexton’s infotainment comes with a large 9.2-inch HD touchscreen, and also provides Apple CarPlay as well as Android mirroring service. Users can also connect their Android device over the WiFi for increased convenience. Other highlights include Infinity’s premium 10-speaker system, 3D AVM (Around View Monitoring) that delivers a real-world view of the surrounding area (pictured below), offering driver convenience during low-speed driving or parking, Auto Closing and a Smart Tailgate. 

M&M plans increased synergies with SsangYong
Speaking at the G4 Rexton reveal today, Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra said M&M and SsangYong have jointly developed an all-new engine family which will power a future range of vehicles. He added that the popular SsangYong Tivoli will underpin future Mahindra products for which M&M will give the Korean carmaker a licensing fee. Dr Goenka also revealed that SsangYong will invest US$ 1 billion (Rs 6,317 crore) in new product development over the next four years.  

Also read: Mahindra targets increased synergies with SsangYong for new engine, platforms, EVs