Mahindra’s Line up for the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo!

Mahindra will showcase electric vehicles and Ssangyong SUVs at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Ssangyong SUVs will include Korando and Rexton while Mahindra’s electric vehicle will be the Mahindra-Reva NXR small car and electric version of the Verito sedan. On the side lines, the company will also display its highly popular XUV500 along with the Scorpio, Bolero, Genio Double Cabin and Thar at the Auto Expo.

“The Delhi Auto Expo is the perfect platform to showcase Mahindra’s commitment to technological advancements and innovative automotive solutions that are showcased in our gamut of vehicles from two wheelers to heavy trucks, “Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra was quoted as saying in the official press release.

Korando – February 2012 – Rs. 15 lakh*

The Korando is a 5-seater and is also the first monocoque SUV produced by Ssangyong. The Korando has unique styling and a typical curvy, Korean design language. The Korando sold in European markets is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that puts out 174 bhp of maximum power. The SUV is equipped with a slew of safety features that have helped it bag a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The safety features include ABS, EBD, traction control, 6 airbags and multiple storage options.

Mahindra might consider assembling the Korando in India and could offer it in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. Pricing is not known yet, though we expect it to be in the range of Rs. 15 – 20 lakh and the launch may happen in February 2012.

Rexton – Late 2012 – Rs. 20 lakh*

The Rexton has been spotted testing many times in India confirming that it will be launched here. The Rexton is a seven seater SUV and has been in production since the year 2001. The 2010 model is the fourth generation version and we expect this version to hit the Indian market in late 2012. Rexton was styled by Giorgietto Giugiaro’s Ital-design studio and is based on the Mercedes-Benz M Class. In international markets, the Rexton is powered by a 2.7 litre turbo diesel engine that churns out 161 bhp and is mated to a 5-speed manual gear box. A 5-speed automatic gearbox is also available.

The Rexton is equipped with technologies such as a catalyzed diesel particulate filter and VGT (Variable Geometric Turbine) turbo charger which reduces carbon emission.  It also features a tire pressure monitoring system, Enhanced Parking Brake Technology, a forward collision warning and avoidance system. Four-wheel (4WD) and disc brakes in all the 4 wheels are standard features.

Mahindra will likely assemble the Rexton at its Chakan plant in Maharashtra. It will be brought here as completely knocked down kits to help the company price it competitively and to challenge rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and Hyundai Santa Fe.

NXR – April 2012 – Rs. 6 lakh*

Mahindra is gearing up to launch the next generation Reva, the NXR in 2012. The NXR will be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo and we expect the launch to happen in April 2012. The Reva NXR will be a proper 4-seater car unlike the present Reva which is actually a two seater with tiny rear seat suitable only for kids.

The styling of the NXR has been done by the well-known Indian car designer Dilip Chabbria. The NXR sports only two doors and its short wheelbase hints that legroom for rear passengers could be just adequate. The boot will likely be around 150 litres and may not have a hatch.

The NXR is expected to come in two variants: lead-acid battery variant and lithium ion battery variant. As per the company, the range of the NXR (powered by lithium ion battery) will be 160 km per charge and the top speed will be 104 kmph. The NXR powered by a lead-acid battery will have a range of 80 km per charge and a maximum speed of 80 kmph. It would take eight hours to fully charge the cars using a standard household outlet.

The price of the Reva NXR could be around Rs. 6 lakh. But, expect government subsidies which may reduce the price of NXR substantially. Will you buy this electric car?

* Prices mentioned may vary