Having learnt that its own brand is stronger than Ssangyong in India, Mahindra decided to ditch the Korean carmaker’s branding on the latest flagship SUV. So while we still get to relish the all-new Ssangyong Rexton, it’s now made in India, comes with Mahindra branding, sits atop Mahindra’s SUV line up, and is called the Mahindra Alturas.
Read more: Mahindra Alturas First Drive Review
It competes with other full-size, seven-seat SUVs like the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, and Isuzu MU-X. Newer entrants in the segment like the Honda CR-V and Skoda Kodiaq might not be too similar in their approach, but given the good fit and finish on the Alturas G4, Mahindra can possibly lure some of their buyers, too.
Showcased first at the Auto Expo 2018 earlier this year, the all-new Mahindra Alturas G4 is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that makes 178.5 bhp and 42.95 kgm. A Mercedes-Benz-sourced seven-speed AT gearbox is standard affair, and depending on the variant you choose, there’s 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrain layouts. Those looking at a wider engine choice will be disappointed to know that neither a petrol engine nor a manual gearbox is available.
The features list on the Alturas G4 includes HID headlamps with LED DRLs, 9 airbags, 18-inch wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and a 360-degree parking camera, among other things that you’re used to seeing on SUVs in the segment. An electronic parking brake, plethora of driving aids including ESP and Hill Assist, ISOFIX child-seat mounting points, smart tailgate, electric sunroof, and cruise control are some of the other features. There are five colours to choose from: Napoli Black, Pearl White, Dsat Silver, Regal Blue, and Lakeside Brown.
The Mahindra Alturas G4 is priced at Rs 26.95 lakh for 4×2 Alturas and Rs 29.95 lakh for the fully loaded Mahindra Alturas G4 4×4. These are ex-showroom prices. In comparison, the Toyota Fortuner (D) starts at Rs 27.80 lakh, while its closest rival, the Ford Endeavour, starts at Rs 26.32 lakh. The recently updated Isuzu MU-X carries a price tag of Rs 26.34 lakh, the Skoda Kodiaq of Rs 34.83 lakh (currently reduced to Rs 33.83 lakh) , and the Honda CR-V of Rs 30.65 lakh. These prices are of the respective base diesel versions.
Also read: Mahindra XUV500 AT Review
The Mahindra Alturas G4 will be sold through a high-end showroom within the Mahindra World of SUVs. There will be separate relationship managers handling the clients of the flagship SUV, and there’s also a new Purple Club+ loyalty programme.
