Mahindra shows off the SsangYong range at 2012 Auto Expo

It’s been about a year since Mahindra & Mahindra confirmed their acquisition of SsangYong Motor Company and at the 12th Auto Expo, they were out in full force to show India and the World what the Korean manufacturer can do. Among the 27 vehicles on display at the Mahindra pavilion were four of SsangYong’s off road offerings that leave no doubt when it comes to tempting the designer in us. SsangYong’s answer to future mobility was provided by the exquisitely styled Korando E electric car concept based on the Korando C SUV.

The design emphasises SsangYong’s future design direction and targets to titillate the imagination of a young customer base with its clean and sporty front end and unique lighting structure that mimics the SsangYong logo.

Then there was the XIV-1 concept that stood centre-stage at the SsangYong display. The compact crossover concept aims at marrying the dimensions of a small SUV with the running costs of a family car. While it may never see the light of day as a production model, its purpose is plain and simple – to demonstrate the Korean company’s design and engineering talents which also extends all the way to the name as well. XIV stands for ‘eXciting user Interface Vehicle’ and uses new-age smart phone technology to operate most of the systems in the car including the audio system, online communication and information display.

The XIV-1 aims to take cars from being merely transport to a place of enjoyment while on the move and flexibility is key with the four seats designed to not only move forward and backward, but also swivel through 360 degrees for cabin space layouts as desired by the user.

A bit out of place amidst the modern SsangYong stall was the Rexton – a 184 PS, 402 Nm SUV powered by a 2.7 litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine and a model that is currently sold to people looking for rugged transportation with a luxurious slant. Rounding up was the Actyon Sports – pick up body with modern styling cues to take on those with an adventurous angle in their lifestyle. All in all, Mahindra and SsangYong brought in a great mix of vehicles to encompass four different type of vehicles that carry the same DNA as Mahindra has been nurturing all these years as a maker of rugged and go-anywhere SUVs.

Aside from the SsangYong range, Mahindra also showcased models from its own range including three versions of the popular XUV500 SUV, two of them in a unique matte grey and matte yellow finish. There was also a fully customised and accessorised Mahindra Thar Expedition, a new-look Bolero, the Mahindra Genio pick up and an electric variant of the Mahindra Verito sedan. It doesn’t end there! Mahindra also had on display its range of commercial vehicles from the Navistar range.