Mahindra’s flagship offering, the Alturas G4 luxury SUV, is essentially the second-generation SsangYong Rexton. To compete with the likes of Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, it is a ladder-frame based vehicle that can seat seven people. Equipped with a four-wheel drive and a ‘high’ and ‘low’ range selector, the car employs an all-new chassis over the earlier generation Rexton, which borrowed the Mercedes M-class architecture. The wide nose and a tall bonnet make for an appealing appearance and the SUV, with HID headlamps and integrated LED daytime running lamps to boot, puts on a considerable visual mass that is expected of a vehicle in this segment. 

If the grille and the bumper with a ‘scuff plate’ contribute to the visual bulk, the sides, with the haunches, have the SUV displaying a premium stance. The tiny ‘quarter’ glass at the rear, and what looks to be a considerable rear overhang, may make the vehicle look long-ish. The Alturas G4 comes with 18-inch dia wheels that look a bit smaller visually. The rear, consisting of well-shaped tail lamps and indents in the bumper, contributes well to the visual mass and appealing looks of the SUV.

LOADED WITH USEFUL FEATURES
Measuring 4850 mm in length, the Alturas G4 boasts of the longest wheelbase in its segment at 2865mm. It is also the widest at 1960 mm and tallest at 1845 mm.

Offering a long list of safety features like nine airbags, electronic stability programme, active roll-over protection, hill descent control, hill assist control, brake assist, emergency stop signal and ABS with electronic brake distribution, the SUV comes with an ingress feature akin to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 

Open the driver’s door, and the seat aligns to the previously set position automatically. The high-quality dashboard that draws attention foremost looks neat and clean with a nice blend of faux wood, brushed aluminium and leather. The hard parts like the vents, control stalks and the steering wheel gelling well, the cabin of the SUV provides an impression of the vehicle being well-equipped. 

There’s an eight-inch big touchscreen at the centre with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It doubles up as a display for the 360-degree camera. The seven-inch info screen as part of the instrument panel displays well and can readout functions like tyre pressure among others.

If the absence of features like terrain management system and sliding middle row seats is felt, the Alturas G4 makes up for it with ventilated front seats. The driver’s seat comes with a memory and is eight-way adjustable. The tilt and telescopically adjustable steering makes it easy to find a commanding and comfortable driving position. 

Laced with an automatic two-zone air-con, the SUV, with a ground clearance of 244mm can call for an amount of effort to get into the second row. Once there, the second-row occupants are greeted to plenty of space. Three can sit in comfort. 

There’s good under-thigh support, and the backrest can be reclined. With plenty of legroom for tall passengers, the second row offers adequate headroom. There’s a dip in the roof to accommodate the sunroof’s sliding rails. Third-row seating is low and the tiny windows could make the occupants feel claustrophobic. Offering a long list of safety features and a premium feel, the SUV is comfortable, practical and good value for certain.

EFFORTLESS MOVEMENT, GOOD POWER
Powered by a 178hp, 2.2-litre common rail diesel engine mated to a seven-speed G-Tronic torque converter auto transmission, the Alturas G4 is essentially a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Equipped with a shift-on-fly four-wheel drive system, which can be engaged by operating a knob beside the gear lever, the SUV surprises with its level of refinement. The cabin feels well isolated and little engine noise filters in.

The diesel clatter is evident only at higher rpm and the Alturas G4 feels quite responsive. Moving effortlessly at low speeds with the variable geometry turbocharger spooling up quickly, the SUV produces a fairly strong mid-range pull. 

There’s a good amount of power on offer even at lower revs. Accelerating smartly with the push of the pedal, the gears shift seamlessly. They can, however, take time when called upon to downshift or upshift in a hurry. The provision to manually over-ride is through a switch on the gear lever. It fails to inspire, however. 

Putting up a good show on the highway, the SUV feels reasonably composed at speeds. The high ground clearance providing an assurance of tackling mighty speed humps that could be found on well-paved highways as well, the Alturas G4 displays a good ride on less than ideal surfaces. 

Contributing to the ease of driving in the city by being light, the steering, at speeds could do to weigh more. Exhibiting a bit of a roll when pushed into corners, the vehicle has the roll well-contained. This enables it to be aimed at fairly tight bends and sweeping corners. 

Starting at Rs 27 lakh ex-showroom price and going up to Rs 30 lakh, the Alturas G4 may not top its segment. It however marks a significant improvement over the earlier generation Ssangyong Rexton. 

Pros: Price, comfort, ride and handling, safety features
Cons: Lacks some of the desirable features of its competitors