Ssangyong Rexton II
It took a decidedly singular sort of buyer to consider one of the original SsangYong Rexton models. To put pen to paper for the MK1 version of this big 4x4, you needed to have absolutely no focus on the airy fairy concept of brand equity. Instead, you would probably have wanted the biggest hunk of metal twenty-odd grand could purchase, allied to go-anywhere ability and enough creature comforts to make the options list an irrelevance. Now however, things are changing and the Rexton has been re-launched as a proposition likely to appeal to a far wider cross-section of family 4x4 buyers.
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Much of the underpinnings are carried over from the original Rexton, which means a rugged chassis with double wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear and rugged all-wheel drive. Youll not be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing engines either. Theres a choice of either a 163bhp 2.7-litre diesel or, well, nothing.
Although this powerplant does feature third generation common rail fuel injection, its not the sort of engine that youd pull up to a pump and reach for the green nozzle by mistake. So what has changed in the metamorphosis to Rexton II? The front looks markedly different, with revised bumpers and lights giving the car an even bluffer look, the smoothed-off lights of the old car being replaced by a more American-looking front end treatment. The interior has also been given the once over as well, with a wide Range of revisions to the dashboard in terms of ergonomics and safety, with quality being improved at the same time. Standard equipment has also been boosted to the tune of an electrically-adjustable drivers seat in SX models and improved rear cabin ventilation across the line up.
Driveability has improved courtesy of a manual shift facility via a thumb switch on the gear lever or buttons on the steering wheel that marshal the Mercedes-Benz-sourced five-speed automatic gearbox. This means that the driver will be able to make the most of the torque on offer without the gearbox changing up and down at inopportune moments.
"The Rexton is built around a proper industrial strength ladder-framed chassis construction"
Prices remain reasonable but the re-jigging of the model Range means that the old entry level S version that once opened at just £18,995 has bitten the bullet, the Rexton II Range now opening with the far better equipped SE model which kicks off at £22,495. Its worth bearing in mind that the Rexton is about the same size as a Toyota Land Cruiser but a five-door Cruiser starts at £34,565. In effect, youre buying the utility of a proper family-sized 4x4 like that Toyota for the asking price of a much smaller compact sports utility like a Land Rover Freelander. What youre not buying, however, is the kind of desirability offered by the latest crop of compacts, the Freelander II being only one of number of classy cars of this kind offered at around the £20,000 price point.
This means that when the time comes to sell, say, three years down the road, the Rexton II will be worth a good deal less than these smaller vehicles. Of course, this point is rendered moot if you absolutely need the extra space the SsangYong affords but otherwise its a bit of maths youd be well advised to break out the calculator for before making a buying decision. Moving on from the entry-level five seater manual SE model, there are seven seat and automatic variants, topping out at £24,495. Alternatively, theres the Plusher SX model that tacks £2,000 model for model onto the sticker price of the SE.
That premium nets you a flip-up rear window to make loading easier, side steps, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, heated seats, an electronically adjustable drivers seat with three memory settings and permanent torque-on-demand four-wheel drive. In case you were wondering, the SEs system defaults to rear wheel drive operation but the push of a button forces the Borg Warner transfer case to engage either high Range four-wheel drive for when things get a little slippery or low-Range four-wheel drive for those occasions when you really need to lug yourself out of a spot. When in all-wheel drive mode in the SE, a vacuum actuator serves to lock all the wheel hubs automatically, further boosting traction. SsangYong has done a good job insulating the cabin from engine noise as the VM-sourced engine isnt the quietest diesel unit when you lift the bonnet.
From the drivers seat, its reduced to a muted rumble and offers good torque, although you need a heavy right foot from standstill when accelerating onto roundabouts or out of T-junctions. Itll top out at 111mph and return an average fuel economy figure of 32.9mph. Although this vehicle isnt designed to be mercilessly flogged off the line, should you see fit to do so, itll even crack 60mph in a respectable 13.
2 seconds. The Rexton is built around a proper industrial strength ladder-framed chassis construction. Although immensely strong, most rivals have abandoned this architecture in favour of monocoque chassis structures that give a more car-like drive. Given the Rextons luxury pretensions, it seems a trifle odd that it uses this he-man set up but the upside is that it feels almost indestructible when taken off road and the wheel articulation will get you out of many a tight spot.
Its ride on tarmac isnt the smoothest but if you need a 4x4 that looks good but can still walk the walk when the going gets tough, the Rexton is a good value bet. The engine possesses a fair turn of speed and body control is better than expected but it lacks that polished final few percent that convinces people to stump up big premiums for a premium product. Bear in mind that low price and any criticisms we make should really be put into context. Like its predecessor, this Rexton will be unlikely to pick up more than the slimmest sliver of the 4x4 market but what it does, it does very well.
Tried and tested mechanicals and solid practicality go some way to outweighing its almost total charisma deficit. I have a sneaking respect for people who drive vehicles like this. Having nothing to prove is an admirable trait.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: SsangYong Rexton II Range
PRICES: £22,495-£24,995 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 11
CO2 EMISSIONS: 228g/km
PERFORMANCE: Top Speed: 111mph / 0-60mph 13.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 26.4mpg / (extra urban) 38.2mpg / (combined) 32.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS with ABD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4720/1870/1760mm
