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<lastBuildDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:49:03 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong debuts new models despite doom]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Korean maker promises new crossover and hybrid despite reports of potential bankruptcy.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:49:03 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rexton R-Line Special Edition : REXTON IN FIRST CLASS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYong has added a custom-built model to its Rexton range. Steve Ghosley takes a look.This customised version of the Rexton was first seen at the 2008 British International Motor Show and was so well received by visitors to the SsangYong stand that the marque's UK distributors had no hesitation in adding this upmarket model to its range. The car is the work of the celebrated designer, Afzal Khan who has an international reputation for creating bespoke works of art using traditional techniques and the finest materials. The R-Line is built in the UK at Project Khan's Bradford works and is based on the standard Rexton 270 SPR which was already a well-equipped car before Mr Khan applied his magic.So what do you get for the £29,995 price tag? The most obvious visual clue is the Khan Design 22-inch RST alloy wheels which, with the lowered sports suspension, give the Rexton a much more purposeful look and immediately set it apart from the other models in the range. Add to this the distinctive black paintwork and the Khan Design sports exhaust and the R-Line starts to look like a vehicle that would not be out of place in the car park of a Premiership football club's training ground. Inside, the Rexton R-Line features a high quality black nappa leather and soft Alcantara interior which is highlighted by red stitching. This exquisite upholstery extends to the seats, door panels and centre console, emphasising the exclusive nature of this vehicle. Much of this car's underpinnings are carried over from the original Rexton, which means a tough chassis with double wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear and rugged all-wheel drive. This Rexton is powered by a 2.7-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 184bhp and 402Nm of torque at just 2,400rpm. Although this powerplant does feature third generation common rail fuel injection, it's not the sort of engine that would have you pulling up to a pump and reach for the green nozzle by mistake. Standard equipment includes climate control, electronic stability programme (ESP) with active rollover protection (ARP), hill descent control (HDC), ABS, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, side airbags, electric folding door mirrors and heated seats. The only thing the R-Line doesn't have as standard is an audio system, because we're told that R-Line customers are likely to want to specify their own choice of premium sound system. A rear spoiler and Kenwood touch-screen navigation system are the only other options, but if a customer prefers a different exterior paint and interior leather colour combination, anything's possible."â€¦ exquisite upholstery extends to the seats, door panels and centre console enhancing the exclusive nature of this vehicle."Driveability of this large 4x4 has been 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. This Rexton will also happily tow up to 3.2 metric tons - enough for most caravan enthusiasts, boat and horse owners. In normal running, the 4x4 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, a vacuum actuator serves to lock all the wheel hubs automatically, further boosting traction. The SsangYong's cabin is well insulated from engine noise as the VM-sourced engine isn't the quietest diesel unit when you lift the bonnet. From the driver's seat, it's 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. It'll top out at 121mph and return an average fuel economy figure of 30.7mph. Although this vehicle isn't designed to be mercilessly flogged off the line, should you see fit to do so, it'll 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 this Rexton's 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. It's ride on tarmac isn't 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 R-Line certainly turned enough heads at the British Motor Show to convince the distributors to add it to the Rexton's line up. It will find it tough going picking off sales from mainstream rivals but what it does, it does very well. Tried and tested mechanicals and solid practicality go some way to countering its lack of badge credibility. Having said that, there are few custom-built cars available these days for the price of a Rexton R-Line.Facts At A Glance CAR: SsangYong Rexton R-Line Special Edition PRICES: £29,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 233g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 121mph / 0-60mph 13.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 25mpg / (extra urban) 35.3mpg / (combined) 30.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS with ABD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4720/1870/1760mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong to unveil concept in Paris]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - We usually associate the Ssangyong name with budget-class SUVs, but the company has a surprise in store.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:38:06 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rexton C-S Range : TOUGH TO BEAT?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYong's largest 4x4 provides big-car space for small-car prices, but how does it convert into a van? Matt Low reportsThe SsangYong Rexton C-S is a whole lot of vehicle for not much money. In fact, if you're in the market for a 4x4 van for under £20,000, you might struggle to find a vehicle with more space on offer. But that small price tag does mean a sacrifice in terms of performance and quality.If the concept of `buying into a brand' means very little to you and you are basically after the biggest hunk of 4x4 van you can get for under £20,000, then you may have found your next vehicle. SsangYong's Rexton C-S offers big-car space at small-car prices. It looks stylish and, more importantly for commercial customers, it looks very big. But as you'd expect, it's cheap for a reason. While the Rexton C-S is tough, reliable and spacious, it won't win any prizes for its performance or interior. The Rexton is not the most composed van on the tarmac and the engine is a little rough around the edges but the build quality is better than you'd think, equipment levels are high and the Rexton won't cost the earth to run. The 4x4 van sector is a tough one to crack and while the Rexton C-S won't be topping any sales charts, a place for it does exist within the market. Sales of the Rexton C-S will be small compared to conventional vans with a similar capacity but many operators find the blend of qualities offered by 4x4 vans ideal for their purposes. You won't be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing an engine in the Rexton C-S. There's a choice of either a 2.7-litre diesel or, well, nothing. This surprisingly sophisticated engine is one of the Rexton's major selling points. It's a 2.7-litre, five cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine with third generation common rail injection and it's sourced from none other than Mercedez-Benz. This means you can expect 163bhp at 4,000rpm and 340 Nm at 2,400rpm, which is a decent showing. The Rexton's five-speed `torque on demand' manual transmission normally supplies power to the rear wheels but if things get slippery, the system automatically distributes power to the axle with the most grip, ideal for the kind of bumpy terrain 4x4 vans are often used for. It also features an electronic stability programme and hill descent control for greater security. The ride on tarmac isn't 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."In effect, you're buying the utility of a large 4x4 van for the asking price of a much smaller compact sports utility modelâ€¦"This van feels strong through the gears but you may need a heavy right foot from standstill when accelerating onto roundabouts or out of T-junctions. It'll top out at 111mph and takes 12.9s to reach 60mph. The Rexton C-S weighs 2,760kg and can tow anything up to 3.2 tonnes. In effect, you're buying the utility of a large 4x4 van for the asking price of a much smaller compact sports utility model. What you're not buying, however, is the kind of desirability offered by some of the Rexton's competitors. This means that when the time comes to sell, say, three years down the road, the Rexton C-S will be worth a good deal less. Of course, this point is rendered moot if you absolutely need the extra space the SsangYong affords but otherwise it's a bit of maths you'd be well advised to break out the calculator for before making a buying decision. Rexton owners can expect to achieve something in the region of 37.1mpg according to the official combined cycle figures. CO2 emissions are 228g/km for the 163bhp manual model. Essentially what SsangYong has done is taken its biggest 4x4 passenger car and removed the rear seats. This means the Rexton C-S has a large payload of 740kg and can lug some hefty cargo about. Strangely though, it only offers 2,186 litres of space in the rear. That's 198 litres less storage space than its little SsangYong commercial vehicle brother, the Kyron C-S, which costs around £2,000 less. The rear windows are tinted to keep loads out of view and the storage area has easy access through the rear tailgate and rear doors. Those back doors are fine for quick access to your payload but when the time comes to load large items, they are rather awkwardly shaped and you may be forced to revert to the tailgate. The Rexton C-S is capable of carrying some pretty hefty loads but it remains to be seen how the some of the less sturdy bits of interior trim will hold up to sharp knocks and the sort of bumpy terrain the Rexton C-S is likely to be driven on. SsangYong has done a good job insulating the cabin from engine noise though as the VM-sourced engine isn't the quietest diesel unit when you lift the bonnet. From the driver's seat, it's reduced to a muted rumble. Although the Rexton's interior is not what you'd describe as luxurious and looks a bit plasticy, the cabin does feature an air quality control system and a three person memory driver's seat. The price is the major attraction of the Rexton C-S, offering a lot of car for your money. ABS brakes, ESP with Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Hill Descent Control (HDC), climate control and a Kenwood audio system are all included in the price. A special guard to separate the driver and passenger from any load being carried is available for £299. SsangYong is also making a tachograph fitting kit available for both models, something that isn't available from some competitors. The electric door mirrors fold in and are heated. The Rexton C-S has an easier job making headway in the 4x4 van market than its passenger car counterpart does in its sector. This is firstly because commercial vehicle operators are less badge-conscious and secondly because there are far fewer rivals amongst 4x4 vans and none that can offer the amount of space this vehicle gives for the money being asked. The 2.7-litre diesel engine isn't particularly quiet but it is reasonably economical considering the size of the Rexton though and the vehicle has considerable off-road ability to go with its adequate composure on the tarmac. It offers plenty of room and an interior that feels well built, if a little behind the times style wise. Overall, it's the low pricing that will sell the Rexton and if you're looking for a big 4x4, they don't come much more affordable. The Rexton C-S also comes with a three-year/100,000 mile warranty.Facts At A Glance CAR: SsangYong Rexton C-S INSURANCE GROUP: 12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 228g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed: 122mph / 0-60mph 12.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: 37.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS with ABD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: 4720/1870/1760mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:56:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Kyron C-S Range : YONG AT HEART]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - How does SsangYong's large, low-cost 4x4 convert into a van? Matt Low reports.The relatively unheard of SsangYong Kyron C-S is the van version of SsangYong's Kyron 4x4. Following on from its passenger-carrying cousin, it offers plenty of space, low running costs and a good quota of equipment.You would be forgiven for thinking SsangYong's 4x4 vans are nothing more than the passenger cars of the same name with the rear seats wrenched out. That's if you'd ever heard of or seen a SsangYong in the first place. But peer through the tinted rear windows of the Korean manufacturer's Kyron C-S model and you may be pleasantly surprised by an affordable 4x4 van that combines generous features with reasonable space and off-road ability. The 4x4 van sector is a tough one and while the Kyron C-S won't be topping any sales charts, a place for it does exist within the market. Sales of the Kyron C-S will be small compared to conventional vans with a similar capacity but many operators find the blend of qualities offered by 4x4 vans ideal for their purposes. The Kyron C-S is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged common-rail diesel engine, delivering 139bhp and 310Nm of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual with part-time four-wheel drive that can be selected when the going gets tough, although a Mercedes T-Tronic auto transmission is an optional extra. SsangYong is also offering a two-wheel-drive derivative of the C-S which lowers costs but loses the off-road prowess. Under normal road use, the Kyron C-S uses rear-wheel drive which can be manually changed to four-wheel drive as the car goes off-road. The Kyron offers a high vantage point for the driver, giving a clear view of the road ahead but handling isn't the sharpest and riding upfront in the Kyron can be a rather bouncy experience. While the Kyron C-S offers a maximum payload of 530kg, which is smaller than some of its competitors, its does have a maximum cargo volume of 2,384 litres and has easy access to the cargo area via the rear doors and the rear tailgate. Those back doors are fine for quick access to your cargo but when the time comes to load large items, they are rather awkwardly shaped and you may be forced to revert to the tailgate. Despite the attractive pricing, the Kyron is quite a size with a gross weight of 2,530kg and it can tow anything up to 2.3 tonnes which will be a real benefit to many operators."From the outside, the Kyron is a distinctive sightâ€¦"From the outside, the Kyron is a distinctive sight. The rear lights take a little getting used to. Just as most manufacturers have decided that high mounted tail lights are the way forward, SsangYong seems intent on bucking this trend, the Kyron's tail lights hanging down below the car's belt line in a shield-shaped cluster. The front grille sits above the apex of the headlamps, giving the front end a curiously snouty look and from the side, the nose is a lot more tapered than the bluff fronts of most 4x4s. The extra urban fuel consumption in passenger car trim is 45.6mpg with class-leading CO2 emissions at 191g/km. This isn't a bad showing for a commercial vehicle lugging those hefty 4x4 mechanicals around. A purpose-built van is always going to be more cost-effective to run but it won't stand out in a crowd like the Kyron. The Kyron cabin isn't quite as boldly designed as the exterior and is the most obvious area where costs have been pared back. All the controls are easily comprehensible and ergonomics are decent but a spark of flair would be welcome. A circular metallic band that surrounds the gear lever and drops down one side of the transmission tunnel is an intriguing detail and the console that slopes towards the driver is another but there needs to be less of an emphasis on grey plastics for the SsangYong to excel. An ESP electronic stability programme, ARP active roll-over protection and HDC hill descent control system all come as standard. Coupled with the fact the Kyron C-S includes the same features that its passenger car predecessor enjoys, the fact you'd never heard of it before starts to seem less and less important. That means you can expect auto climate control air conditioning and a six-speaker Kenwood audio system with CD and RDS radio, plus steering wheel controls. A special guard to separate the driver and passenger from any load being carried is available for £299 including VAT and fitting. SsangYong is also making a tachograph fitting kit available for both models, something that isn't available from some competitors. Overall, the SsangYong Kyron C-S looks a decent proposition, offering the sort of space most would expect from a 4x4 van at highly affordable prices. If you're looking for a hefty slug of 4x4 van real estate and don't fancy being bankrupted by a flashy badge, the Kyron may well have something to offer. The Kyron C-S is likely to appeal to specific types of customer. Namely, those that regularly need to transport a relatively small amount of work equipment over tricky terrain or those who have a small amount to lug around and want something with a bit more comfort and street cred. If you're prepared to lose the convenience of sliding side-doors, then you may find the Kyron C-S represents great value for money.Facts At A Glance MANUFACTURER: SsangYong MODEL: Kyron C-S BHP: 139bhp PAYLOAD CAPACITY: 530kg LOAD VOLUME: 2,4m3 GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT: 2.53t LENGTH: 4,460mm WIDTH: 1,180mm HEIGHT: 1,740mm June 20th 2008]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:21:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rodius Range : BEAUTY'S ONLY SKIN DEEP]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYong's Rodius certainly creates a stir. If you're fed up with bland MPVs, this will certainly generate comment. Andy Enright reportsâ€¦f you want to make a fashion statement, then the purchase of a large MPV People Carrier isn't usually the way to do it. Unless of course, the car in question is Ssang Yong's Rodius, the most unusually styled car of its type. It's also incidentally arguably the largest and easily the best value.Let's put this politely: not everyone will like the styling. It's tough to know where to start in describing the car, a lumbering leviathan of an MPV with unparalleled presence. The side profile is especially challenging, with the wheels lost in acres of sheet metal. The last time I felt so dwarfed by this much panel work I was standing next to the QE2 in dry dock. The sloping roofline would look pretty rakish were it not for the fact that there's an unusual section of glasshouse tacked on top of it, looking almost like a stylistic afterthought when the manufacturers mentioned to the stylist that there wasn't adequate luggage space. Walk round to the rear and the view is even more bizarre, looking for all the world as if the stylist has contrived a way of adding the rear hatch of a 4x4 to the bootlid of a saloon car. The current trend for high-mounted brake lights is wilfully ignored while the detailing of the rear glasshouse does little to match the rest of the car. It's quite astonishing and looks so wrong in so many regards that it does something that very few MPVs can do. It brings a smile to your face and impels you to find out more about this curious vehicle."You could be at the wheel of a Lamborghini and attract less attention"The man behind the Rodius' styling is none other than Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London. This is a gentleman whose CV includes cars such as the Bentley Continental R, Bentley Azure and the Aston Martin Virage. Quite what happens when Ken receives a commission from SsangYong is open to conjecture, but he also penned the Musso, another of their back catalogue with love it or hate it lines. One design touch that is undoubtedly rather deft is the way that the lights and some of the other detailing have been supersized to disguise the bulk of the Rodius. At 5125mm long and 1915mm wide, this is a car that comprehensively dwarfs a Range Rover. There are four Rodius models on offer in either 2WD or 4WD - all with a 2.7 litre turbo diesel engine and with automatic transmission as an option. The entry-level Rodius retails at less than £15,000, easily undercutting its nearest rival, Kia's Sedona. In terms of metal for your money, that's the most screaming deal since Andre Poisson thought he'd bought the Eiffel Tower from `Count' Victor Lustig. There are S and ES trim levels and an EX range-topper with 4WD. All variants come with ABS, remote keyless entry, speed-sensing door locks, climate control and a Kenwood audio system. They are all also hugely practical with multiple seat variations and useful extras such as two 12v DC power outlets. Go for the ES model and you can expect to find reverse parking sensors, auto headlights, electric folding mirrors, privacy glass, alloy wheels, ESP and leather upholstery. I think I'd stay with the S and feel smug about the value proposition. Look beyond the unconventional lines and there's a utility vehicle that's virtually unbeatable. To give some idea of the amount of space inside a Rodius, in some markets it's sold in an 11-seat guise! Given that us Brits are some of the largest people on earth, our Rodii are configured in a seven seat format, with two seats up front, a pair of pews in the middle and a triple bench seat at the back. As would be expected, there's actually a fair amount of legroom even in the back. Fold the rear bench down and although it doesn't fold flat into the floor like a Vauxhall Zafira, you probably won't mind as there looks to be more luggage space than in the cargo hold of a Hercules. The middle seats can be spun round to face the rearmost seats for a more sociable set up but it's very easy to bunch the carpet up and make a real pig's ear of things. One for experienced users only. Naturally, you'll need a fair amount of muscle to haul a vehicle this big about and at first glance 163bhp doesn't seem a whole hill of beans. You can buy a Peugeot 206 with more grunt than that. What hope does 163bhp have of moving this mountain of metal? In truth, it does a pretty reasonable job. That power output is generated by a common-rail 2.7-litre diesel engine of Mercedes origin and generates 252 ft/lbs of torque which is a good deal more than a 3.0 BMW X5. Thus equipped, the Rodius will get to 60mph in around 13 seconds and run out of go at 104mph. Fuel consumption is also relatively good for such a sizeable vehicle, the 32.1mpg combined figure being better than you'd expect had you invested your money in a comparable Ford Galaxy instead. One figure that's somewhat less than stellar is the 223g/km of carbon dioxide emitted per kilometre, something that may affect the buying decision of companies looking for some major league airport shuttles. The styling is obviously going to be a major impediment to most right-thinking people. There's no getting away from the fact that the Rodius is quite shockingly ugly. If you can forgive the jarring lines, there's a very creditable MPV vehicle lurking beneath. Drive a Rodius and you'll soon find yourself chuckling at the reactions of other drivers and pedestrians. You could be at the wheel of a Lamborghini and attract less attention. Life's rarely dull with a Rodius.Facts At A Glance CAR: SsangYong Rodius range PRICES: £14,995-£19,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 12 CO2 EMISSIONS: 223g/km PERFORMANCE: Top Speed: 104mph / 0-60mph 13s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 25.2mpg / (extra urban) 38.7mpg / (combined) 32.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 5125/1915/1820mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:29:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rexton II : REXTON TAKE TWO]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYong has quietly established a reputation for building 4x4s that are rough, tough and plenty cheap enough. Andy Enright reports on the latest Rexton IIIt 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. With a typically SsangYong approach to naming convention, it's prosaically called the Rexton II.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. You'll not be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing engines either. There's a choice of either a 163bhp 2.7-litre diesel or, well, nothing. Although this powerplant does feature third generation common rail fuel injection, it's not the sort of engine that you'd 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 driver's 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 with the entry-level 270 S model starting at £19,995 - or a little more if you want the automatic version. Sharing the same engine but offering just about everything in terms of standard equipment is the 270 SPR variant at £24,995. It's worth bearing in mind that the Rexton is about the same size as a Toyota Land Cruiser but a five-door Cruiser starts at around £35,000. In effect, you're 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 you're 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 it's a bit of maths you'd be well advised to break out the calculator for before making a buying decision. All models get ABS brakes, ESP with Active Rollover Protection (ARP), Hill Descent Control (HDC), climate control and a Kenwood audio system. The Rexton S uses manual transmission and torque on demand (TOD) four-wheel drive. As for the top SPR model, well, you name it and it's probably got it, with only a rear roof spoiler and a Kenwood touch screen audio and navigation system as options. All Rextons will happily tow up to 3.2 metric tons - enough for most caravanners, boat and horse owners. In normal running, the 4x4 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, 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 isn't the quietest diesel unit when you lift the bonnet. From the driver's seat, it's 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. It'll top out at 111mph and return an average fuel economy figure of 32.9mph. Although this vehicle isn't designed to be mercilessly flogged off the line, should you see fit to do so, it'll 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 Rexton's 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. It's ride on tarmac isn't 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: £19,995-£24,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-14 CO2 EMISSIONS: 228-237g/km PERFORMANCE: Max 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]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:12:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Kyron Range : KY ME A RIVER]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYong hope their Kyron will make a splash in the compact 4x4 market. It's a tough Task, as Andy Enright reportsAs many manufacturers have found, stretching your brand too far up or downmarket can often have catastrophic consequences. Management textbooks espouse the need to stick with what you know best. SsangYong have developed a reputation for offering large but inexpensive 4x4s, often with unconventional styling. Extending their corporate expertise into the compact 4x4 market seems only logical, but their first crack at this sector, the Kyron, finds itself in probably the most cut-throat arena of all.As any motoring expert will tell you, small 4x4s and MPV style vehicles are hot tickets in terms of sales and all of the big fish have cottoned onto this fact, directing some serious research and development budget at the task of being top of the compact 4x4 pile. This is why the prospective buyer is faced with a wide range of frankly excellent cars to choose from. The big Japanese manufacturers like Nissan with their X-TRAIL, Honda with the CR-V and Toyota with the RAV4 all present stiff opposition to any manufacturer looking to establish a foothold. Land Rover and Jeep still own the upper sector of this market and Hyundai, Suzuki and Kia have pretty much mapped out the lower range. Is there room for SsangYong? The importers of the Kyron like to think so. SsangYong plans to export 37,000 Kyrons a year, many of them headed for Europe where the company is on track for a massive sales boost to 40,000 sales a year. With sales of the Rexton slow and the Rodius almost non-existent, the Kyron is the car that has the responsibility of keeping SsangYong's head above water in Europe. The company are not in the rudest of health at the moment, their Chinese owners overseeing something of a sales collapse that the Kyron must turn round. Many industry observers place the blame on the styling direction the company has taken, and although the Kyron is a far more socially acceptable shape than, say, the Rodius, it's still not what you'd call compact 4x4-generic."The Kyron faces an uphill task but SsangYong seem very confident of its prospects indeed"Prices start from £14,995 for the entry-level 2-wheel drive model, then there are S, EX and SPR specification 4-wheel drive variants priced from £16,995. All models feature alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, a CD player, an alarm and ABS with ABD (Automatic Brakeforce Distribution), plus the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) on plusher variants. Power for all versions comes from a 2.0-litre turbo diesel common rail unit developing 141PS and 310NM of torque from 1.800rpm. Sixty is 16.2s away from rest on the way to a top speed of 104mph (in the 4WD versions at least), so you won't be buying this car is performance is your top priority. It's reasonably economical though, recording 36.7mpg on the combined cycle. There's a decent braked towing capacity too of 2,300kg. Automatic Kyron models feature a Mercedes-Benz five-speed T-Tronic transmission which offers a manual mode "with the responsiveness of a stick shift", plus two reverse gears to give better traction in ice or snow. Designed by Ken Greenley, SsangYong Motor Company's British creative director and former head of Automotive Design at the Royal College of Art, the Kyron is well proportioned, albeit with a couple of rather unconventional details. The rear lights take a little getting used to. Just as most manufacturers have decided that high mounted tail lights are the way forward, SsangYong seems intent on bucking this trend, the Kyron's tail lights hanging down below the car's belt line in a shield-shaped cluster. The front grille sits above the apex of the headlamps, giving the front end a curiously snouty look and from the side, the nose is a lot more tapered than the bluff fronts of most 4x4s. One has to admire SsangYong for refusing to follow the herd but as cars like the Fiat Multipla have shown, adventurous design doesn't always result in big sales. The Kyron looks great in profile with a wedgy waistline that's a whole lot sportier than the average block on stilts. The cabin isn't quite as boldly designed as the exterior and is the most obvious area where costs have been pared back. While SsangYong have shown with the Rexton that they can shoehorn in an admirable amount of standard equipment for the money, if you're a student of fine design, the fascia of the Kyron isn't going to get you excited. All the controls are easily comprehensible and ergonomics are decent but there needs to be a spark of flair if the Kyron is to stand out in the showroom. A circular metallic band that surrounds the gear lever and drops down one side of the transmission tunnel is an intriguing detail and the console that slopes towards the driver is another but there needs to be less of an emphasis on grey plastics for the SsangYong to excel. The three-spoke alloy wheels also made the show car look rather dated. Where the Kyron really scores is in terms of good old-fashioned load lugging practicality. There's a lot more baggage space in the back than in most compact 4x4s, with a total cargo volume of 1,222 litres and volume under the luggage cover at 625 litres. Moreover, for odds and ends, SsangYong have also introduced a few practical touches more at home in a mini-MPV. In case you were wondering, the name Kyron is derived from a combination of the Greek word "Kai" meaning unlimited, and the English word "run". Of perhaps more immediate relevance is the inclusion of multilink rear suspension and an emphasis on safety. This is a model that offers a lot of car for your money, as you would expect from this manufacturer. Even the tape measure shows that at 4,660mm long, the Kyron offers more than the average compact 4x4. Contrast that with the latest Toyota RAV4 which is 24.5cm shorter, or a Land Rover Freelander which short changes you by 21.3cm. In fact, the Kyron is within 7mm of something like a BMW X5 lengthwise, which explains why there's such a generous amount of space inside. Overall, the product looks a decent proposition, offering the sort of space most would expect from a family-sized 4x4 at compact prices. If you're looking for a hefty slug of 4x4 real estate and don't fancy being bankrupted by a flashy badge, the Kyron may well have something to offer.Facts At A Glance CAR: SsangYong Kyron 4x4 range PRICES:£14,995-£22,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 197-217g/km PERFORMANCE: [4WD] Max Speed 104mph / 0-60mph 16.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [4WD] (Urban) 28.5mpg / (extra urban) 44.8mpg / (Combined) 36.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Active rollover protection, hill descent control, ABS with ABD brake assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4460/1880/1740mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:03:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rexton : YONG AT HEART]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - June Neary Gets Down And Dirty With SsangYongs Rexton 4x4For most of us, its a truism that the first thing we look for when choosing a new car is the price tag. Of course, it would be fantastic if money truly was no object, but since Roman Abramovich is happily married, Ill have to stay in the real world. Much as Id like a Range Rover or a BMW X5, Id have to cut my cloth to suit my tastes in this sector and as such Id be taking a very close look at SsangYongs Rexton 4x4. A what? I hear you say. SsangYong have had an interesting history here in the UK but the Rextons value proposition is unarguable. Its got that great elevated seating position that makes you feel nigh-on invincible and it feels as if its built from girders. I get rather fed up with Freelander owners towering over my Corolla. With the Rexton its time for payback. Make no mistake, despite the shrunken price tags this is a true full-sized family 4x4. SsangYong offer three different engines, two trim levels, two different gearboxes and either five or seven seat configurations so youre not going to be stuck for choice. I tried a five-seat version of the 2.7-litre diesel Rexton fitted with the Mercedes-sourced five-speed T-tronic automatic gearbox, and loved it. Every year one car stands out for me as the most surprising package and so far nothing tops the Rexton. No, the interior isnt BMW-style slick, but its been built with a keen eye on design and the quality is just as good as many more expensive Japanese rivals. Measuring fully 4,720mm from nose to tail, the Rexton is no half measure. In fact thats longer than the Mercedes M-class!The cabin is light and airy, and the dash is reminiscent of a late nineties Volkswagen Group product itself no bad thing. Three Rexton trim levels are available, S, SE and SX, the key difference between them being a torque-sensing differential being fitted to the most expensive SX. Theres plenty to commend the car in the way it tackles off road obstacles, the 200mm of ground clearance and tight ramp and departure angles giving it a good deal of capability. Thats something that cant always be said of vehicles of this ilk. On road its rugged and feels safe, but its not the most composed handler. The automatic gearbox is well worth having but youll need to hold the Rexton against the brakes if you want to make a quick getaway.Heres an area where the Rexton rules. Prices are comparable to cars from the next class down, the prices kicking off at a bargain basement £18,995 for the S trim level. The best buy of the range looks to be the SE model, pitched at £20,995. This includes climate controlled air conditioning, driver passenger and side airbags, anti lock brakes with ESP stability control and 16-inch alloy wheels. You also get roof rails, leather trim for the steering wheel and seats, and a luggage cover to keep your valuables out of sight. Factory fit options include privacy glass, dual zone air conditioning, a sunroof and a side step. There are also luxury, power and convenience packs that bundle together options to offer better value. Your SsangYong dealer will be able to talk you through these. As long as I could extend my garage a little, theres no reason why I couldnt get on very well with the Rexton. It may be big but its certainly not unmanageable, the tight turning circle and easy steering being a boon on city streets. I particularly relished the great fuel economy the my model returned, the running costs being very modest. CAP, the motor industry bible, even predicts modest depreciation for the Rexton. Sales have been strong to date and its proven something of an underground success. The best value 4x4 youve never heard of might soon be getting a whole lot more play in the UK.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Oct 2006 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Korando (1997 - 1999) : KOR BLIMEY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Models Covered: 3dr 4x4, 2.3 petrol, 2.9 dieselBY ANDY ENRIGHTThe SsangYong Korando may be many things but bland doesnt enter the equation. Its looks will doubtless divide opinion but whether you love or hate its curious styling, one things not up for debate the value proposition. The 4x4 market is overpopulated by tiny tinny barbie trucks that wilt at the sight of a muddy pathway. The Korando is built of much sterner stuff and if you can track one down, youll be treated to a genuinely tough customer. Get past the challenging appearance though and a used Korando makes a lot of sense. Its based on rugged underpinnings and features a pair of powerplants sourced from a German concern called Mercedes-Benz, who are reputed to know a thing or two about engines. Priced attractively from new, the Korando makes a left-field alternative to a Jeep Wrangler, and one that will guarantee a certain exclusivity.Although British designer Ken Greenley may disagree, what you get is a somewhat unusual looking, but incredibly tough, 4x4. It will generally appeal to those who need a serious off-road vehicle but find the Wrangler a little bit too Marlboro Man, a Land Cruiser too dear and a Land Rover Freelander too Cool Britannia. The effect of this is slightly odd. From the front, the Korando looks for all the world like a pastiche of the original Willys Jeep, with its twin circular headlamps and separate wings, albeit one which has been squashed from either side. The rear is utterly oriental-conventional, though, with a neat, boxy shape. The overall look is of two different concepts melded together. The engine choices available are both well up to the task. Built in Korea under licence from Mercedes-Benz, the 2. 3-litre petrol unit is as refined as youd expect, but the 2.9-litre diesel, also a Mercedes unit, has proved more popular. Equipment includes electric front windows, electric mirrors, a height adjustable drivers seat with lumbar support, a tilt-adjustable leather-covered steering wheel, power steering, tinted glass, an alarm and immobiliser plus an RDS stereo radio cassette player. Certainly, despite the three-door-only availability, the Korando makes practical sense. Theres ample head and legroom for five people, a split/folding rear seat and a respectable 1254 litres of boot space. Try that with a Jeep Wrangler.If youre looking for a lot of metal for your money, the Korando makes a decent claim. The 2.3-litre petrol-powered cars solely available in GLS trim - start at £3,800 on a 1997 P plate rising to £4,225 for an S registered model. Automatic gearboxes tend to tack another £200 onto those prices. The 2.9-litre diesel models open in LS trim at £3,825 while the plusher GLS version can be your s for as little as £4,025, topping out at £4,475 for an S-plater. Insurance is Group 12 across the board.The engines and gearboxes are proven items, and the ladder-framed chassis boasts good ground clearance, so the Korando keeps its nose clean on these counts. As with any vehicle that purports to offer serious off road capabilities, check the underbody for signs of damage. Concentrate on the suspension, exhaust and chassis, and make sure the steering and differential are still serviceable. Inspect the wheelarch liners for rust-inducing punctures and ensure that the four-wheel drive selector works properly, as these shift on the fly mechanisms are prone to accidental damage. Otherwise, the usual reminder to obtain a service history applies.(Estimated prices, based on a 2.9D) Youll need around £1,000 for a Korando exhaust and a catalyst will be around £410. Front brake pads will retail for at least £100, while a new radiator weighs in at around £250. An alternator will be in the region of £240, and a new starter motor £200. Though it may be damning with faint praise, the Korando is better than it looks on the road. Despite being based on a proper off-road ladder chassis with meaningful ground clearance, the on-road ride is good. Coil sprung rear suspension gives a relatively composed ride, and stability feels good. Theres none of the tilting, toppling and swaying that some 4x4 owners have become used to, that feeling that when the steering wheel is turned the upper and lower halves of the vehicle are going in opposite directions. Anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard, and the front suspension resists dive quite well. The four-wheel drive selector takes the form of a simple dash-mounted button rather than an awkward lever, and this can be operated at speed of up to 43mph. Once off-road, the short front and rear overhangs give the Korando admirable clambering ability, although it will struggle to match a Land Cruiser; theres just not the torque available. Of the two models, the diesel is the off-road weapon of choice. A used SsangYong Korando offers quality, if somewhat old fashioned, engines, tough running gear, a certain individuality and an affordable sticker price. If you need a family-friendly 4x4, the three-door body style may strike it out and if youre at all the aesthete, it may never have entered your considerations in the first place. Nevertheless, it is surprisingly honest and charming and cant lose too much value over a typical three year ownership period. Do bear in mind that sales were, to put it kindly, modest. Tracking down a Korando could well be a more challenging task than owning one.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Musso (1995 - 1999) : NEEDS MUSS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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