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<title><![CDATA[Yahoo! rss_cars : Ssangyong]]></title>
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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, its 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. 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]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:05:00 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 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. Its 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 and just a quick interpretation of the press release that accompanied the Kyrons European debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Show indicated why so much is riding on this car. Basically, 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 SsangYongs 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, its still not what youd call compact 4x4-generic."The Kyron faces an uphill task but SsangYong seem very confident of its prospects indeed"Prices start from £16,995 for the entry-level 2-wheel drive model, then there are S, SE and SX specification 4-wheel drive variants priced from £17,995. 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 wont be buying this car is performance is your top priority. Its reasonably economical though, recording 36. 7mpg on the combined cycle. Theres a decent braked towing capacity too of 2,300kg. The top of the Range Kyron SX features 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 Companys 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 Kyrons tail lights hanging down below the cars 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 doesnt always result in big sales. The Kyron looks great in profile with a wedgy waistline thats a whole lot sportier than the average block on stilts. The cabin isnt 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 youre a student of fine design, the fascia of the Kyron isnt 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. Theres 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 theres such a generous amount of space inside. It may be big, but SsangYong have needed to box clever in bringing the Kyron to market. They havent hung about either, taking just 30 months from initial design proposal to the finished article, with an investment of $249m. Thats still over a quarter of a million dollars a day going into building this model, a sum that Chinas Shanghai Auto has ploughed into SsangYong to endow it with a greater global reach. The product looks a decent proposition, offering the sort of space most would expect from a family-sized 4x4 at compact prices. If youre looking for a hefty slug of 4x4 real estate and dont 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:£16,995-£22,495 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12 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>Mon, 22 May 2006 18:02:00 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 - Models Covered: 5dr 4x4, 2.3, 3.2 petrol, 2.9 diesel, 2. 9 turbodieselBY ANDY ENRIGHTWhen it comes to badge equity, youve either got it or you havent. Whilst Mercedes and BMW drivers pay a big premium for the guaranteed residual values and snob appeal of their smart badges, there are other marques that have to forge an existence on the strength of their hardware. Take SsangYong for example. If youre asking yourself Who?, that illustrates the point exactly. The Musso 4x4 was launched in the UK in 1995 and failed to create much of an impression for four years, largely due to the fact that we like our premium badges on big 4x4s. The ironic thing is that if you pop the bonnet, youll see a premium lump of Mercedes-Benz iron staring back at you but most never bothered to investigate that far. As a used buy, the Musso makes an excellent value family 4x4. Before you sign up for an MPV, give one a look. The Musso is one of the first 4x4 vehicles to look remotely sleek. The angle of the windscreen is raked back to give a purposeful, sporty image, at odds with the barn-door design of many of its rivals. Parked next to a Nissan Patrol or Land Rover Discovery, the Musso looks a classier, more expensive piece of equipment, possibly even in the Range Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser bracket to the uninitiated. In practical terms, the Musso also makes sense as long as you dont need space for seven. Thats impossible due to the fact that, unlike many competitors, you dont get occasional seats in the luggage compartment. Still, there is ample head and legroom for five people. Another point worth making is that, at only 67.7 inches high, it's still able to scrape aboard `Le Shuttle` (unlike some other 4x4s), should you wish to venture across the Channel. Another unusual feature is that the rear seat is set higher than those at the front. This novelty, copied from Korean executive cars unseen in Europe, was adopted to give rear passengers a better view. Other useful features include an intrusion-free 1120-litre, luggage compartment and split/folding rear seat. Due to the paltry sales, it may be difficult landing a Musso in an exact colour/trim/condition combination. Prices begin at £2,700 for a 1995 registered Musso 2.9D Standard, with the more appealing-sounding SE model retailing for £500 more. The oddball 3. 2-litre GX220s prices are hovering around the £4,700 mark for a tidy 1997 P registered vehicle.The engines and gearboxes are proven items, and the ladder-framed chassis boasts good ground clearance, so the Musso wont cause any great concern in these areas. 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 2.3). A new starter motor for a Musso will relieve you of approximately £578. A new alternator will demand the sum of £390. A radiator is more reasonably priced at around £145, and a clutch assembly will be in the region of £165. Things begin to go a trifle pear-shaped with a £450 exhaust system and a £735 catalyst, whilst front brake pads wont give you any change from £100.The Musso comes as standard with the high driving position and bulletproof feel that all good 4x4s engender. Despite being based on a proper off-road ladder chassis, 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. Reassuring 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 Musso is not as agile as its sister car, the Korando, as sheer bulk mitigates against its ultimate capability and ground clearance is not the greatest.Just because youve got a growing family and the outgoings to match doesnt necessarily mean you should cave in to mediocrity and buy an ageing MPV. A SsangYong Musso has a whole lot more about it and offers the opportunity for weekend off roading fun. The Musso is big, tough and is unlikely to depreciate a whole lot further. If a premium badge doesnt concern you, the Musso could make an interesting bet. Its worth it just to be able to confuse people who think they know about cars.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2005 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ssangyong Rodius Range : BEAUTYS ONLY SKIN DEEP]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - SsangYongs Rodius Certainly Creates A Stir. If Youre Fed Up With Bland MPVs This Will Certainly Generate Comment. Andy Enright ReportsIf you could measure world-weary cynicism, press day at the Geneva Motor Show would probably represent a global hot spot. Legions of seen-it-all, jaded hacks troop from one stand to another complaining about the quality of the coffee, dismissing the latest Italian supercar with a derisory snort and barging past the Swiss Prime Minister in a bid to file copy and hit the bar. Despite this, there was one stand which brought even the most experienced hacks to a gaping standstill. SsangYong didnt have the widest Range of cars, the most dazzling light show or the shortest skirts on the hostesses. It topped the lot with a solitary Rodius, an MPV that, to put it politely, is certainly intriguing to behold.A colleague of mine put it rather less delicately, comparing its face to the north end of a southbound camel although I have to say the Rodius front end is arguably the most conventional aspect about it. Its 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 theres 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 wasnt 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. Its 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."The Rodius represents a striking break with MPV norms while actually taking MPV strengths to an altogether higher level," commented Tom Martin, the Marketing Director of SYUK Cars. "As the ultimate family car, or a corporate people carrier of top class quality and comfort, there is nothing else to touch it for the money." Talking of money, the entry-level Rodius retails at less than £19,000 which, in terms of metal for your money, is the most screaming deal since Andre Poisson thought hed bought the Eiffel Tower from Count Victor Lustig.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 ContinentalR, 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. "The Rodius represents a striking break with MPV norms while actually taking MPV strengths to an altogether higher level," commented Tom Martin, the Marketing Director of SYUK Cars. "As the ultimate family car, or a corporate people carrier of top class quality and comfort, there is nothing else to touch it for the money." Talking of money, the entry-level Rodius retails at less than £19,000 which, in terms of metal for your money, is the most screaming deal since Andre Poisson thought hed bought the Eiffel Tower from Count Victor Lustig. Look beyond the unconventional lines and theres a utility vehicle thats virtually unbeatable. To give some idea of the amount of space inside a Rodius, in some markets its 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, theres actually a fair amount of legroom even in the back. Fold the rear bench down and although it doesnt fold flat into the floor like a Vauxhall Zafira, you probably wont 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 its very easy to bunch the carpet up and make a real pigs ear of things. One for experienced users only. Naturally, youll need a fair amount of muscle to haul a vehicle this big about and at first glance 163bhp doesnt 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 28.5mpg combined figure being better than youd expect had you invested your money in a 2. 3-litre Ford Galaxy instead. One figure thats somewhat less than stellar is the 257g/km of carbon dioxide emitted per kilometre, something that may affect the buying decision of companies looking for some major league airport shuttles. SsangYong offer a pair of trim levels, both mated to a five-speed T-tronic automatic gearbox, again of Mercedes provenance. The first is the £18,999 S auto which still includes safety functions such as ESP stability control, twin airbags, anti lock brakes and three-point seatbelts on every seat. If this is still well under your allotted budget, the SE auto retails at £21,999 and includes leather seats, wider tyres, privacy glass and a sunroof. I think Id stay with the S and feel smug about the value proposition. The styling is obviously going to be a major impediment to most right-thinking people. Theres no getting away from the fact that the Rodius is quite shockingly ugly. If you can forgive the jarring lines, theres a very creditable MPV vehicle lurking beneath. Drive a Rodius and youll 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. Lifes rarely dull with a Rodius. Facts At A Glance CAR: SsangYong Rodius Range PRICES: £18,999-£21,999 on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 12 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: 267g/km PERFORMANCE: Top Speed: 104mph / 0-60mph 13s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 28.5mpg 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>Mon, 04 Jul 2005 17:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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