THE JOY OF REX (some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

SsangYong's improved seven-seat Rexton proves that a big, rugged 4x4 needn't be prohibitively expensive. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 65

Want a large SUV that can walk the walk as well as talking the talk? What about one you probably aren't familiar with, the vastly improved fourth generation version of SsangYong's Rexton? If you are secure enough in yourself not to care too much about badge equity and want a large, capable, well equipped seven-seat 4x4 for sensible money, it makes a lot of sense.

Backgroundword count: 172

Increasingly, large luxury SUVs are all about image, all about badge-equity, all about fashion. Or at least most of them are. Here's one that's more practically grounded - the improved version of the fourth generation SsangYong Rexton. Of all this South Korean brand's products, the Rexton is probably the one provoking most familiarity amongst UK buyers. That's because it's been around so long - since 2001 in fact, sold in first generation form until 2006 when a second generation version offered much the same kind of solid, practical proposition - and much the same aging 2.7-litre Mercedes diesel engine. A big step forward though, was made in 2013 with the launch of the MK3 model 'Rexton W', which got a properly modern 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel engine later uprated to 2.2-litre capacity. This fourth generation design announced in 2018 borrowed that engine, but not a lot else, showcasing the recent steps forward that SsangYong had made in technology and quality. It's the improved version of that MK4 design that we look at here.

Driving Experienceword count: 221

Under the bonnet, this improved Rexton gets an uprated 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which delivers maximum power of 202PS (up from 181PS) and maximum torque of 441Nm (up from 420Nm.) This powerplant delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start - the rest to 62mph sprint takes 11.9 seconds. More important is the way that this proven e-XDi 220 unit has been tuned primarily for the strong low-end torque typical of the Korean maker's powerplants. Transmission is now a Hyundai-sourced 8-speed automatic. Like most SsangYong SUVs, this one will be ideal for those wishing to tow. Thanks to a braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, it can deal with heavier items like a double horsebox, a large caravan or a commercial trailer. Like other SUVs in this class, the Rexton features a part time 4x4 system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels. Unlike German premium brand SUVs, you get a low ratio gearbox for when off-road conditions become more demanding. Off road electronic safety aids like hill start assist and hill decent control are standard and the Rexton is best-in-class for approach and departure angles - 20.5 degrees and 22.2 degrees respectively. On-tarmac, SsangYong says that this Rexton's refinement is much improved over the car it replaces, due to its stiffer body, improved aerodynamics and better engine isolation.

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