16 January 2018

SsangYong Rexton 2017 car review

For a vehicle that has been around since 2002, there’s not a lot been said about the SsangYong large SUV. Well that may be all about to change as Great Lake Motor Distributors boast the all-new 4th generation Rexton which is slated to take SsangYong into a more premium space than any model they’ve previously offered. With levels of equipment, luxury, refinement and practicality on offer that may yet be found in a large SUV priced at a mainstream level.


Rexton 1
SsangYong Rexton
Rexton 2
SsangYong Rexton
Rexton 3
SsangYong Rexton
Rexton 4
SsangYong Rexton
Rexton 5
SsangYong Rexton

With two models on offer, the 4WD Sport and SPR with a third (2wd) on its way, the choice is between extras that are hard to say no to. Both are 4WD, ride on 20” alloy wheels, and are powered by a turbo diesel engine. A full size spare is quite rare these days, but on the Rexton none the less. 

Inside the cabin are seven seats over three rows, a modest 9.2” touchscreen infotainment monitor on which the hi-res reverse camera displays its picture. Featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluetooth phone connection for calls and audio.

The SPR steps out in front with the addition of electrically adjustable Napa leather seats (instead of leatherette) which are also heated and cooled. Leather quilting and soft blue mood lighting adds a small touch of luxury.

Dark tinted privacy glass for the rear windows, 7” supervision cluster for the driver to view, smart key entry and exit with hands-free tailgate are also added to the SPR.

Lastly and definitely the most important features of the Rexton are the safety and assist features also reserved for the top spec, which includes items like AEB, high beam lighting and lane assists.   

I found the Rexton great to drive, with plenty of power on tap from the engine and in great combination with the slick-shifting Mercedes-Benz sourced 7-speed auto transmission. The commitment to quality is also backed up by the fact the SsangYong are giving a 5-year 150k fully transferable warranty. 

The new Rexton has not yet been ANCAP safety rated. 

At a glance

Models

Sport and SPR

Engine

2.2Ltr Turbodiesel

Price

From $59,990

ANCAP safety rating

Unrated

Power

133kw, 420Nm

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic

Fuel economy

8.3L/100km

Towing capacity

750kg unbraked/ 3,500kg braked

2WD/4WD/AWD

4WD

Seating capacity

7

Luggage capacity/payload

Up to 1,806L all rear seats folded flat

Safety systems

Autonomous Emergency Brake(SPR model)

9-Airbags

Lane Change Assist and Departure Warning(SPR model)

Active Roll-over protection(ARP), Hill Descent Control(HDC)

Reverse Camera

ABS, ESP, TCS

Previous review
Next review
BMW X3 xDrive 30i 2018 car review
Read more
SEAT Leon Cupra 2017 car review
Read more