Ssangyong has extensively redesigned the Rexton. There is more power and torque, more equipment and many new assistants. Its most important property for many buyers, however, remains unchanged - fortunately.
So far, the Rexton has been something of the proletarian among the large SUVs - and that is meant positively. In other words, an honest worker who, for example, with a lot of space and a high trailer load, qualified himself for the less attractive tasks of a car life at a fair price. Now Ssangyong has thoroughly revised its upper middle class SUV. At the base price of 42.990 euros (Crystal) there is, among other things, a more powerful engine, a new automatic transmission, more equipment and assistants as well as slightly finer manners.
Also pulls heavy trailers
But let's start with what has not changed: For fans of the Rexton, which is available as a five or seven-seater, the trailer load is often the decisive purchase criterion. The Korean continues to build on a solid ladder frame and continues to take up to 3,5 tons on the hook, even in this class not all vehicles can do this for a long time. It is gratifying that Ssangyong Germany, unlike some of its competitors, has managed to increase the burden here.
The four-cylinder diesel has been revised; with 149 kW / 202 PS it now delivers 21 PS more than the old version. The torque increased by 21 to 441 Newton meters, this maximum is constant between 1.600 and 2.600 rpm, i.e. the speed range in which a diesel is usually driven. At almost 2,3 tons, the Rexton, which is not exactly light, is not designed for high motorway speeds anyway, as the stated maximum speed of 184 km / h testifies to.
Little consumption for the size
More important than the extra power and the noticeable torque gain, especially at low engine speeds, is the new automatic. Not only does it now have eight instead of seven levels, but it also impresses with its faster response, predominantly successful gear selection and greater efficiency, which among other things contributes to a few centiliters lower standard consumption compared to its predecessor. Whereby 8,2 liters per 100 kilometers according to WLTP are certainly not a glory for a modern vehicle.
The engine is still more of a rougher type, but the insulation is okay and its audible work does not interfere in everyday life. The four-cylinder only becomes (too) loud for a short time when you press the gas foot down and switch the automatic down to accelerate. The chassis works confidently, from the middle equipment level Quartz (from 47.590 euros) an independent rear suspension is used, which further improves the manners of the 4,85 meter long SUV. Nevertheless, the ride comfort in particular is not the strongest side of the Rexton.
The all-wheel drive is always there, although normally only the rear wheels are driven. If you switch it on manually, the torque is distributed fairly between the axes. In addition to the 4H option for the road, there is also a 4L version for the terrain.
Lots of space
Another strength in addition to the trailer load is the space available, it also allows the installation of seven seats, whereby as with all these vehicles with three rows of seats in the last one is only comfortable for children. In the front and in the second row on the outside you sit very comfortably with plenty of space for your head and feet. Those who, like most buyers, opt for the five-seater will hardly ever have to suffer from transport problems: the trunk in the normal configuration packs 820 liters; if the second row seats are folded down, the cargo volume of 1.977 liters almost reaches the level of a van .
Ssangyong is particularly proud of the new assistants. Always there are those for lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, hill start and hill start assist, attention monitoring and - very important with this vehicle - trailer stability control. In the higher versions, a front camera, adaptive cruise control as well as blind spot and parking assistants are used.
In the redesigned interior, the digital instrument display (12,3 inches) is particularly eye-catching. However, it is only reserved for the highest equipment version, Sapphire, for which Ssangyong then already self-confidently calls for 52.990 euros. However, the equipment is then almost complete and, according to Ssangyong managing director Ulrich Mehling, nine out of ten buyers will choose this variant.
Modern
The basic version, Crystal, includes, among other things, air conditioning, front / rear parking beeps and navigation. With Quartz, there are also 18-inch models, two-zone air conditioning, seat heating and independent rear suspension. Sapphire includes heated rear seats, the digital display instrument, keyless entry, synthetic leather front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
The Rexton shows itself not only in the equipment on time level, also the modernized interior, the stronger engine, the improved automatic system and new assistance systems bring the SUV up to date. The Korean is not really cheap anymore, but it is compared to the Most of the competitors, especially since a five-year guarantee up to 150.000 kilometers is granted. What is missing: fine-tuning of the chassis, more feedback from the steering and more quiet from the engine - nothing that cannot be remedied with the next revision. We would have liked a head-up display, but unfortunately that is not available even for a surcharge.
Technical data
Five-seater, five-door SUV in the upper mid-range; Length: 4,85 meters, width: 1,96 meters (with exterior mirrors: not specified), height: 1,83 meters, wheelbase: 2,87 meters, trunk volume (5-door): 820 - 1.977 liters
2,2 liter diesel; 149 kW / 202 PS, maximum torque: 441 Nm at 1.600 - 2.600 rpm, eight-speed automatic, switchable all-wheel drive, Vmax: 184 km / h, 0-100 km / h: not specified, standard consumption (WLTP): 8,2 Liters, CO2 emissions: 214 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: C.
Price: from 42.990 euros (Crystal)
Price of the test car: 52.990 euros (Sapphire)
In brief
Why: lots of space, high trailer load, many assistants, fair prices, long guarantee
Why not: Loud engine, high consumption, there is a lack of fine-tuning of the chassis
What else: Toyota Land Cruiser, Subaru Outback, Kia Sorento, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Hyundai Santa Fe
When does he come: from now on
