Believe it or not, the SsangYong Rexton is 21 years old and still going strong in some markets.
If you were around during the early-to-mid 2000s, you may be very familiar with the SsangYong Rexton. This SUV was initially powered by a Mercedes-Benz sourced 2.7-litre turbodiesel. It earned many Malaysian customers who were being offered equipment and appointments usually not seen in SUVs at that point in time. The Rexton facelift, called the Rexton II was equally successful.
However, SsangYong eventually faded out of existence in Malaysia and the brand was dissolved locally. Late last year, it was also revealed that the brand was in some serious trouble.
Yet this week, the company said that it would be continuing to update its models in certain markets, like the UK. There, the Rexton will be pushing into its 21st model year with some new features and a market-leading 7-year warranty.
Here’s what’s new in a nutshell:
- Exterior styling
- more powerful 2.2L turbo diesel with 202PS and 441Nm of torque
- new shift-by-wire 8-speed automatic from Hyundai
- new digital cluster
- new driver assistance technologies, safety features
- Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto
- a rear-view reversing camera
- 8.0″ and 9.2″ screens optional
- body-on-frame construction with 1.5Gpa ultra-strength steel
To learn more about how the SsangYong Rexton is doing in the UK in its 21st year, check out the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
SsangYong Motors UK introduced the new 21-model year SsangYong Rexton into the UK market. The SsangYong Rexton facelift boasts a new look front end and a revamped rear but retains the qualities, space, all the capabilities of a traditional SUV. Rexton pairs a revamped exterior with a new, stylish interior, whilst still boasting advanced safety and infotainment technologies. This model-year brings changes to its drivetrain too – with a more powerful engine and the introduction of a new 8-speed automatic transmission. All wrapped up with a comprehensive and market-leading 7-year/ 150,000-mile warranty.
From every aspect, the 21-model year SsangYong Rexton has an eye-catching design, with a powerful, sturdy stance that serves as a solid foundation for its superior ride and handling dynamics. Inside, the Rexton impresses even further with a new digital cluster, driver assistance technologies, safety features and multimedia packages. Engineered for an active lifestyle, new SsangYong Rexton exceeds expectations by delivering spacious comfort, practical go-anywhere ability, and superior safety. And as you’d expect from a company that has over 65 years of experience, SsangYong’s new Rexton is a magnificently muscular thing.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
The Rexton powertrain employs a newly uprated 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which now delivers maximum power of 202PS and maximum torque of 441Nm. This highly efficient, extremely quiet, e-XDi 220 engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque – typical of a SsangYong power unit. It achieves a CO2 emission level of 225 (WLTP), economy of up to 32.9 mpg on a combined cycle (WLTP) and achieves 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds.
SsangYong Rexton is now equipped with an all-new 8-speed FR-type automatic transmission produced by Hyundai Transys – also supplied to Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. Its improved weight and efficiency delivers a smooth sophisticated response and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), thanks to wider gear ratios and a pendulum damper. It has an advanced shift-by-wire (SBW) system by which the transmission modes are engaged/changed through electronic controls without any mechanical linkage between the gear shifting lever and the transmission.
4WD SYSTEM
Rexton is an all-wheel drive offering superior driving stability across all types of terrain. It has a proven, go anywhere, selectable 4-wheel drive system. The vehicles 4-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong’s years of experience in 4-wheel drive technology. For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, the car features part time 4-wheel drive with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels. Drive to the front wheels can be selected electronically with either high ratio, or low ratio chosen as and when the off-road conditions become more demanding.
TOWING ABILITY
Ideal for those wishing to tow a double horsebox, large caravan, or commercial trailer, the Rexton has a strong ladder chassis providing a substantial towing platform – a mighty towing capacity of 3,500kg, and a kerb weight of 2180 Kg, particularly important for anyone towing a heavy caravan. SsangYong Rexton now also boasts Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which improves driving stability by detecting and automatically stabilising yaw movement and sway of the trailer mounted to the vehicle.
MULTIMEDIA
The Rexton doesn’t just offer real advances on-road and off-road, it also offers them on-screen. There is a choice of two advanced infotainment systems depending on trim level – both include DAB radio, excellent connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto for device mirroring, a rear-view reversing camera, and displayed on an 8.0″ screen (Ventura) or in HD on a wide 9.2″ screen including TomTom navigation on Ultimate models.
SAFETY
The SsangYong Rexton is one of the strongest and safest vehicles in its class. It’s built on a high-strength body-on-frame construction and features a comprehensive suite of the latest electronic safety aids. It has extremely strong foundations – its body-on-frame construction is built using 1.5Gpa ultra-strength steel – a world first. In fact, 81.7% of the steel plate in the car’s body uses high-strength, high-density, high-tensile steel. This provides superb rigidity and protection in a collision to maximise the safe space within the cabin.
NVH
SsangYong Rexton’s NVH levels are much improved over its predecessors, due to its stiffer body, improved aerodynamics to reduce wind noise, better engine isolation by means of hydraulic engine mounts and improved cabin sealing. Advanced tools and technologies have been applied to Rexton to suppress NVH and it now boasts some of the lowest NVH levels in its class. Its cabin noise at idle is just 44.0dB and its chassis vibration at idle is 95.0Hz.
THE LINE UP
The SsangYong Rexton is extremely well equipped and comes with generous levels of equipment as standard. Adorned with at new striking and defined front styling concept, the D-segment vehicle seats 7 passengers with plenty of cargo space and the versatility that you would expect from a modern SUV. There are now two trim levels to choose from – the newly named Ventura, which replaces the ELX, and the high-spec Ultimate.
REXTON VENTURA
The SsangYong Rexton Ventura, which comes with auto transmission only, has seven seats, new design 18″ diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, 12.3″ full digital console, dual zone climate control, 8″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. It has power assisted steering, a heated leather steering wheel as well as power adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, TPU faux-leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera. Safety kit includes 9 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Smart High Beam and Trailer Sway Control.
REXTON ULTIMATE
Step up to the SsangYong Rexton Ultimate, also with automatic transmission and seven seats, new design 18″ alloy diamond cut alloys, LED headlights, LED fog lights, 9″ HD audio screen with TomTom navigation, interior mood lighting, stainless steel door finishes, rear view camera with 3D 360 monitoring system, Lane Change Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power seats, and ‘smart’ electronic tailgate.
