As many of you will know, the focus of MotorMartin is on ‘real life’ motoring, an area not really serviced by the National Motoring Media. I can’t remember the last time I was in the newsagent and saw a SsangYong gazing back from the shelves and it is for this reason that MotorMartin is important. Cars like the Rexton, SsangYong’s flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is greatly enhanced for 2016 with the addition of an upgraded Euro 6 compliant powertrain, deserve their moment on the front covers as much as the latest BMW or Mercedes. With better products comes more foot fall in the showroom, which should then translate into better sales and a greater presence in the mind of the Consumer. MotorMartin has no doubt that vehicles such as this will certainly go some way to achieving this.
In addition to the new 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine, Rexton also gets the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or new Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic.
Diesel power
The newly developed e-XDi220 diesel engine meets the demand for a more powerful performance and lower CO2 emissions at the same time. Maximum power is increased to 178ps and torque to 400Nm – up by 15% and 11% respectively over the previous Euro 5 diesel 2.0 litre engine. Maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving.
Big strides have also been made with CO2 emissions which have been reduced to 184g/km, down from 196g/km on the previous manual transmission model, while fuel economy is considerably improved and now up to 40mpg (Combined cycle) compared with 38.2mpg on the model it replaces.
“This is a significant step up for the Rexton,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “The power upgrade and new 7-speed automatic bring greater refinement, while the car continues to deliver unrivaled levels of equipment for the price, and is backed by a comprehensive 5 year limitless mileage warranty for complete peace of mind.”
Good news for caravaners is that the Rexton is built on a steel ladder chassis and with a 3 tonne towing capacity, the 2016 SsangYong Rexton is a serious off-roader and tow-car, yet with all the equipment and creature comforts expected of an urban cruiser.
Noted for being extremely capable off-road, the Rexton uses a body on frame construction for maximum strength. It features double wishbone and coil spring suspension to the front, and a five link rigid axle with coil springs at the rear, while the EX automatic and ELX models feature multi-link rear suspension for an even more comfortable ride.
With either the 6-speed manual or 7-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, the driver can select low range when going off road which splits the torque equally between the front and rear axles to provide all round traction, and ensures optimum grip across the most challenging terrain.
Available with either five or seven seats, it’s great to see that SsangYong haven’t forgotten the interior and specification as the Rexton range is comprehensively equipped with the range topping ELX featuring a luxurious beige/grey leather interior, new multi-function leather covered steering wheel, distinctive 18” Diamond cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dipping rear view mirror, heated rear seats and Sat Nav.
With prices starting from only £22,995, the 2016 Rexton 2.2 has an almost unrivalled position in the 4×4 sector, and is now available to buy. At that price, expect to see the Rexton on the highways and byways of the UK very soon indeed.
Does the SsangYong Rexton represent ‘real life’ motoring? Without yet driving one it’s difficult to give a definitive answer but for MotorMartin the specification and price would suggest it will be. Well done SsangYong.
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