SsangYong have not been sitting on their laurels recently but have been working hard to improve the already impressive, new Korando SUV crossover, Rexton 4×4 and Turismo MPV which have all received a significant power boost for 2016 together with improved economy and reduced CO2 emissions. And to get the message out there on the roads, MotorMartin felt it important to share that they are now available to order with the new 16 registration. As regular readers will know, MotorMartin has a main aim of promoting ‘real life’ motoring and it because of this that SsangYong would appear to fit well with this as a joint philosophy as the range offers an intriguing blend of style, practicality and value for money that isn’t always available elsewhere. Where else can you get their decades of experience with four wheel drive systems for such good prices? Struggling yet?
SsangYong have concerned themselves with improvements to the powertrain which now employs a new 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine and allows for ever stricter European emission regulations in the future.
Sharing the news with MotorMartin, Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK said, “This is a significant advance for the range, the power upgrade brings greater refinement, while the cars continue to deliver unrivaled levels of equipment and value, and no other brand offers such a comprehensive warranty for complete peace of mind.” Before continuing, “Sales of these models are already well up compared with last year, which clearly demonstrates that even more people are recognising the amazing value SsangYong offers. With the power upgrade and new automatic gearboxes for 2016, these cars deliver even greater levels of refinement and value.”
It’s certainly a welcome focus on an already well developed range and one which is sure to push SsangYong onto the buying lists of a much wider audience than it perhaps has at this point in time. An audience willing to move away from the manufacturers pushed by the press towards something that may well suit their needs better and at a very competitive price point indeed.
Rather impressively, the newly developed e-XDi220 diesel engine meets the demand for that most difficult of balancing acts to get right, a more powerful performance and lower CO2 emissions at the same time. Maximum power is increased to 178ps and torque to 400Nm – up by 19.4% and 11% respectively over the previous Euro 5 diesel 2.0 litre engine fitted to the Korando whilst maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start. All of which should add up to a more sophisticated driving experience.
An important focus for all car manufacturers at present is the constant drive to bring down emissions whilst increasing economy at it is here that SsangYong have also made big strides as CO2 emissions have been reduced to 139g/km, down from 147g/km on the previous two-wheel drive, manual transmission Korando, while fuel economy is considerably improved and now up to 53.3mpg (Combined cycle) for the 2-wheel drive manual compared with 47.1mpg on the model it replaces. All of which should add to considerable savings for the consumer.
2016 Korando 2.2
New 6 speed Aisin automatic transmission, 2 tonne towing capability, Enhancements inside and out, Three models from just £15,995 – SE, EX, ELX.
As many of you will already be aware, the new 2016 Korando, designed by the Italian styling house, Giugiaro, offers a number of equipment enhancements whilst externally, it now sports stylish clear glass direction indicators, a new piano black radiator grille with additional chrome detailing on the ELX, and new-look 16’’ & 17’’ alloy wheels, as well as 18’’ diamond cut alloy wheels on the top of the range model. And in the eyes of MotorMartin, has an impressive profile that suggests modernity with sophistication.
There are further improvements inside with an upgraded infotainment system on the EX and ELX models. The EX features a 7” high-resolution touch screen with audio streaming from smart devices and a link to the rear view camera, while the top of the range ELX also benefits from a TomTom navigation system. A bonus for those that want to venture further afield and test the Korando far off the beaten path.
The Korando range
Korando SE
Offering fantastic value for money in the eyes of MotorMartin, the Korando SE starts from just £15,995 (2-wheel drive) or £17,495 (4-wheel drive), and is powered by the new 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine with manual transmission and so should be reasonably future proof. Representing superb value, the Korando has always been extremely well equipped. The SE comes with smart cloth trim, electric windows, air conditioning, cruise control, 16” alloy wheels, an RDS/Bluetooth radio and six airbags. It also now includes roof rails, front fog lights and a rear parcel shelf as standard.
Korando EX
For those with alightly deeper pockets, the EX is available in either 2-wheel drive (£17,495) or 4-wheel drive (£18,995) and adds features such as automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, a smart audio system with 7” touch screen linked to the rear view camera, privacy glass, rear spoiler with high mounted LED brake light, rear parking sensors and 17” alloy wheels.
Korando ELX
With the option of manual (£20,995) or Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission (£22,495), the top of the range ELX comes with on demand four wheel drive as standard, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, smart audio system with 7” touch screen with a TomTom navigation system, additional chrome detailing inside and out, and new 18” diamond cut alloy wheels.
Model range Korando 2.2 SE £15,995, Korando 2.2 SE 4×4 £17,495, Korando 2.2 EX £17,495, Korando 2.2 EX 4×4 £18,995, Korando 2.2 ELX 4×4 £20,995, Korando 2.2 ELX 4×4 automatic £22,495.
2016 Rexton 2.2
New 7-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, 3 tonne towing capability, The serious 4×4 off-roader, Three models from just £22,995 – SE, EX, ELX.
MotorMartin has reported on the Rexton previously at http://motormartin.com/2015/12/12/news-2016-ssangyong-rexton-arrives/ where the 2016 refresh, that brought this great value car to the attention of MotorMartinin the first place, was looked at and praised for it’s ‘real life’ values and practicalities and now it’s time for a quick appraisal of the new information that SsangYong UK is sharing. The Rexton is SsangYong’s flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV), and is greatly enhanced for 2016 with the addition of an upgraded Euro 6 compliant powertrain as previously stated.
To complement the engine enhancements and in addition to the 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine, the Rexton gets the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or new Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic. Certainly MotorMartin’s preference would be to go with the automatic but it’s a personal choice and one which can only really be taken by the buyer as both modes have their pros and cons depending on preferred use.
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. Indeed, the level of standard equipment on all models in the range is impressive and can be found below.
SsanYong are rightly proud of the Rexton as it is noted for being extremely capable off-road, this is partly as it 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 feature multi-link rear suspension for an even more comfortable ride.
With either the manual or 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. With SsangYong’s experience in 4×4 vehicles it surely comes as no surprise to MotorMartin that the Rexton is such a capable machine.
Available with either five or seven seats, the Rexton range is comprehensively equipped with the range topping ELX featuring a luxurious beige or 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. Value and go anywhere practicality at a reasonable price. Well done SsangYong.
Model range 2.2 SE £22,995, 2.2 EX £25,495, 2.2 EX automatic £26,995, 2.2 ELX automatic £28,995.
2016 Turismo 2.2
New 7-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, Executive travel for seven adults and their luggage, ELX 4×4 – safe and practical for towing and winter driving, Three models from just £18,995 – SE, EX, ELX.
For family and business users who need a car to transport seven adults in comfort together with their luggage, the SsangYong Turismo is almost without rival.
At over 5 metres long and with a 3 metre wheelbase, the car is larger than a standard sized MPV people carrier, and is now further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the upgraded 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine. The Turismo also now offers the choice of the 6-speed manual transmission or new Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic as in the Rexton.
Turismo – big on interior space
SsangYong have designed the Turismo to appeal as family, leisure and business transportation and say that the new car blends multi-role flexibility with great ride comfort and the equipment of a luxury saloon.
Thanks to its 3,000mm wheelbase, the car provides a huge interior space where seven adults can travel in supreme comfort with their luggage loaded in the back, without having to compromise on passenger accommodation. There are three rows of seats as well as a large load space which can be further increased by removing the third row completely. This gives a massive load carrying capability of between 875 litres with seven adults seated, through to two adults and 3,146 litres of load space. For those needing space, there’s clearly plenty of it.
Turismo ELX with 4×4
While rear wheel drive features on the SE and EX, the top of the range ELX includes selectable 4×4 with low ratio as standard. This makes the Turismo ELX a car you can rely on, no matter what the winter throws at you, and is especially safe and practical whether towing a caravan, horsebox or boat trailer, or when driving on snow and ice. As with other Turismo models the ELX has an impressive 2 tonne towing capability.
Ride & handling
The new Turismo utilises double wishbone front suspension and rear independent multi-link suspension for executive saloon style ride quality. This set-up offers a quiet and comfortable driving environment with firm body control, a flat ride and optimum stability regardless of the road conditions.
Model range 2.2 SE£18,995, 2.2 EX£20,995, 2.2 EX automatic £22,495, 2.2 ELX 4×4 automatic £24,995.
5 year limitless mileage warranty
One of the reasons that people give for choosing a particular make of car over another is the aftercare received and, increasingly, the warranty. To this end, all models in the SsangYong range are covered by a best-in-class 5 year limitless mileage warranty which has been designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print. SsangYong have confirmed to MotorMartin that all the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system. Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,500 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.
So there you have it, a fairly comprehensive look at the Korando, Rexton and Turismo. Until driving it’s difficult to make definitive conclusions regarding these versatile vehicles but SsangYong are clearly singing from the same hymn sheet as MotorMartin and that is surely something to be celebrated.
Where will you go?