MAY MOTORING: Ssangyong Rexton plus a special COMMENT

Please see the postscript at the conclusion of this review and do share.

SsangYong, the alternative to those who desire a compact, budget, family SUV. The new Rexton looks down upon the company’s modest history with lots to shout about and welcome appointments. Another award-winning car here on TNU, the Rexton is the Best Value 4x4, from 4x4 Magazine, for the sixth year running! But can we see why?

This is the 5th generation of Rexton, its model line dating back to 2001.

Just like most new models, the Rexton has just got bigger and bigger! This thing is very imposing with a freshly designed radiator grill encompassing fresh LED headlights and a smart fog light design. Standing a whopping 1.8 metres tall, watch out for multi-storey car parks and smaller lifeforms on the road. We have new side-steps on this model which are very much required in this application.

The Rexton inside profile, has plenty of sweeping curves and harsh angles to it; this works however as an overall design language it appears a bit confused. Square wheel arches house some rather flashy chrome 20-inch alloy wheels. Thankfully there is a thick enough side wall on the tyres to aid passenger refinement.

At the rear you will find a clutter-free design a power tailgate that can be operated with the key.  Does it need fake exhaust trims. This is not the fault of the Rexton, it just exists in a time where fake exhaust trims are all the rage. The mullet came and went, so hopefully this design trend does too. Overall, I do like the striking presence of the exterior design. Very big, very bold. Unapologetically so.

SsangYong wish for this guise of Rexton to be somewhat of a luxury, premium vehicle, and the minute you place yourself inside you can see that they have achieved both objectives. A comfortable cabin greets you with large windows and narrow A pillars, with a sunroof allowing for extra light and space. The centre console features a 12.3-inch-high-definition display, giving you your TomTom satellite navigation, plethora of music connectivity and vehicle settings.

There is a digital drivers cluster which couldn’t provide you with more information and configuration if it tried. Tired of looking at a normal odometer? Why not switch to a compass instead? Or why not look at your GPS and remove the instruments entirely?

The cabin has brushed aluminium, which is more enduring than plastic. Within the dashboard are suede inserts which really look and feel nice; similar to the premium Nappa leather seats which also have the same suede inserts. Most comfortable. All seven seats are adjustable in some way shape or form, and most are heated and ventilated also. Plenty of storage facilities lay in cavernous door cards which feature a duo of hard plastics and soft touch materials.  I’ve lost count of USB charging points, but should they all be used at one time, there is a wireless charging point within the centre console. The interior, then, oozes space and luxury, and really makes you feel comfortable.

To drive, the Rexton feels heavy. After all, there is near as makes no difference 2.2 tonnes to lug around. The steering weight adjusts depending on speed which can hide some of the bulk but does feel odd when navigating a D-Cut steering wheel. A comfortable driving position can be achieved with a memory seat and adjustable steering column. Something I noticed straight away was that the wing mirrors are on the small side for something this large. Agreeably, there is a vital 360-degree camera system which, I am happy to report, is crystal clear. A redesigned gear selector feels positive in the hand when selecting Park, Reverse or Drive, unlike the flappy paddles on the steering column which are somewhat unnecessary on a vehicle of this type. Nevertheless, highway cruising is effortless and comfortable. You do pay a price for those huge wheels and tyres as even on the smoothest of surfaces there is a generous amount of road noise. When the route to the caravan park gets twisty, you can feel lots of electrical gubbins stopping you from falling over but there is a polite amount of body roll.

The Rexton borrows an eight-speed Hyundai automatic transmission which is the same gearbox used by Kia and Genesis. It is very smooth and if it were used with a petrol engine, I doubt you’d notice it changing gear. There is a button to switch from Eco, Power and Winter modes for the gearbox. Whether they enhance the driving experience, I am yet to decide. The 2.2 litre turbocharged engine is punchy enough, just the weight holds it back. Granted, it is quiet. The overall experience doesn’t scream ‘OFF ROAD VEHICLE’ but it is nice to know that you do have the capabilities. A part time four-wheel drive system with switchable high and low range modes.

The Rexton customer is unlikely to make use of 20-degree departure and approach angles, but if they did, they could get out of some interesting situations. Joining the impressive stats is a car that has increased safety systems and an ergonomically designed chassis and body to improve crash safety.

How goes it, then? This Rexton is an admirable vehicle, a budget Range Rover if you please. The high driving position and imposing looks make you feel fantastic behind the wheel. However, with all the chrome and metallic paint it is a bit presidential. Not subtle. There really aren’t many complaints to report; it is solidly built and does feel like it will last the test of time. With a five-year 125,000-mile warranty and a 12,000-mile service interval, SsangYong seem to think so too.

The George Loveridge Verdict:

Arguably, I could comment on a lack of driver feedback and an overall vague driving experience but that’s not the point. Regardless of this, you can safely and comfortably transport seven people from A to B, and many other places in between whilst towing up to 3.5 tonnes should you wish.

Price as tested: £40,925
Lead in price: £38,745
Average fuel consumption: 24mpg
Range (fuel): 400 miles
Engine size: 2157cc
0-60: 10.6 seconds
Performance 7
Handling 5
Transmission 10
Noise 7
Economy 4
Ride and Comfort 10
Accommodation 9
Styling 6
Brakes 10
Finish 9
TOTAL = 77%

www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/new/ssangyong/rexton

MOTORING COMMENT by Malcolm Ginsberg

A very long time ago when I was Public Relations Officer for Lotus Cars the company policy was that every road test car was either delivered by yours truly or my trusted press garage mechanic.  

We knew the product and could explain its good points (and cover up those that were not positive).  It was of course relatively easy to handover with simple controls, even the gearbox, with reverse in the obvious place, the key position, start/stop control, and electric windows, quite an advance for the time. I also achieved comradery with the motoring press and (in spite of some problems) never got a bad road test.

Today when a press loan is delivered the driver is probably an agent and knows little about the product, some positively unhelpful.

According to a Hyundai press release one-third of drivers are baffled by in-car equipment, such as cruise control, lane keeping, parking assist and Bluetooth connections. Where all the controls are is confusing.  
If that is the case what about us motoring correspondents who usually have just one week to write about a specific model.  The fact that newspapers highlight road tests mean that they are obviously read.

The way around the problem I don’t know.  Perhaps press officers can deliver cars personally. Half a day out of the office well spent.  And more briefings.

www.hyundai.news/uk/articles/press-releases/drivers-missing-out-on-the-pleasure-of-car-technology.html

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