Motoring

SsangYong Rexton

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

2021 saw SsangYong’s Rexton reborn in the guise of its fifth generation.

The refreshed design features a range of updates designed to deliver more in every respect – more presence, more prestige, more strength, more safety, more style, and more space.  

It has been restyled inside and out with graceful detailing that complements its hardcore capability and is a game-changer.

From every aspect, the latest 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 its driver assistance technologies, safety aids and multimedia options. Engineered for active lifestyles (that includes you, dads!), the new Rexton exceeds expectations by delivering spacious comfort, practical go-anywhere ability, and superior safety.

Indeed, its exterior is inspired by the ‘Dignified Motion’ of SsangYong’s design language and as you’d expect from over 65 years of SsangYong heritage, it’s a magnificently muscular thing.

In 2022, SSangYong added striking side steps to each of the three Rexton models. These changes provide a sleeker front image by applying a simple yet three-dimensional bumper moulding with an integrated impact beam.

The slimmer, dual protection headlamp design with full LED light-source and clear lens not only creates a high-tech appearance but results in improved road visibility by replacing the previous model’s halogen/ HID lights.

The doors now feature a two-channel touch sensing door handle and the rear encompasses a revised, slim, LED light cluster and a new shape variable turn-signal lamp and dual tailpipe garnish.

The Rexton’s cabin achieves a balance between comfort and control – a perfect equilibrium offering liberal space, contemporary luxury, and impressive technology.

The SUV’s ever-thinking ‘brain’ is its full digital console. The HD 12.3” screen allows quick, easy access to a wealth of important information including a whole range of safety alerts such as lane departure warning, parking sensors, navigation assist, tyre direction warnings and smart power tailgate alerts. As well as providing all vital vehicle information, it also integrates with the AVN screen, displaying navigation among other functions – all controlled using the D-cut multi-functional steering wheel – which is heated and adjustable for rake, and reach.

The centre console is polished. It accommodates an easy to handle, sleek, smooth gear lever, next to which is the new electronic parking brake switch with auto hold. The front door scuff is illuminated, as is the instrument panel and door trim to create a subtle ambient light at night. And there are now USB ports to the rear as well as the front.

To ensure maximum space and comfort, both driver and passenger needs are taken into consideration in the design of the overall package. This is clearly a multi-role SUV which blends style with load carrying capability, designed to be somewhere you and your family would be happy to spend a lot of time in.

The cabin is roomy with plenty of shoulder and headroom for all the brood. Legroom in the second row is especially bountiful and the second-row seats may be double-folded to maximise the load space. In fact, the Rexton’s size gives you one of the largest cargo capacities in its sector.

The ergonomic eight-way driver seat has four-way lumbar support, and the passenger seat is six-way power adjustable. Maximum seat comfort is ensured by Pullmaflex springs and varying density of the foam used in different areas of the seat cushion. For added comfort, the tilt angle on the second row of seats can be adjusted up to 32.5 degrees from the vertical position. Moreover, the height of the side support cushions have been raised by 17mm and the front end of the seat cushion has been elevated.

The second row also has a new head rest which eliminates vibration felt by inserting a damper and SLAB sponge inside. In addition, the front and rear seats are heated, and the front seats are ventilated. On the Ultimate Plus, air conditioning is present in the third row of seating. The seats are trimmed with a top-end faux-leather TPU (Ventura) or Nappa leather (Ultimate) with additional suede inserts (Ultimate Plus), giving it a “soft-touch” and premium feel cabin.

Certainly, the Rexton is incredibly flexible with a huge capacity for luggage. Measured up to window level, the SUV offers 1,806 litres of rear boot space with both sets of seats down, 872 litres with the second-row of chairs up and 240 litres all seats up. The second row of seats split 60:40 (with ISOFIX) with a folding centre armrest and they fold completely flat for large loads. The third row can be folded individually 50:50 to give more flexibility. What’s more, access to the third-row rear seats is made simple by the double-folding second row of seats.

Available with a 2.2 diesel engine and an eight-speed Hyundai automatic transmission (also supplied to Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia), the SsangYong Rexton is extremely well kitted out. The D-segment vehicle will comfortably seat seven passengers and has all the versatility you would expect from a modern large SUV.

The Rexton is also an all-wheel drive vehicle offering superior driving stability across all types of terrain. It has a well proven, go anywhere, selectable 4-wheel drive system. The system draws on SsangYong’s years of experience in 4-wheel drive technology. 

For more information on the SsangYong Rexton, click here, guys.

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