SsangYong Rexton 4WD 2005 Review

Ssangyong has delivered a vehicle that even the car-weary test-driver wants to keep in the garage for a few months.

It's the latest version of the Rexton four-wheel-drive with a 2.7-litre, turbo diesel, five cylinder engine and five-speed tip-shift automatic transmission.

A petrol-powered version of this vehicle has been around for a while but the Australian distributor has updated it and added diesel before swinging into full marketing mode and appointing up to 75 dealers.

And the campaign will have some punch because the well equipped Rexton has a lot going for it. It is an affordable powertrain built under licence by Mercedes-Benz and includes inputs from leading automotive companies such as Lotus and Giugiaro, which looked after the dynamics and styling respectively.

Korean-based Ssangyong has undergone a near 50 per cent buyout by China¿s Shanghai Auto, which has strong links to GM and was incorrectly rumoured to have bought out the Rover UK operation.

Rexton is a member of the old school in terms of 4WD chassis design, sporting a ladder chassis instead of a car based monocoque like a growing number of SUVs on the market.

This has benefits for towing and other heavy duty applications.

Kerb weight is 1.9 tonnes.

The drive system is part-time 4WD, in high range, with lockable low range 4WD activated by a dash switch. In this car you're not likely to become stuck when the going gets tough.

We procured keys to the Rexton with only 52km on the clock so experienced the running-in privilege of a new owner.

The test-drive vehicle was an attractive pale blue metallic with slate leather upholstery, airconditioning, power everything, a good audio system, full-size spare, flip-up rear window, alloys, ABS, dual air bags and steering wheel controls. It retails in the low $40,000 bracket.

This, in a genuine off-road 4WD that looks great and is built to an unexpectedly high standard.

It has excellent engine performance, even though our test vehicle was not fully run in, and will easily achieve 10L/100km fuel economy in mixed driving.

The engine and transmission deliver smooth operation and the ride is stable, exhibiting minimal roll despite the high-ish centre of gravity. Thankfully, Rexton is blessed with a tight turning circle.