Large SUVs are by definition regarded as the ultimate in family travel, with ample space for five (or, in this case, even a cosy seven) to undertake darts around the suburbs and lengthier journeys to favourite holiday destinations with equal assurance.Large SUVs are by definition regarded as the ultimate in family travel, with ample space for five (or, in this case, even a cosy seven) to undertake darts around the suburbs and lengthier journeys to favourite holiday destinations with equal assurance.
The SsangYong Rexton II is no exception. On our launch route along a major arterial between Johannesburg and our destination near Belfast in Mpumalanga, the Rexton proved as comfortable as any of the vehicles with which it would be compared. Across our almost-600 km round trip, the Rexton’s dignified road manners were noticeable as its three occupants were shuttled in quiet comfort.
As before, the SsangYong is powered by a Mercedes-Benz sourced five cylinder 2,7-litre common-rail turbodiesel, accompanied by a five-speed "tiptronic" automatic gearbox. Delivering 121 kW at 4 000 r/min and a peak torque figure of 340 N.m at 2 000 r/min, the big SUV never feels underpowered despite its 4,7 m frame tipping the scales at just over 2,7 ton. Claimed fuel consumption is roughly 9 litres / 100 km.
The vehicle is fitted with part-time four-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly functions, and part of our route took us along a dirt track – it would not be advisable to expose the Rexton to more rugged terrain, SsangYong representatives cautioned – where the SUV’s often-questioned build quality was seriously tested. Apart from the expected jolts and bumps over rougher sections, the Rexton stood up to the route’s challenges rather well as fine dust particles kicked up by preceding vehicles failed to enter the cabin and noise levels were low enough for the occupants to continue regular conversation without having to resort to yelling.
On the whole though, NVH levels in the SsangYong are commendable, with hardly any noise (wind or otherwise) entering the cabin and occupants pampered by a waft-like ride aided by the double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with coil springs.
Comfort levels in the cabin were, as expected, of a high standard and the list of convenience and safety items is extensive. Leather seats are standard for all seven occupants (the third row of seats can be folded flat for more luggage space) and the electrically adjustable driver’s seat allows settings for up to three drivers to be stored in the onboard computer (including exterior mirror positions). Climate control with two air filters and an air quality control system is used. Dual front and side airbags, and ABS braking are standard, too.
The cabin also serves as a comfortable place to spend your time travelling. Audio and climate controls are housed in a neat circular panel that dominates the facia. Large buttons on the steering wheel support audio, information and gearing functions.
But, as SsangYongs go, the Rexton’s exterior styling is bound to get the lion’s share of attention. Things are looking up for the manufacturer as this model’s design seems more balanced than before while maintaining SsangYong’s trademark upright grille (with chrome detailing) and large headlight cluster. Privacy windows and 18-inch alloy wheels dramatically beef up the SUV’s sporty image.
While SsangYong’s local head Hennie Bekker announced that a petrol 3,2-litre V6 derivative would be made available in limited quantities, the five-cylinder 2,7-litre turbodiesel provides the main thrust of the revised Rexton’s attack. Service intervals for this model are at 10 000 km and its price is R 389 900.