2 minute read
SsangYong Rexton - luxury as standard
Road Test
by Mark Slack
IT may be an unfamiliar name but SsangYong has been producing vehicles since 1954. The company currently has a three model lineup the Tivoli, Korando and Rextonplus the Musso pick up range.
It’s the large Rexton SUV that’s the focus of our road test this time. There are three versions, the Ventura, Ultimate and Ultimate Plus, with the leadin version priced from €44,698/£38,745. All use a four cylinder 2.2litre diesel power unit mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox and selectable four wheeldrive with low ratio.
The standard equipment list is very generous even on the lower specification model. Across the range you get a heated steering wheel, powered front seats, third row seating, front and rear heated seats and the front are also ventilated, cruise control, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, LED lights front and rear, powered, heated and folding door mirrors, keyless entry and start, front and parking sensors plus camera, dual zone climate control even for the rearmost seating, navigation and of course Bluetooth
Facts at a Glance
with Car Play and Android Auto connectivity. Phew!
To say the Rexton is large is somewhat of an understatement. With seven seats it’s not only a genuine family holdall but a capable off roader too.
Fold down both rear rows of seats and you have the carrying capacity of a small van, albeit a very luxuriously appointed one.
On the road the Rexton’s slightly oldtech 2.2 litre diesel isn’t the most refined unit, particularly under hard acceleration, but nonetheless has a de signed for pinpoint handling and twisting roads do highlight some body roll if you’re too exuberant.
The build quality is excellent and it has a premium feel throughout with sensible controls and buttons as opposed to the increasing trend of over digitalisation. Styling is very subjective and it’s fair to say the Rexton is distinctive, that overly large grille certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste.
• Model: SsangYong Rexton Ventura
• Price: €44,698/£38,745
• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel
• Gears: 8-speed automatic with selectable all-wheel-drive and low ratio
• Performance: 0-100 kph (62 mph) 10.7 seconds/Maximum Speed 183 kph (114 mph)
• Economy: 8.59l /100km (32.9 mpg) WLTP Combined punch and returns decent fuel economy.
• Emissions: 225 g/km WLTP Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
If you found the roughest road surface possible I really don’t think it would upset the Rexton’s interior comfort, such is the suppleness of the ride. No vehicle of this size is de
At its price the Rexton is tremendous value, but residuals will not be to the level of more established badges. Having already driven the excellent Korando, SsangYong’s smaller SUV, the Rexton is a similarly impressive story. Even bearing in mind the residuals, don’t let the relatively unknown badge put you off investigating the range more thoroughly.
Catherine McGeer
THE electric car firm Lunaz which is backed by David Beckham is a UKbased car restoration and electrification firm. The company’s profile is growing more and more as they upcycle and electrify stunning classic cars ‘to further the legacies of the most beautiful cars in the world.’
They have remastered some iconic cars like the Aston Martin DB6, Bentley, Jaguar, Range Rover, and even a RollsRoyce. Lunaz works with some
Anna Ellis
of the rarest luxury cars on the planet like the 1961 Bentley S2 Continental and they believe that it is their mission to breathe new life into the most significant cars ever created.
The company was founded in 2018 and has its headquarters in Silverstone, England.
David Beckham who purchased a 10 per cent stake in the company said “I was drawn to the company through their work restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling
DODGE’S ‘Last Call’ tribute to the Charger and Challenger HEMI models, which as of 2024 will no longer be produced in their current version in line with the brand’s electrification path, is also continuing in Europe.
