Car review: Ssangyong Rexton

The old SsangYong Rexton offered space, heft and value to make up for lorry-like dynamics. The new one retains its predecessor’s strengths but has much improved dynamics.

According to SsangYong the styling is ‘inspired by dignified motion,’ which doesn’t translate well so let’s just describe the car as square and chunky.

The interior is vast too, with big, comfortable seats. Fold away the second and optional third row and the rather high luggage deck provides just under 1,980 litres of space. The interior is well made from functional, hard-wearing materials, has excellent oddments space, and other than slightly fussy column stalks the controls all work well.

With a 2.2 four-cylinder Euro 6 diesel mated to a seven-speed, self-shifting transmissions the Rexton sounds a bit busy when pushed, but is otherwise quiet and civilised. On the move it pulls well, although sometimes there’s some turbo or transmission-related lag from rest.

With two wheel drive and high and low all-wheel-drive settings, good ground clearance and a separate chassis the Rexton would be effective off road and boasts a very useful 3,500kg towing capacity.