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Ssangyong Rexton W Diesel 2.0 (A) Review
21 Feb 2014|18,569 views
Ssangyong - a name that still sounds a tad quirky today even though the brand has made its local debut more than two decades ago.
Its cars may not have been the most characterful or the best looking. But recently, we have seen a string of new offerings from the Korean marque with looks that are more than up to the mark.
New bar-type rear lamps add a touch of refinement to the rear fascia
The first to catch our eyes is the Korando - the compact SUV which can easily be mistaken for any of its European rivals.
Then, there is the Stavic (also known as Rodius in some markets). Enrobed into our local taxi service, it is this model, arguably, that got most of us acquainted with the brand. And it is almost hard to ignore its presence - the seven-seater is large even by MPV standard.
The Rexton W you see here is yet another seven-seater in the Korean's stable. Although now in its third incarnation, the SUV retains the dated body-on-frame construction, which makes the Korando the only car in Ssangyong's stable with a monocoque chassis.
Its cars may not have been the most characterful or the best looking. But recently, we have seen a string of new offerings from the Korean marque with looks that are more than up to the mark.
The first to catch our eyes is the Korando - the compact SUV which can easily be mistaken for any of its European rivals.
Then, there is the Stavic (also known as Rodius in some markets). Enrobed into our local taxi service, it is this model, arguably, that got most of us acquainted with the brand. And it is almost hard to ignore its presence - the seven-seater is large even by MPV standard.
The Rexton W you see here is yet another seven-seater in the Korean's stable. Although now in its third incarnation, the SUV retains the dated body-on-frame construction, which makes the Korando the only car in Ssangyong's stable with a monocoque chassis.
 |
Exterior
Styling is one of the most major improvements in the new Rexton. Gone are the crude, edgy designs that made the SUV look out of place.
Now, the new car has gained a more contemporary outfit that is pleasing to the eyes, and will have little trouble drawing positive nods from passers-by.
At 4,755mm long and 1,900mm wide, the Rexton has no lack of presence. Scaling at 1,840mm, its imposing stance is further enhanced by its towering height.
 |
Interior
The Rexton's motive as a price-competitive people mover is more evident in its cabin. The seven-seater is clearly designed with utility as one of its top priorities.
For instance, trims and fittings are more robust than stylish. But that may not be a bad thing if you are looking for a car that can better withstand wear and tear.
Rear air-con vents provide the much needed relief for passengers in our tropical climate
Though lacking in the attention to aesthetics, the Rexton has no shortage of functional features to keep the family going. There are individual air-con vents for all three rows of seats, as well as a handful of cubby holes within easy reach of the occupants that will come in handy for longer road trips.
The Rexton's motive as a price-competitive people mover is more evident in its cabin. The seven-seater is clearly designed with utility as one of its top priorities.
For instance, trims and fittings are more robust than stylish. But that may not be a bad thing if you are looking for a car that can better withstand wear and tear.
Though lacking in the attention to aesthetics, the Rexton has no shortage of functional features to keep the family going. There are individual air-con vents for all three rows of seats, as well as a handful of cubby holes within easy reach of the occupants that will come in handy for longer road trips.
Likewise, although the centre console is unlikely to attract keen drivers, it comes with all the necessary bits, such as steering wheel with multi-function buttons and a touchscreen LCD display with built-in navigation. The screen also works as a display for the reverse camera - a feature that will come in very useful in parking manoeuvres. There is also an easy ingress/egress function for the driver.
As expected of a vehicle this size, the Rexton offers decent space for seven adults on board, although the third row is best left for shorter commutes. We reckon, however, that the cabin space can be better utilised if the second row of seats allow reach adjustment.
Storage box is effective for securing smaller items, but reduces the depth of boot
As expected of a vehicle this size, the Rexton offers decent space for seven adults on board, although the third row is best left for shorter commutes. We reckon, however, that the cabin space can be better utilised if the second row of seats allow reach adjustment.
 |
The Drive
On paper, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel may seem deprived of performance with only 153 horses. The 360Nm of torque, however, will quickly silent any complains as soon as the SUV gets up and going. Sprints are executed in a relatively effortless manner, belying the fact that the Rexton is still a two-tonne behemoth.
2.0-litre turbodiesel offers just 153bhp, but will make up with a creamy 360Nm of torque
The engine will also respond to jabs at the accelerator with decent urge. The five-speed automatic gearbox ensures a peaceful ride with its smooth transitions, even though it's not the quickest shifting.
Despite being fitted with an oil burner, the latest Rexton is more refined than before. It has better on-road manners, with lesser obtrusions into the cabin for a quieter and more pleasant journey.
On paper, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel may seem deprived of performance with only 153 horses. The 360Nm of torque, however, will quickly silent any complains as soon as the SUV gets up and going. Sprints are executed in a relatively effortless manner, belying the fact that the Rexton is still a two-tonne behemoth.
The engine will also respond to jabs at the accelerator with decent urge. The five-speed automatic gearbox ensures a peaceful ride with its smooth transitions, even though it's not the quickest shifting.
Despite being fitted with an oil burner, the latest Rexton is more refined than before. It has better on-road manners, with lesser obtrusions into the cabin for a quieter and more pleasant journey.
While the drivetrain bestows the Rexton with a more dynamic performance, the handling still requires some work. The power assisted steering feels light and offers little communication.
Unlike its closest rivals, the Rexton still offers low range gearing as a standard feature
Conclusion
No doubt it is hard to see its bang-for-buck preposition in the current market situation, the Rexton W is a lot of car for the price. It currently costs $175,888 (as of 21st February 2014).
There is also intense competition from its native rival, the Kia Sorento Diesel, which is closely priced at $177,999. The latter brand has gained more pedigree in recent years, and has proved its popularity among the local crowds.
But for those willing to accept the compromise, the Rexton W's capability as an effective workhorse for the family should not go unnoticed.
Conclusion
No doubt it is hard to see its bang-for-buck preposition in the current market situation, the Rexton W is a lot of car for the price. It currently costs $175,888 (as of 21st February 2014).
There is also intense competition from its native rival, the Kia Sorento Diesel, which is closely priced at $177,999. The latter brand has gained more pedigree in recent years, and has proved its popularity among the local crowds.
But for those willing to accept the compromise, the Rexton W's capability as an effective workhorse for the family should not go unnoticed.
Ssangyong - a name that still sounds a tad quirky today even though the brand has made its local debut more than two decades ago.
Its cars may not have been the most characterful or the best looking. But recently, we have seen a string of new offerings from the Korean marque with looks that are more than up to the mark.
The first to catch our eyes is the Korando - the compact SUV which can easily be mistaken for any of its European rivals.
Then, there is the Stavic (also known as Rodius in some markets). Enrobed into our local taxi service, it is this model, arguably, that got most of us acquainted with the brand. And it is almost hard to ignore its presence - the seven-seater is large even by MPV standard.
The Rexton W you see here is yet another seven-seater in the Korean's stable. Although now in its third incarnation, the SUV retains the dated body-on-frame construction, which makes the Korando the only car in Ssangyong's stable with a monocoque chassis.
Its cars may not have been the most characterful or the best looking. But recently, we have seen a string of new offerings from the Korean marque with looks that are more than up to the mark.
The first to catch our eyes is the Korando - the compact SUV which can easily be mistaken for any of its European rivals.
Then, there is the Stavic (also known as Rodius in some markets). Enrobed into our local taxi service, it is this model, arguably, that got most of us acquainted with the brand. And it is almost hard to ignore its presence - the seven-seater is large even by MPV standard.
The Rexton W you see here is yet another seven-seater in the Korean's stable. Although now in its third incarnation, the SUV retains the dated body-on-frame construction, which makes the Korando the only car in Ssangyong's stable with a monocoque chassis.
Exterior
Styling is one of the most major improvements in the new Rexton. Gone are the crude, edgy designs that made the SUV look out of place.
Now, the new car has gained a more contemporary outfit that is pleasing to the eyes, and will have little trouble drawing positive nods from passers-by.
At 4,755mm long and 1,900mm wide, the Rexton has no lack of presence. Scaling at 1,840mm, its imposing stance is further enhanced by its towering height.
Styling is one of the most major improvements in the new Rexton. Gone are the crude, edgy designs that made the SUV look out of place.
Now, the new car has gained a more contemporary outfit that is pleasing to the eyes, and will have little trouble drawing positive nods from passers-by.
At 4,755mm long and 1,900mm wide, the Rexton has no lack of presence. Scaling at 1,840mm, its imposing stance is further enhanced by its towering height.
Interior
The Rexton's motive as a price-competitive people mover is more evident in its cabin. The seven-seater is clearly designed with utility as one of its top priorities.
For instance, trims and fittings are more robust than stylish. But that may not be a bad thing if you are looking for a car that can better withstand wear and tear.
Though lacking in the attention to aesthetics, the Rexton has no shortage of functional features to keep the family going. There are individual air-con vents for all three rows of seats, as well as a handful of cubby holes within easy reach of the occupants that will come in handy for longer road trips.
The Rexton's motive as a price-competitive people mover is more evident in its cabin. The seven-seater is clearly designed with utility as one of its top priorities.
For instance, trims and fittings are more robust than stylish. But that may not be a bad thing if you are looking for a car that can better withstand wear and tear.
Though lacking in the attention to aesthetics, the Rexton has no shortage of functional features to keep the family going. There are individual air-con vents for all three rows of seats, as well as a handful of cubby holes within easy reach of the occupants that will come in handy for longer road trips.
Likewise, although the centre console is unlikely to attract keen drivers, it comes with all the necessary bits, such as steering wheel with multi-function buttons and a touchscreen LCD display with built-in navigation. The screen also works as a display for the reverse camera - a feature that will come in very useful in parking manoeuvres. There is also an easy ingress/egress function for the driver.
As expected of a vehicle this size, the Rexton offers decent space for seven adults on board, although the third row is best left for shorter commutes. We reckon, however, that the cabin space can be better utilised if the second row of seats allow reach adjustment.
As expected of a vehicle this size, the Rexton offers decent space for seven adults on board, although the third row is best left for shorter commutes. We reckon, however, that the cabin space can be better utilised if the second row of seats allow reach adjustment.
The Drive
On paper, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel may seem deprived of performance with only 153 horses. The 360Nm of torque, however, will quickly silent any complains as soon as the SUV gets up and going. Sprints are executed in a relatively effortless manner, belying the fact that the Rexton is still a two-tonne behemoth.
The engine will also respond to jabs at the accelerator with decent urge. The five-speed automatic gearbox ensures a peaceful ride with its smooth transitions, even though it's not the quickest shifting.
Despite being fitted with an oil burner, the latest Rexton is more refined than before. It has better on-road manners, with lesser obtrusions into the cabin for a quieter and more pleasant journey.
While the drivetrain bestows the Rexton with a more dynamic performance, the handling still requires some work. The power assisted steering feels light and offers little communication.
Conclusion
No doubt it is hard to see its bang-for-buck preposition in the current market situation, the Rexton W is a lot of car for the price. It currently costs $175,888 (as of 21st February 2014).
There is also intense competition from its native rival, the Kia Sorento Diesel, which is closely priced at $177,999. The latter brand has gained more pedigree in recent years, and has proved its popularity among the local crowds.
But for those willing to accept the compromise, the Rexton W's capability as an effective workhorse for the family should not go unnoticed.
Conclusion
No doubt it is hard to see its bang-for-buck preposition in the current market situation, the Rexton W is a lot of car for the price. It currently costs $175,888 (as of 21st February 2014).
There is also intense competition from its native rival, the Kia Sorento Diesel, which is closely priced at $177,999. The latter brand has gained more pedigree in recent years, and has proved its popularity among the local crowds.
But for those willing to accept the compromise, the Rexton W's capability as an effective workhorse for the family should not go unnoticed.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ssangyong Rexton W Diesel 2.0 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Diesel|12.8km/L
Horsepower
114kW (153 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ssangyong Rexton W Diesel
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