SsangYong launched the Rexton in 2001 and the current — much improved — second
generation model came in 2017.
A mid-lifecycle refresh for the 2021 model year ushered in a number of useful revisions bringing improved performance, refinement and equipment levels. A stand-out ‘facelift’ made the point.
'SUV' is the generic term now for anything that aspires to look the part. ‘Crossovers’, which are little more than jacked-up hatch-backs, vie for the description even if a basic four-wheel-drive (4x4) system is not even an option. On the other hand, there are some impressive 4x4 SUVs which cope well with the odd venture off-road and make good towing vehicles.
generation model came in 2017.
A mid-lifecycle refresh for the 2021 model year ushered in a number of useful revisions bringing improved performance, refinement and equipment levels. A stand-out ‘facelift’ made the point.
'SUV' is the generic term now for anything that aspires to look the part. ‘Crossovers’, which are little more than jacked-up hatch-backs, vie for the description even if a basic four-wheel-drive (4x4) system is not even an option. On the other hand, there are some impressive 4x4 SUVs which cope well with the odd venture off-road and make good towing vehicles.
The Rexton however is reassuringly ‘old school’. A proper dual-use 4x4, it is big, tough and well up to a day’s work. It retains body-on-frame (separate chassis) construction and a transfer box for high or low ratio gearing.
Normal on-road driving is rear-wheel drive but HR 4x4 can be engaged on the move. To dial in LR 4x4 the vehicle has to be stationary. Ground clearance and approach/departure angles are all good while electronic hill-hold and hill-descent are there too.
That HR 4x4 can’t be engaged on-road other than for snow and ice is a pity. Mitsubishi’s ‘Super-Select’ offers that and it’s a real asset at higher speeds or when towing in the wet. It requires a torque-sensing centre differential lock but it’s worth it.
Two models are offered now: Ventura and Ultimate. Both are automatic whereas,
previously, the cheaper ELX did retain the option of a manual gearbox. A manual
handbrake gave way to an electric parking switch with the current generation in 2017
— also regrettable.
The auto is a new eight-speed unit from Hyundai Transys and boasts shift-by-wire, which is lighter, more efficient and smoother than the old 7-speed ‘box. The 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine’s power output has increased from 181 to 202hp with maximum torque of 441Nm. Fuel economy and emissions have improved too.
Electronic stability (new trailer sway control), infotainment and safety devices are here with suspension tuned for Europe. Cabin interior has had a significant revamp: new centre and overhead consoles, digital instrument cluster, etc. Ventura has an eight-inch touchscreen but no in-built navigation although it is Apple CarPlay and Google Android
Auto compatible. Ultimate has a nine-inch screen and TomTom navigation.
Of its type, the Rexton was a smooth, refined and well-equipped vehicle already. The revised model builds on that. The cheaper Ventura’s equipment includes a heated steering wheel, power adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats together with front/rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, for example.
The driving experience, in work or touring car mode, is relaxed and congenial — many aspects having a distinctly premium’feel. As noted before, it could do with a bigger engine but the revised model’s power up-grade and new autobox do help. All in all these are worthwhile improvements and much more than a mere makeover.
Model Range: Ventura, £37,995 (7-seat); Ultimate, £40,665 (7-seat).
Competition: Toyota Landcruiser (Commercial £35,925-£41,225 or passenger
£42,345-£57,490); Shogun Sport has gone with Mitsubishi’s withdrawal from Europe
and any plans for a Navara-based Pathfinder too as Nissan pulls its pick-up as well;
Arrival in 2022 of INEOS Automotive’s new Grenadier relevant here - much depends
on price but every impression of an outstanding 4x4.
Facts & Figures: 115mph; 0-62 in 10.7secs; 32.9mpg (official combined); 28 (test
average; trip computer range of 32 to 34 depending on conditions); CO2-213g/km;
Road Tax £1,345 (1st yr - in purchase price) £155 thereafter (‘Ultimate’ subject to
VED premium, yrs 2-6); Ins.Grp. 34/35; Max Braked Trailer 3.5t; Warranty 7yrs/
Huw Thomas
Normal on-road driving is rear-wheel drive but HR 4x4 can be engaged on the move. To dial in LR 4x4 the vehicle has to be stationary. Ground clearance and approach/departure angles are all good while electronic hill-hold and hill-descent are there too.
That HR 4x4 can’t be engaged on-road other than for snow and ice is a pity. Mitsubishi’s ‘Super-Select’ offers that and it’s a real asset at higher speeds or when towing in the wet. It requires a torque-sensing centre differential lock but it’s worth it.
Two models are offered now: Ventura and Ultimate. Both are automatic whereas,
previously, the cheaper ELX did retain the option of a manual gearbox. A manual
handbrake gave way to an electric parking switch with the current generation in 2017
— also regrettable.
The auto is a new eight-speed unit from Hyundai Transys and boasts shift-by-wire, which is lighter, more efficient and smoother than the old 7-speed ‘box. The 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine’s power output has increased from 181 to 202hp with maximum torque of 441Nm. Fuel economy and emissions have improved too.
Electronic stability (new trailer sway control), infotainment and safety devices are here with suspension tuned for Europe. Cabin interior has had a significant revamp: new centre and overhead consoles, digital instrument cluster, etc. Ventura has an eight-inch touchscreen but no in-built navigation although it is Apple CarPlay and Google Android
Auto compatible. Ultimate has a nine-inch screen and TomTom navigation.
Of its type, the Rexton was a smooth, refined and well-equipped vehicle already. The revised model builds on that. The cheaper Ventura’s equipment includes a heated steering wheel, power adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats together with front/rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, for example.
The driving experience, in work or touring car mode, is relaxed and congenial — many aspects having a distinctly premium’feel. As noted before, it could do with a bigger engine but the revised model’s power up-grade and new autobox do help. All in all these are worthwhile improvements and much more than a mere makeover.
Model Range: Ventura, £37,995 (7-seat); Ultimate, £40,665 (7-seat).
Competition: Toyota Landcruiser (Commercial £35,925-£41,225 or passenger
£42,345-£57,490); Shogun Sport has gone with Mitsubishi’s withdrawal from Europe
and any plans for a Navara-based Pathfinder too as Nissan pulls its pick-up as well;
Arrival in 2022 of INEOS Automotive’s new Grenadier relevant here - much depends
on price but every impression of an outstanding 4x4.
Facts & Figures: 115mph; 0-62 in 10.7secs; 32.9mpg (official combined); 28 (test
average; trip computer range of 32 to 34 depending on conditions); CO2-213g/km;
Road Tax £1,345 (1st yr - in purchase price) £155 thereafter (‘Ultimate’ subject to
VED premium, yrs 2-6); Ins.Grp. 34/35; Max Braked Trailer 3.5t; Warranty 7yrs/
Huw Thomas
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