SsangYong pins hopes on SUV

SsangYong Motors Ireland has launched its latest model, the SsangYong Rexton W.

This is a four-wheel drive SUV, available in three variants, Commercial, Business Edition (five seater) and Limited Edition (seven seater), with prices commencing from €34,119 for the commercial model.

All are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 155hp and 360Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, a five-speed tiptronic automatic trans- mission is available optionally.

For off-road driving the Rexton W is equipped with a low range to transfer the torque equally between the front and rear axles. Some of the standard equipment includes hill descent control, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and rear parking sensors.

We had a brief test drive in the Business Edition model, with an automatic transmission (€41,377). This variant has seating for five people and, according to SsangYong dealer Bill Cullen, is eligible for commercial road tax due a number of factors including the size of its cargo area.

The diesel engine provides decent power but space and comfort is hampered by a harsh ride with very little damping evident from the Rexton W’s suspension.

The car’s body sits on a chassis as opposed to the more widely-used monocoque structure. SsangYong has designed a decent-looking SUV that’s more of a workhorse than a refined SUV.