The old SsangYong Rexton was cheap, but had too many rough edges.
The new Rexton may not be perfect, but it is now a credible rival for the likes of the Kia Sorento – especially if you want a 4×4 that’s genuinely capable off road.
The old-fashioned body-on-frame construction contributes to the car’s prowess in the mud, and makes for a very high kerbweight.
However, the SsangYong doesn’t deliver a particularly sophisticated ride. The suspension is relatively soft but not very controlled, so the Rexton doesn’t handle as well as a Sorento or Land Rover Discovery Sport.
It’s reasonably stable at 60mph, but when we pushed on to 70mph the SsangYong felt less composed. When slowing from high speed, the Al-Ko ATC sensors picked up some sway but not enough to worry the driver.
The hill-start test was straightforward. In two-wheel-drive mode there was a brief moment of wheelspin, but this was easily cured by switching to four-wheel drive.
Inside, the Rexton is a world away from the old model. It’s much better made, and the commanding driving position is comfortable over long distances.
There’s reasonable head and legroom in the middle row, but seats six and seven are quite cramped and anyone who does shoehorn themselves in place may feel claustrophobic because of the thick rear pillars.
With the third row folded the boot is huge, and the high noseweight limit is another plus. The reversing camera gives a good view of the towball and will be useful when hitching up.