SsangYong is a brand that most Irish people will recognise, but for a while they disappeared from our markets. Since 2013 they have begun re-investing here and SsangYong Ireland is now under the care of Harris-Hino boss, Joe Harris.
Now that they've re-entered the Irish market they have released a new Korando, Korando Sport and the Rodius. Recently we brought the Rexton W for a quick drive.
The last version of the Rexton is something that we will all recognise. It was a big SUV which was often seen attached to a heavy load like a horse-box, a caravan or a trailer. The new Rexton W will be very much suited to the same audience as before because it will carry a load of up to 2,600 kg (braked).
This Rexton W can carry a big load which should come as no surprise because it 4,755mm long and 1,840 high and weighs-in at a whopping 2,049 kg.
In comparison to the last Rexton this machine is a much more attractive model. Its size means that it is very imposing and if you spend your well-earned money on a black Rexton W like the one I test drove you will be picking the best of the lot. To give this car more flare it comes adorned with very stylish 18″ alloy wheels and the W badge on the back gives an extra touch of class.
SsangYong uses their 2.0litre RX200e-XDi engine. It is available with a Mercedes-Benz built 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The engine offers a maximum output of 155bhp at 4,000rpm. It handles quite well but expect a bit of body-roll as standard. The engine is quiet audible starting off but once you get to a cruising speed it is surprisingly quiet.
According to SsangYong the top speed of this vehicle is 173km/h. In terms of CO2 emissions it burns up to 175 g per km. Sadly I wasn’t in a position to try out their part-time 4WD but I have been informed by reliable sources that this is up to the job in that department.
My test car came with a fantastic black interior with brazed silver around the centre console. The seats are black leather, and they're not dissimilar to armchairs in the comfort they deliver. There is a lot about the interior that reminds me of Mercedes-Benz, especially the dashboard.
The Rexton W comes in many different guises. It’s available as a spacious seven-seater and as a five-seater – your use of the five-seater will decide whether or not you have to class it as a utility vehicle (according to SsangYong). It is also available as a two-seater commercial vehicle.
For a commercial version, prices will start at €34,119. If you go for the other two options you can expect to pay up to €48,185.
