Ssangyong Rexton W, presentation and test drive in Toledo

The Korean manufacturer Ssangyong continues to launch new models, the renewal of its range is progressing at a good pace, and we now know about the renewal of one of its legendary models. The Rexton now enters its third generation under the new name Rexton W.

The novelties of the third generation focus on the exterior design, a renewed interior with higher quality, a new in-house diesel engine and a very attractive starting price, from just 25,500 euros, with seven seats and 4×2 drive.

New design, higher interior quality

Little by little, the design of Ssangyong vehicles is becoming more European, leaving behind less attractive designs such as the Actyon, and now it is the Rexton W’s turn to be modernised with a completely renewed front end, which includes LED technology (accompanied, admittedly, by halogen lamps for the daytime running lights).

On the sides, the alloy wheels stand out: 16 inches on the 4×2 version and 18 inches on the 4×4 versions. The new mirrors with integrated LED indicators also catch the eye. At the rear, the lights are newly designed, again using LED lights for the main lighting functions (position and brake lights).

It is now wider, longer and taller.

Inside, the improvement in quality is evident,with padded materials on the upper section and better-quality controls. Even on the top-of-the-range version, wood inserts are used in the interior.

The base model comes as standard with a navigation system and integrated radio. The navigation system is a TomTom unit mounted on its own bracket at the top of the dashboard. On the next trim level (4×4), the navigation system is integrated and also features a rear-view camera.

Many elements, such as the steering wheel, instrumentation or part of the centre console, remain virtually unchanged. Space continues to be one of its strengths, both at the front and in the second row. In addition to being standard, it has seven seats and a spacious boot (in the five-passenger configuration it has a capacity of 680 litres).

The boot has only one weak point, its height: with seven seats, they opted for a flat, level floor in line with the backrests of the third-row seats, and the problem is that it sits high. In return, we get a space where we can store our belongings without them rolling loose in the boot.

New 2.0 e-XDI engine with 155 CV

The Rexton W also debuts a new in-house engine block, derived from the previous engine of Mercedes origin. It is a two-litre engine with 155 CV of power (less powerful than previous versions), but sufficient to move the Rexton W with its 360 Nm of torque.

Engine consumption and emissions are reduced to an average of 7.3 litres per 100 km in mixed cycle. Vibrations have also been reduced and interior soundproofing has been improved (something noticeable from the driver’s seat).

First drive

During a brief first drive, of about an hour between Madrid and Toledo, we noticed that the engine is sufficient to move the Rexton W; it has no surplus power, but meets the requirements of a model like this one. The unit we tested had a five-speed automatic gearbox, smooth and quick in its shifts (with sequential manual control via two paddle-style buttons on the steering wheel).

We also checked the new suspension tuning, firmer without sacrificing interior comfort. That comfort is further enhanced thanks to improved soundproofing, which is noticeable inside the cabin.

That said, on the less positive side of the balance is the steering, which is not very precise and has an artificial feel that could be improved. We cannot comment on consumption, because the route was very short, the Rexton W does not have an on-board computer, and we did not know how much fuel the car had, so we have no consumption figure.

Overall assessment

In short, the Ssangyong Rexton W represents a step forward in terms of quality, renews its exterior design and, above all, offers a very interesting option for those looking for a seven-seater and a spacious car for just 25,500 euros with comprehensive equipment, which includes leather upholstery and navigation, though with 4×2 drive.

There are still details to improve, but the car must be judged as a whole, and the truth is that the balance between what it offers and what it costs (25,500 euros) is very well resolved. We are sure that before long we will have a more complete test of the model to assess details such as engine performance or to analyse the novelties of this off-roader in greater depth.

Available in automatic 4x2 or automatic 4x4.

Finally, I must not forget that it is available with 4×4 drive from 28,500 euros, and both the two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions can be fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox as original equipment Mercedes.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira