Ssangyong Rexton 270 EX Auto 5dr Car Review - April 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £23,995
Tax Band: L
Insurance Group: 29
MPG: 30.1
CO2: 250
0-62 Mph: 11.6 secs
BHP: 163 BHP
Range: 530 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The SsangYong Rexton is a vehicle that has been made to try and undercut many of its rivals by delivering 4x4 motoring on a strict budget, but there are a number of sacrifices made to achieve this. In reality the Rexton is a vehicle that may look at home on the road, but it is really a much better vehicle off road, and this automatic model does suffer from the gearbox.

PROS:  The Rexton is a large and spacious 4x4 that is much cheaper than rivals of a similar size, and it is also a very accomplished car off road.

CONS:  The ride and handling of the car isn’t particularly impressive, while the interior is a bit dull, and the engine doesn’t deliver as much performance as you’d expect.

Behind the Wheel

When it comes to driving the Rexton on the road, it is fair to say that it isn’t the most comprehensive performer. The steering isn’t as quick or as accurate as you would hope for, and the ride is far too firm to really suit the rough and patched up British roads. The car is also too liable to suffering from body movement while cornering. However, the low ratio gearbox and four wheel drive does work well off-road. The driving position offers a good level of adjustment for the driving seat, but the steering wheel doesn’t do very well as it doesn’t adjust for reach.

The engine performance delivered by the 2.7 litre engine isn’t particularly good, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in a relatively leisurely 11.6 seconds. The top speed of 116mph is fine for use on the road, but the poor level of refinement in the car means that the noise from the diesel engine, the wind and road can all be heard.

Looks & Equipment

The Rexton is a large and fairly angular 4x4 car, but this isn’t to say that it is ugly. It does come with a grille that is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz grille, while the roof bars are features taken from the class leaders. Inside the cabin the Rexton is quite dull in fairness, with a lot of charcoal grey plastic. The dashboard is also fairly utilitarian, while the centre console does have some small controls that aren’t hugely practical to use while driving.

The level of kit that comes with the Rexton is quite good, with the large alloy wheels and leather seats helping to improve the look of the vehicle quite a lot. Climate control helps to ensure a good temperature in the cabin whatever the weather outside, while cruise control makes it a more refined companion on the motorway. It is also supplied with an electric sunroof and power folding mirrors that are both classy touches.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

One of the questions about the Rexton is that it doesn’t seem to match up particularly well with its larger and more established rivals in terms of safety equipment. There are airbags in the front of the car, but those towards the rear don’t have curtain airbags. The engine for the SsangYong Rexton has been sourced from Mercedes-Benz meaning that it should be fairly reliable.

The Rexton is certainly a practical vehicle, with a cabin that offers plenty of headroom, and the boot space has two chairs that can fold into the floor depending on whether you want seven seats or a giant boot. The rear two seats are fine for short journeys, but adults will find them a bit of a squeeze for longer trips.

Value for Money

There is no doubt that it is very difficult to find a large 4x4 that can carry seven people which is equal to or cheaper than the SsangYong Rexton, and with a list price of £23,995, this is a very competitive price. However, this is a car where the cutbacks have been made to achieve this price.

The running costs for the Rexton are also significant, with the 2.7 litre diesel engine only able to achieve an average 30.1mpg. The insurance group is fairly reasonable for a car of this size, but when it comes to selling the Rexton it is worth noting that depreciation is a significant problem. The car is supplied with a five year unlimited mileage warranty and also comes with roadside breakdown assistance for five years.

Ssangyong Rexton 270 EX Auto 5dr Car Review - by 
All Ssangyong Rexton Reviews
Ssangyong Rexton 270 S 5dr - February 2012
If you are looking for a 4x4 with genuine off-road ability and you are attracted by a cheap price tag then the SsangYong Rexton 270 S could be what you are looking for. This large 4x4 comes with re...
Ssangyong Rexton 270 S Auto 5dr - March 2012
The Ssang Yong Rexton S is a good off-roader but performs dismally on the open road. It is spacious enough inside for five, and seven can sit squeezed. There is an ample boot for when you want to t...
Ssangyong Rexton 270 EX Auto 5dr - April 2012
The SsangYong Rexton is a vehicle that has been made to try and undercut many of its rivals by delivering 4x4 motoring on a strict budget, but there are a number of sacrifices made to achieve this....
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