Insurance Group: 27
MPG: 30.1
CO2: 250
0-62 Mph: 11.6 secs
BHP: 163 BHP
Range: 530 miles
An extensive standard equipment range makes it one of the best equipped 4x4s. Low pricing gives it a competitive edge, but poor economy and high running costs can be financially crippling.
PROS: Very good off-road abilities. Reliable engine. Good visibility. Plenty of head and legroom. Impressive range of standard equipment. Long warranty.
CONS: Poor on the road. Noisy engine and cabin. Driving position. Third row of seats is squeezed. Poor economy. High running costs. Poor resale value.
The Rexton S is powered by a large, 5-cylinder, 20v 2696cc diesel engine. The engine produces only 165bhp and has a torque of 250 lb-ft, in spite of its size. But it is capable and fast, managing a 0-62mph time of just 11.6 seconds. A top speed of 111mph is low for a 4x4 but is more than enough for off-road driving.
Off the road, the Rexton S is a good performer. Agile and stable, it grips firmly on the ground. Braking is fast and assured, and the automatic, 5-speed T-Tronic gearbox enhances transfer speed and efficiency.
The car is unsettled on the road, with the ride remaining jittery most of the time. Steering is light and unresponsive, making parking and manoeuvring the car on twisty roads difficult. There is a lot of body roll in corners too.
The Rexton is a noisy car, a characteristic that is common in most 4x4s. For peak performance, the engine must be worked hard and produces a loud growl throughout. There is also consistent influx of wind and road noise into the cabin.
Windscreen pillars are slender and together with the upright driving position, ensure good forward visibility. Rear visibility is excellent too.
The Rexton S is a good-looking car. In spite of having old mechanisms, it has none of that rugged look you would expect and is quite the opposite: stylish and dynamic. The large 4x4 has five doors and seven seats.
The cabin is ordinary and practical. The dash is simple and uncluttered. There is a good balance of soft materials and plastics, making the interior modest at best.
Equipment levels are good in the Rexton. It comes with stability control, power steering, central locking, alloy wheel, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, driver airbag, passenger airbags, alarm, immobiliser, MP3 connectivity and CD player.
Only three cost options are available. They are: sat nav for £999, rear-parking sensors for £198 and metallic paint for £500.
The driving position is set high, but you can adjust the height of the steering wheel and driver’s seat for a more comfortable position depending on your height. However, the steering wheel does not adjust for reach. Pedals are positioned closer to the dash and wheel than the driver’s seat which also compromises the driving position.
Controls are well-arranged on the dash. Most of them are clearly marked and easy to use, but a few are confusing.
The Rexton S can seat seven people. But the third row, which folds up from the boot, is squeezed and will be uncomfortable, except for children. Head and legroom is good for both front and rear passengers.
The boot is only 248 litres with the seats up. But when you fold the rear seats, it increases to 1112 litres, which is large enough for an odd assortment of farm implements. Its wide, deep shape and big opening enhance flexibility.
Most crucial safety features are installed, with the exception of front side airbags. Hill descent control system is standard and increases the car’s viability on demanding terrains. The car is yet to undergo the Euro NCAP crash test.
Rexton uses a proven engine from Mercedes and is not likely to have any reliability problems. The Korean car frame is also strong and well-structured.
Rexton’s list price compares to smaller cars, making it the cheapest 4x4 you can get. It is a real bargain if you spend the larger part of your driving life off the road, as you won’t have to put up with its weak performance on the road. Weak resale values make it an unfavourable choice for people who may want to sell in a few years.
The 4x4 returns only 28.8mpg, which is quite low, even for a big car. Emission levels are among the worst in any class. It averages 249g/km and will cost you a hefty £790 in VED in the first year and £445 thereafter, under road tax band L. Few cars fall under this category.
At least the warranty is generous – 5-years on unlimited mileage. It comes with a 10,000 mile service interval.
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