SsangYong has announced the introduction of the 2021 model year Rexton to the UK market. The Korean automaker has been able to work on a fairly significant update to their flagship SUV. Straight off the bat, you’ll see a new front grille, which confusingly makes the Rexton look less distinctive than the outgoing car. The new front-end is reminiscent of MG’s latest offerings (MG Hector(, and it doesn’t look a million miles away. Thankfully it’s far removed from the previous atrocities from SsangYong, such as the Rodius and Musso.
But the changes aren’t just skin-deep.
Under the hood, the engine boasts more power. The SsangYong-produced 2.2-liter
diesel engine remains but now boasts 199 hp and maximum torque of 441 Nm, up from the 178 hp and 420 Nm of the
pre-facelift.
The Mercedes-Benz-sourced running gear
that used to be a hallmark of the 90s and early 00s SYs has been ditched in
favor of a new eight-speed unit from Hyundai Transys — which you won’t be
surprised to hear is also the supplier of Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia cars.
The new transmission is said to reduce NVH
levels, as too is improved aero. SsangYong claims that the Rexton’s interior is
one of the quietest in its class, impressive for an old-school, diesel-fueled
ladder-chassis design.
The Rexton comes in two new trims: Ventura
and Ultimate. The Ventura starts at £ 37,995 and comes well equipped. It
features dual-zone climate control, an 8″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto, a heated leather steering wheel as well as power-adjustable,
heated, and ventilated front seats. Plus, you get a bevy of safety kit,
including nine airbags.
The £ 40,665 Ultimate trim adds leather
seats, LED fog lights, a larger infotainment screen, mood lighting, a
360-degree camera system, more safety equipment, and a ‘smart’ electronic
tailgate.
