Today was the national press day for the SsangYong Rexton W, where Irish motoring journalists checked out the latest offering from a brand which has re-entered the Irish market. The event itself took place at the new dealership premises of Bill Cullen, SsangYong's latest dealer.
We've all seen the last version of the Rexton, which really did stand out as it was a beast of a machine, you may recall seeing them generally carrying horse trailers or other such loads.
Style
The new Rexton W is a much more attractive looking car which will certainly serve as eye candy for many Irish pedestrians and motorists. The model I tested for the day was a stunning black in colour and this is a machine which looks classy.
The 18" alloy wheels add character to toughen this vehicle up. The sheer massiveness of this SUV is sure to have those in the market for a work-horse looking for their cheque books. According to SsangYong the Rexton W will carry a load of 2,600 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The wheelbase of the car is 2,835mm while the length is 4,755mm. So it's pretty long, but even the height is huge, measuring 1,840mm from the bottom of the wheels to the tip of the roof.
Drive
The Rexton W is utilising their own SsangYong-built 2000cc RX200e-XDi engine. It offers a maximum output of 155PS at 4,000rpm. It's available with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission with a thumbs up manual mode with the automatic transmission. Considering the size of this machine the body roll on corners is there, but it's not terrible.
Inside
Comfort in the vehicle I was driving was phenomenal, the black leather armchairs to the front offer business-like comfort and the rear will be a joy to passenger. Strangely I've often found myself giving out about cup holders in my reviews, there's no fear of that happening here, the Rexton W has 5 to the front! 3 in the middle and one on each door.
Prices, etc
The Rexton W is available as a commercial, 7-seater and as a 5-seat utility vehicle (which depending on your local motor tax offices might class as a commercial vehicle for tax purposes!). According to SsangYong Motors CEO, Joe Harris, this model will be the "flagship vehicle of the brand" on account of its "price point, visual appeal, excellent off-road ability and range of creature comforts". Visual appeal is certainly something I would agree with. In terms of the off-road capabilities I can't confirm it's abilities but what I have been told is that its part-time 4WD is well-up for the job.
Prices for the SsangYong Rexton W start from €34,119 for the commercial model and stretch up to €48,185 for an automatic transmission 7-seater. For more information you can call into Bill Cullen Motors on the Naas Road in Dublin or simple log onto www.smotor.ie.
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