SsangYong has released its fourth-generation Rexton, a rather large and classy SUV. And it comes with a few things that will make the big players take a second look — not just because of the price.
The NZ market will initially be getting two specs of Rexton G4, the sport model and the top spec SPR. At $59,990 and $67,990 respectively, the top spec Rexton comes in at more than 10 grand cheaper than the entry-level Toyota Prado or Ford Everest. And, given what you get with it, it’s definitely comparable with those cars.
Both versions are powered by a 133kW /420Nm 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine and have Mercedes Benz seven-speed transmissions, which creates 3500kg towing capacity.That’s similar to utes such as the Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-Max and more than a Hyundai Santa Fe, Prado and Nissan Trailblazer.
Another unique aspect is that it has hydraulic steering, not the common electronic steering that can make large SUVs feel soft.
The G4 is also one of few “body on frame” designs, which creates more rigidity and torsion control — something on which many big SUVs fall short.
SsangYong Rexton G4. Photo / Drew Thompson
The Rexton is also competitive on luxury — heated and cooled leather seats, tinted windows, electric tailgates, 20-inch alloys and plenty of safety features.
The G4 has yet to sit the Ancap test so there’s still one small hurdle left before it can claim all boxes ticked. A testament to SsangYong’s capacity and production budget is that it created its own Ancap test facilities.
We will wait to see what Ancap has to say, but given this model has increased the amount of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel used by 82 per cent, there’s every chance that it will earn those special stars.
Perhaps the biggest addition that other companies are not matching is the warranty. The SsangYong Rexton G4 comes with a five-year, 150,000km warranty. Yes, that’s five years and SsangYong’s people on the ground here in New Zealand assure us that it is a full factory warranty — without catches.
Korean carmakers have made huge ground but it’s unfair to compare this vehicle with only its compatriots.