SsangYong Rexton W

Rexton W at a glance

The Rexton was SsangYong's flagship SUV and, like other models of the brand, used technology licensed from Mercedes-Benz. The 2.7-litre common-rail diesel is based on the Mercedes-Benz OM612 but was extensively re-engineered by SsangYong, and the brand used Mercedes-Benz automatic gearboxes. SsangYong's story is told in the history of SsangYong, and its other SUVs, from the Kyron to the Actyon, are in the SsangYong catalogue.

History of the Rexton

The first Rexton (Y200 series) was built from 2001 and was initially sold only with four-wheel drive. In Europe from 2003 it used a slightly extended SsangYong Musso chassis, and the European launch engines were the 2.9-litre diesel and the 3.2-litre petrol, both licensed from Mercedes-Benz. In some European markets, including France, a Daewoo-badged version was sold until early 2003. The 2006 mid-cycle update added a catalysed particulate filter, a variable-geometry turbocharger, tyre-pressure monitoring and forward collision warning. The R-Line of 2009 introduced a 2.7 turbo diesel with 137 kW (186 PS) and 402 Nm.

Rexton W engines and gearboxes

With the Rexton W, the 2.0 XDi diesel was updated to Euro 5 and the 3.2 petrol was retuned. In late 2015 a 2.2 e-XDi diesel arrived with the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic. Earlier, the 2.7 XDi had been offered from 2004 with a Mercedes-Benz five-speed automatic, called T-Tronic in some markets. According to the old 1cars text, the 2.0-litre diesel uses about 7.2–7.6 litres per 100 km and reaches 100 km/h in 13.4–14.0 seconds and a top speed of 173–175 km/h, while the 186 PS 2.7 takes 11.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h and uses about 9.2 litres per 100 km.

Four-wheel-drive systems

The old 1cars text describes three drive systems for the Rexton W. Part-Time is a manually engaged four-wheel drive. TOD (torque on demand) connects the front axle automatically. AWD is permanent four-wheel drive with a planetary centre differential, which splits torque 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. The automatic gearbox has a winter mode that helps the car pull away on slippery surfaces.

Frame, suspension and brakes

The Rexton W keeps a separate ladder frame, which the old 1cars text describes as a three-layer design that makes the car strong and durable. The front suspension uses double wishbones with telescopic dampers. Part-Time and TOD versions have a solid rear axle, while AWD versions use an independent multi-link rear suspension. Steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic assistance. Disc brakes are fitted on all wheels, ventilated at the front, with ABS, EBD and brake assist.

Rexton W dimensions

Exterior and interior

According to the old 1cars text, the Rexton W's facelift brought a chrome grille, new headlights, a three-section bumper with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and LED rear lights. The tailgate has a glass section that opens separately, which makes it easier to load small items. Inside, the old 1cars text notes better materials, a large centre console, a 7-inch colour touchscreen on higher trims and front seats with memory for three drivers. The driver's seat slides back automatically when the key is removed. An optional third row has two seats with their own climate control.

Safety equipment

The old 1cars text lists electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, roll-over protection, brake assist and hill descent control. Front and side airbags work with belt pretensioners, the doors contain steel side-impact bars and the body is designed to spread crash energy over a larger area. Child locks prevent the rear doors from being opened while the car is moving.

Rexton timeline

Rivals: how the Rexton W compares

The Rexton W competed with body-on-frame SUVs such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Kia Mohave. According to the old 1cars text, its strengths are high comfort for the price, low maintenance costs, high ground clearance, a spacious cabin and rich standard equipment. Its weaknesses, according to the same source, are uncomfortable seats, some trim flaws, very soft rear suspension, modest noise insulation and a cramped third row.