Not only is the Rexton the cheapest diesel, dual-range 4WD, seven-seat wagon on the market, it is al

Ssangyong Rexton SX: Review

The Mitsubishi Challenger, Holden Colorado 7 and Isuzu MU-X are all at the starting point for this type of vehicle and all play in the $40K to $50K region. Yet, the just-released 2014 Ssangyong Rexton SX even makes these vehicles seem a bit pricey.

At just $39,990 drive-away, the Rexton is some $8000-$10,000 cheaper than its competitors.

ATTRIBUTES

Not only is the Rexton the cheapest diesel, dual-range 4WD, seven-seat wagon on the market, it is also loaded with gear. Leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob, electric driver’s seat adjustment with memory, MP3/CD player with Bluetooth audio streaming/phone and steering wheel controls, climate control air-conditioning with separate rear controls for third-row occupants, cruise control, fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, 16in alloy wheels, heated electric side mirrors, and side steps are all standard.

Safety

Safety equipment includes front and front side airbags (so none for rear occupants) and the usual suite of electronic over hydraulic traction aids, including ABS brakes with electronic brake assist, traction and stability control, hill descent control and anti-rollover protection. The only option is metallic paint at $350.

Interior

The Rexton has pretty good interior packaging, with the compromise of space, comfort and practical features well-covered. The front seats are very comfortable for the long haul and the driver gets a clear view out and to most of the instruments.

The second-row is flat, but roomy (a flatter seat is better when fitting multiple child seats or boosters) and the third-row is very close to the floor and close to the second-row — really only a sub-teenager’s retreat here.

There are no headrests for the centre second-row occupant, or for the third-rowers. Unlike most other seven-seaters, the third-row is not split, so you can’t just have one third-row seat up and use the remaining flat area as storage space.

Ssangyong Rexton SX Specs

  • Engine 2.0L turbo-diesel
  • Max power 115kW at 4000rpm
  • Max torque 360Nm at 1500-2800rpm
  • Transmission Five-speed automatic
  • Length 4755mm
  • Width 1900mm
  • Height 1840mm
  • Wheelbase 2835mm
  • Ground clearance 216mm
  • Kerb mass 1985kg
  • Gross Vehicle Mass 2710kg
  • Gross Combined Mass 5310kg
  • Fuel tank capacity 78L
  • Roof load 45kg
  • Towing capacity unbraked/braked 750/2600kg
  • Towball (max) 200kg
  • Price $40,340


Check out the full review in issue #84 January 2015 of Camper Trailer Australia magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.