Driving the SsangYong Rexton 7-seat SUV today – in the top-grade Ultimate at $58,000 drive-away and upgraded this year. This is a workhorse SUV based on a ladder-frame chassis with 3500kg braked towing capacity – powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel driving through a slick 8-speed automatic with part-time four-wheel drive in high and low range via a dial selector although four-wheel drive can only be used on unsealed surfaces. A nice transmission, the drive experience strong although with some noticeable turbo-lag from rest but once underway far more responsive. SsangYong grew out of post-war Korea initially as a truck manufacturer. This history is somewhat evident in SsangYong’s today – their Musso utes impressively rugged, and it carries over into this Rexton SUV – they feel bulletproof, strong, and tackle the rough just so well, independently sprung front and back with coil springs which could have a little more articulation, as such the ride can be a little firm in the rough, but on road far better. The SsangYong Rexton Ultimate with a very spacious interior is loaded with comfort and convenience features, the new larger touchscreen, instrumentation, and interior excellent although access to the third row for the kids can be a bit awkward. Economy – I managed 8.9L/100km

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