Introduced to the UK just under a year ago, this is the third Rexton in a series which first appeared back in 2001.SsangYong offers it in three forms, all of them with a 153bhp two-litre diesel engine which is strong enough for the job and, though not especially quiet, nevertheless impressively refined, with only the barest hint of that charcteristic diesel rattle.There are two trim levels, called SX and EX, and if you go for the latter you have the option of a five-speed automatic gearbox supplied (unlike the engine, which is SsangYong's own), by Mercedes-Benz.In that form, the Rexton W costs £25,995, which isn't much for an SUV of this size. Evidence of how SsangYong managed to keep the figure that low isn't hard to find - some of the interior materials, for example, are very thin and cheap.In other ways, though, the Rexton is unexpectedly high-class. The braking action is incredibly smooth, as is the steering (though that's maybe a little too light) and on smooth tarmac the ride isn't far from being luxurious.That changes dramatically when the car encounters any kind of bump on the road. The body and chassis are two different though obviously connected things, an old-fashioned arrangement which makes the Rexton uncomfortably bouncy on rougher ground. But it also contributes to a towing limit of 3000kg with a braked trailer, and to off-road abilityy which is enhanced by selectable four-wheel drive and the option of switching to lower overall gearing.There are seven seats, with lots of room for anyone sitting in at least two of the three in the centre row. The one on the right can be independently reclined, as can the ones on the left and in the middle, which are combined in one unit.They also fold forward and have to be clambered over to reach the third row, where the seats themselves are large enough but the lack of legroom restricts their usefulness to the point where only small children can sit in them. They can be folded down to increase the luggage capacity, but you have to remove their headrests first.Ease of manoeuvring depends on whether you're going forwards or backwards. The rear visibility is so bad that you'd be well advised to have someone standing behind the car to give you directions, a feature even more annoying than the awkwardly far-left placement of the handbrake. The turning circle, however, is amazingly tight, so you can turn round in one go in spaces that would require a three-pointer in some small family cars.As standard, the Rexton SE comes with 18" alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, heated front seats (with electric adjustment and position memory for the one on the driver's side), leather upholstery, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and six speakers. Options include a fixed towbar with 13-pin electrics for £571 and Kenwood touchscreen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio, an iPod socket and Bluetooth connectivity for £999. Engine 1998cc, 4 cylinders Power 153bhp Transmission 5-speed automatic Fuel/CO2 36.2mpg / 206g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: seconds Top speed 109mph Price £25,995 Details correct at publication date
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