Korean automaker Ssangyong has revealed an all-new generation of their Rexton SUV at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show, the first time it has been shown to the public in near-production form.
Visually, it does bear a close resemblance to Ssangyong’s LIV-2 concept seen at last year’s Paris Motor Show, keeping what is essentially the same shape but toned down to meet manufacturing constraints and cost concerns, naturally.
Aside from the new design, the Rexton will be powered by either a 2.2-litre turbodiesel or a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor that, depending on the variant/grade chosen, will drive all four wheels or the rear wheel exclusively.
They’ve also stuffed their new flagship SUV with an impressive amount of convenience and safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, 360-degree camera, along with a new infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a 9.2-inch centre display.
There’s plenty of leather to be found in the cabin, too, at least in the top-spec variant, wrapping around a unremarkable but logical and relatively clean-looking dashboard.
The Rexton, or G4 Rexton as it will be called when sold in its home country starting in the next few months, will lead Ssangyong’s SUV charge above the Korando and Tivoli. Other markets such as Australia will should see the new model’s arrival before the end of the year.
Although still dependent on final pricing, the new Rexton should be able to compete with the other large Korean SUVs in most markets it will enter, and the underdog automaker is clearly aiming at such rivals as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
With a new design, improved cabin, technology features, and ride refinement, a newly revitalised Ssangyong Rexton could begin to worry the mass market SUV norm.
