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Want a large SUV that can walk the walk as well as talking the talk? What about one you probably aren't familiar with, the KGM Rexton, which once wore a SsangYong badge? If you are secure enough in yourself not to care too much about badge equity and want a large, capable, well equipped seven-seat 4x4 for sensible money, it makes a lot of sense.
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Driving experience
Under the bonnet, this Rexton gets a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by KGM, which delivers maximum power of 202PS and maximum torque of 441Nm. This powerplant delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start - the rest to 62mph sprint takes 10.7 seconds. More important is the way that this proven e-XDi 220 unit has been tuned primarily for the strong low-end torque typical of the Korean maker's powerplants. Transmission is a Hyundai-sourced 8-speed automatic. Like most SsangYong SUVs, this one will be ideal for those wishing to tow. Thanks to a braked towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes, it can deal with heavier items like a double horsebox, a large caravan or a commercial trailer.
Like other SUVs in this class, the Rexton features a part time 4x4 system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels. Unlike German premium brand SUVs, you get a low ratio gearbox for when off-road conditions become more demanding. Off road electronic safety aids like hill start assist and hill decent control are standard and the Rexton is best-in-class for approach and departure angles - 20.5 degrees and 22.2 degrees respectively. On-tarmac, refinement isn't up to the standards set by less capable rivals, but it's aided by a stiff body, decent aerodynamics and plenty of engine isolation.
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Design and build
This Rexton has quite a commanding presence, thanks to an imposing front grille, surrounded by LED headlamps, which gives it a more powerful, sturdy stance. The rear end features LED tail light clusters. Under the skin you get the solid body-on-frame construction that rival brands have long abandoned. The brand has standardised 18-inch alloy wheels. The Korean maker says this SUV is one of the strongest and safest cars in its class thanks to the high-strength steel construction of its body, which makes this car stiffer than many monocoque-built competitors in this category.
Inside, the cabin feels reasonably comparable to European rivals, particularly with the top 'K50' model, which offers quilted Nappa leather seat upholstery. There's a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display and a 9-inch HD centre-dash screen. These days, you only get a 7-seat cabin configuration, the second row of seats splitting 60:40 with a folding centre armrest, and giving easy access to the third row of seats, chairs that also fold individually 50:50. This seating combination gives great passenger and load flexibility, equipping the car with one of the largest load spaces in its segment: four golf bags can fit in the boot. There's 240-litres of luggage spare with all the seats upright, or 872-litres with the second row backrest upright; if you fold the second and third rows, that rises to 1,806-litres.
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Market and model
Prices are quite a lot higher than they were at this generation model's original launch but still represent decent value in the segment and now include auto transmission and seven seats with both variants. The Rexton line-up now sees an entry-level seven-seat 'K30' variant at around £40,500, but most will want to find another £2,000 for the plusher 'K40' model. At just over £46,000, the top 'K50' derivative is the range flagship.
As expected equipment levels are generous. Even the base 'K30' derivative comes complete with 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a 12.3-inch full digital console, dual zone climate control and a 9-inch HD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. Plus there's power assisted steering, a heated leather steering wheel, power adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, faux-leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Safety kit includes 9 airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Smart High Beam and Trailer Sway Control.
Step up to the Rexton 'K40' and you also get nappa leather upholstery, powered heated and ventilated front seats, LED cabin mood lighting. The top 'K50' variant includes suede seat inserts, black side steps, a powered sunroof and larger 20-inch wheels.
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Cost of ownership
KGM has done a reasonable job in bringing the running cost returns of this Rexton up to date courtesy of its own 2.2-litre Euro 6 e-XDi diesel engine. Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 32.9mpg and the CO2 figure is 225g/km, both readings slightly down on those of the pre-facelifted model. The magazines will tell you that these returns aren't up to the levels of cars like Kia's Sorento or Hyundai's Santa Fe. Well of course they're not. Those two models aren't as tough and capable, nor do they have a proper - but inevitably heavy - low range 4x4 transmission.
So we need to be comparing apples with apples and pitching this car against proper tough SUVs that as well as seating seven, can easily tow heavy loads and, if necessary, take you through the Serengeti rather than simply through the odd muddy carpark. Once you do that, this Rexton actually stacks up pretty well, with running cost figures pretty similar to those of a properly rugged rival like Toyota's Land Cruiser. Residual values should be good too. Used Rextons are in high demand across KGM's dealer network. Perhaps the best bit though, is the peace of mind that comes as standard with this car thanks to KGM's impressively complete five year 100,000 mile warranty. Insurance groups are between 37 and 39.
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Summary
Let's get down to the facts here. There is no other properly capable large SUV in the same price bracket as this KGM Rexton, which has a little more of a premium feel in this latest guise. If you want something really comparable with seven seats that can tow as much or go as far off the beaten track, then you'll need to pay around 30% more for a Land Rover Discovery or Toyota LandCruiser. This basic point appears to have been ignored by most reviewers who seem to insist on comparing this KGM to rivals not capable of even thinking about tackling the tough tasks this Rexton will take in its stride.
Yes of course the properly tough underpinnings necessary to achieve this mean that this car won't tackle the tarmac twisties like a BMW X5 - but then no SUV that's this big and practical can do that. Approach a drive in a Rexton remembering this, with expectations based around the things this car has been designed to do, and you're likely to be very satisfied with what it delivers.
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