Test Drive SsangYong Rexton since 2006 SUV

Performance of duties

SsangYong Rexton. Price: 1 210 000 rub. On sale: from August 2007

In today's automotive world, borrowing design elements or aggregates in models of other producers has become quite ordinary phenomenon. Such kindles that are often funny, and in some places, we train the memory of more efficiently dull techniques. However, in this case SsangYong Rexton II weak helper. Still, the licensed engine and the Mercedes gearbox at the second-generation SUV remained the same, so it's not necessary to knead the memories and comparisons for a long time. But under the hood of the car, a new turbine with a variable geometry appeared, which is not without pride presented as its own development of the Korean company. In it, in fact, the main change that happened to the power unit is concluded.
Installing this innovation added a few dry numbers into the technical documentation of the model and positive sensations by the owner. With the previous volume, the capacity of the 2.7-liter diesel engine has increased from the previous 165 to 186 hp, and the circulating moment has grown from 340 years to 402 nm. It sounds good, right? Just like the motor up to 3500 min-1. After this mark, he begins to frankly annoying hearing. Fortunately, it understands the 5-speed automaton, which accurate at that moment gently moves to the next step. By the way, the existence of the manual regime of the ACP can be in general in ignorance. With intensive acceleration of the car and so with enviable jumping rushes forward almost without failure in the lower range of revolutions. And when overtaking, the forced decrease in the transmission of a tangible effect does not give, as the machine considers it to be a personal insult and quickly goes to the increase. In addition, manual control itself is organized a very unexpected way: a miniature lever on the left side part of the AKP selector accounts for a thumb of the right hand moving forward-back. But this is a matter of habit.
It will be necessary to escalate to the weightless steering wheel, which is easier to rotate the little finger. On a limited parking space of the store or with non-unauthorized movements in the urban stream, this is an unconditional plus. But with an increase in the speed, the effort also does not grow such compliance by no means adding informativeness. So with the passing of turns with a whistle, it is better to postpone: maybe in the next version of the SUV, the steering will be more accurate? After all, they replaced the undiscriminated rear axle of the previous rexton an independent 8-lever suspension Rexton II, even if only in the top versions. Immediately and rolls decreased, and the irregularities of the road began to feel less in the cabin. If it went on, then it is worth up for a vague pedal of the brakes, and then it is quite difficult to calculate the necessary effort. You will give a rustic expected slowdown, slightly passed passengers on the belts hang.
Another important difference is a richly equipped test version of a constant four-wheel drive without lower transmission. In normal mode, the traction force is distributed in a ratio of 60% by 40%, when the car itself understands, as and when to change the proportion of the torque. Therefore, if the potential owner refers to an offroproid, and the off-road in his understanding is limited to the sipped snow dear before the cottage, Rexton 2.7 XVT is the optimal option.
Of course, the change of generations did not cost without aesthetic changes in the design of the model. Even extremely modest: externally rexton II is distinguished by new radiator grille and headlight shape, and the salon slightly transformed the front panel of other configuration. But perhaps the most noticeable metamorphosis recently happened to the value of the flagship, which fell immediately into tangible 70 thousand rubles. It is a pity that the remaining 1,210,000 people also do not seem to be spontaneous offers in this price segment a lot.
Such a different drive
The SUV is offered with three versions of the full drive. On the expensive versions set permanent AWD. The more modest modifications are equipped with the TOD system (Torque-On-Demand), when only the rear-wheel drive is involved in normal operating conditions, and if necessary, the front wheels are automatically connected. In the budget execution itself, Rexton II operates part-time 4wd, where the driver can enable the front-wheel drive.
Driving
This car clearly did not prevent more sensitive steering wheel and brakes.
Salon
It's hard to look for flaws where they are not. Places here in prosperity, armchairs are comfortable, and car control is simple and understandable.
Comfort
In the top trim, there is everything for the convenience of the driver and passengers, and even a little more. The appearance of independent rear suspension significantly reduced body rolls and raised passenger comfort.
Safety
Even in the basic version of execution there are ABS, ESP and front airbags.
Price
Somewhat overestimated.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Lovely appearance, traction engine, comfortable salon.
- non-informative brakes, too lightweight steering wheel, overestimated price.
Specifications
Brand and Model - SsangYong Rexton II 2.7 XVT A / T
Dimensions - 4720x1870x1830 mm
Engine - Diesel, 2696 cm3, 186 hp / 4000 min-1
Transmission - automatic, 5-speed
Dynamics - 181 km / h; 13 ° C to 100 km / h
Competitors - Kia Sorento, Nissan Pathfinder
Our opinion
This car, perhaps, the best creation of the Korean brand in Russia to date. First of all, unlike controversial fellow collection, Rexton II is quite harmonious outwardly. In addition, the SUV has good driving qualities. However, the price seems to us a little overpriced.

Posted by: Dmitry Tyatyuchenko
Photo: Sergey Crostes
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [March 2008]