New SsangYong Rexton R-Line at British Motor Show

You’d be forgiven for thinking we’d taken leave of our senses ahead of this year’s British Motor Show by declaring that a SsangYong Rexton SUV has been given the once over by celebrated bling-merchants to the stars, Project Kahn.

But you’d also be very wrong, as the new £29,995 SsangYong Rexton R-Line special edition 4X4 is exactly what happened when the South Korean car manufacturer stalked Afzal Kahn and his Project Kahn tuning and styling team and handed them £24,995 worth of Rexton 270 SPR, telling them to ‘see what you can do with this’. Or similar words to that effect.

With a reputation built on turning what some might consider automotive frogs into what many would concur are automotive princes – or at least fit for the odd HRH – Project Kahn was under no illusions as to the task it was being asked to perform ahead of this years British Motor Show, and therein, the Rexton R-Line world debut.

So just what has Project Kahn finished up doing to the Rexton?

Well, with no imagery forthcoming until the day it launches on SsangYong’s stand this week, we’re left with no alternative other than to paint you a mental picture.

The exterior of the special edition Rexton R-Line will have had its suspension dropped, a given with anything Project Kahn gets its hands on, to guarantee a little road presence. A presence that will be embellished still further with the introduction of some massive rims. 22” alloys of Kahn’s very own bespoke design. Add to this visual mix a spot of aural intrusion in the form of a loud exhaust system, and you’re pretty much there.

On the inside, and the already formidable spread of climate, ESP, HDC, ABS, parking sensors, cruise, auto lights and wipers will be furnished still further with a bow to restyled heated leather seats, with that Project Kahn flourish in the detailing.

The Rexton R-Line will use the 182bhp SsangYong 2.7-litre turbo-diesel power plant, supported by a Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic auto transmission assemblage linked to permanent four-wheel-drive systems, as is always the case at this level. Quite what extra curricular tuning Project Kahn has done to a drive train that already summons 295lb-ft of torque if any remains to be seen. Like the pics.

A rear spoiler and Kenwood sat nav are the only cursory options on offer.