Ssangyong model range overview

Ssangyong Kyron

The Kyron range is a five-door, five seater SUV which will sell against the much more expensive market leaders in this sector, the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander, Toyota RAV 4 but in reality think more like Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva.

The starter Kyron model is priced at just £14,995, it was £17,995, and it looks every inch a proper SUV although it has two-wheel drive.

You get the full specification from air conditioning to electronic stability programme and much more. Other models have part-time four-wheel drive and there are manual and automatic transmissions depending on the model chosen. There is a choice of 2.0 and 2.7-litre turbodiesel engines.

The best option, given the high fuel prices and CO2 charges, is the 2.0-litre, 141PS turbodiesel unit with 310Nm of torque. This model will tow up to 2,300kg and should return 37.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 191g/km giving it a road tax bill of £210.

The likely best selling model Kyron EX 2.0, 4WD manual priced at £19,495. Like all SsangYong products do not expect the sharpest handling, the best road holding or the fastest performance. They do things well enough for most budget brand buyers and they look well made.

The steering is too light but this 2.0-litre engine is good, much better in fact than some other more expensive competitors. The gearchange has a low throw and the ride is a little soft.

Ssangyong Rexton

The Rexton five-door, five or seven-seat SUV is better known and prices start from £19,995. This is a bit larger than the Kyron and comes with one 2.7-litre, tutbodiesel engine option with manual or auto transmissions and all are four-wheel drive. Prices range from £19,995 up to £24,995.

Big SUVs are not good news; they are fuel thirsty and have a bad social responsibility image. However in real life people still need well equipped strong towing vehicles not priced at £30 plus. This vehicle will tow 3,200kg.

Again specification is high and the seven seat option will have some appeal. In keeping with all SsangYong models the steering is light, road holding blunt and the ride set for comfort but think of the price.

Ssangyong Rodius

The Rodius is a big people carrier, a full seven- seater with luggage space to match. There are four models, three 2WD drive and one 4WD starting from £14,995 up to £19,995.

The main seller will be the 270 ES 2WD priced at £16,995 with manual transmission or at £18,495 with the five-speed tiptronic type auto gearbox.

The 2.7-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder Mercedes engine produces 165PS with 340Nm of torque from1,800rpm. Fuel economy is 32.1mpg on average with CO2 emissions of 223g/km giving a road tax bill of £210.

This multi position seven-seat vehicle is 5,125mm long and it has hinged side opening doors. It’s rather ‘old school’ for interior design but it is functional. Driveability is not great as far as roadholding goes but the engine is responsive and the steering too light and vague. It needs more safety equipment, no side or curtain airbags are fitted.

It has gained the reputation of being the ugliest vehicle on UK roads, predominately because of the rear end styling treatment where the load area looks like a domestic house roof extension.

But at the price and for what it does, large families who need seven seat vehicles will not be worried. Neither will the Hire and Reward industry whose job it is to move people in some comfort from A to B reliably, and it will certainly do that.

SsangYong range approved for motability scheme

SsangYong’s range of Kyron, Rexton and Rodius cars are now approved for sale under the Motability Scheme.

Ssangyong Kyron road test

The Ssangyong Kyron won't win any awards for its handling or performance, but as a budget workhorse SUV may be worth the risk of uncertain residuals values.

SsangYong hoping for third time lucky in UK

SsangYong finding it difficult time to make headway in UK market in the face of credit crunch and rising fuel costs, as its Kyron and Rexton SUVs and Rodius MPV gear up for another tilt.

New SsangYong Rexton R-Line at British Motor Show

New SsangYong Rexton R-Line special edition given glad-eye by Project Kahn in time for British Motor Show debut. For a shade under £30K, it could be the most bling 4X4 by far.

Ssangyong launches Kyron, Rexton C-S commercial models

SsangYong has launched two new models in the shape of light commercial vehicles based on its Kyron and Rexton SUVs.

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