Used SsangYong Rexton 2003-2013 review

Refinement levels are where the Rexton feels furthest off the pace, both in terms of the road and wind noise that gets into the cabin, but also the constant heaving motions bequeathed by its old-fashioned underpinnings. And while the ride never settles down, the feel-free steering acts to discourage any attempt at enthusiastic progress, which perhaps isn’t such a bad thing.

This isn’t a trendy, modern SUV, then, but a simple, traditional off-roader. Most disappointing is the low-speed ride that thumps around town. Up the pace though and things improve, the Rexton lolloping along in a relaxed manner. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is very light and offers little communication, but points the Rexton faithfully. Nevertheless, it’s a reminder of just how talented modern SUVs are at replicating a car-like experience.

Standard kit is generous in both S and EX trims, with the EX model only bettering the S with the addition of full leather trim and an electric sunroof, but a fully-specced Rexton also seems to miss the point of such a value-orientated car: electrically adjustable seats and automatic windscreen wipers feel slightly out of place in a vehicle like this.

The Rexton undercuts established rivals but it’s hard not to conclude its kitchen-sink specification is missing the point of such a value brand and as such the Rexton doesn’t quite deliver either as a bargain-basement workhorse or faux-luxury SUV. It has a certain charm and appeal, but it’s unlikely that it will be enough to snare too many buyers given the competitiveness of the SUV segment.