SsangYong Rexton is probably the most reliable Korean car. The mid-size SUV SsangYong at the time of its appearance in 2001 was equipped with an engine from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
SsangYong RextonThe SsangYong Rexton is a mid-size SUV produced by the Korean company SsangYong Rexton, developed on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class platform. Produced since 2001.
The design of the first generation SsangYong Rexton was developed by the famous Italdesign studio under the direction of Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class platform was taken as the basis. In 2006, the model was restyled, mainly affecting the interior, which became more comfortable, and the car received the official name Rexton II.
Technical features SsangYong Rexton I
The first generation SsangYong Rexton was produced from 2001 to 2006. The car had permanent all-wheel drive and could be equipped with a diesel engine with a common rail injection system and a 2.7-liter turbine, a 3.2-liter gasoline engine or a 2.9-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine. All three engines were produced under license from Mercedes-Benz. The last two engines from the list were previously installed on the Musso SUV, the production of which had been discontinued by that time.
In 2003, sales of the SsangYong Rexton I began in Europe.
In the configuration with the 2.9 Rexton diesel engine, it was possible to purchase both with an automatic transmission and with a manual transmission manufactured by the American company Tremec, while the gasoline engine was equipped only with an automatic transmission from the Austrian company BTR Automotive. In 2004, with the advent of a new 2.7-liter diesel unit, the list of transmission options was replenished with a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, which could be equipped with a car to order.
Technical features SsangYong Rexton II
The company announced the launch of the second generation SsangYong Rexton in 2006. Engines and gearboxes remained the same, however, since 2006, Tiptronic has also been equipped with 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engines.
Fuel consumption in this modification is reduced, but remains quite large - from 15 to 22 liters per hundred kilometers in the urban cycle.
When using manual gear control, you can use, by choice, the buttons on the steering wheel or the joystick of the gear selector lever.
In automatic shift mode, the automatic transmission is set to the maximum economy mode in urban driving. For example, when driving at a speed of 60 km / h with a small load, the box switches to fifth gear. When driving in Tiptronic mode, information about the current gear is shown on the display.
The transmission of an all-wheel drive vehicle is built according to the AWD scheme. The reduced range of gears in the transfer case is provided only in the configuration with diesel engines. In all modifications, the ESP system is responsible for the safety of the driver, redistributing torque individually to each wheel, depending on the need.
Despite the fact that Rexton is more of a crossover than an SUV, the frame design provides for the installation of high, large wheels and long-travel suspension. An indirect effect of this was an improvement in performance when driving on roads, since the suspension is able to “swallow” even large pits, including when driving at low speeds.
The controls of various systems, according to the owners, are located very well. The car has a good audio system, controlled by a head unit, with a USB connector, which allows you to listen to digital tracks in addition to Audio CD.
Among the shortcomings, one can note the lack of steering wheel adjustment for reach, although the presence of a memory in the seat adjustment system, which can be programmed for a complete departure back when the ignition is turned off and the key is removed from the lock, largely compensates for this inconvenience both when driving and when getting in / out.
The second row seats are located at an optimal distance from the front, but there is no way to adjust this distance, which is not always convenient. In addition, there is no way to fold the seats completely, creating a single space with the floor, which makes it difficult to load long items in the trunk.
The air conditioner and stove, according to the owners, cope well in extreme temperature conditions, but cooling the interior in the heat and warming up in the cold take quite a long time. An air quality sensor is built into the climate control system, which switches the air intake to internal recirculation mode if signs of exhaust are detected in the cabin.
In winter, slow warm-up can be compensated by the heated front seats.
Owners consider the presence of three cigarette lighter sockets an obvious convenience. Two of them are available to the driver and passengers of the second row, and the third is located in the trunk, which allows you to connect, for example, a refrigerator to it.
The trunk offers a variety of luggage attachments, while the separately opening glass on the rear tailgate makes transporting long items easier.
SsangYong Rexton 2010
In 2010, the second generation Rexton was modified. Restyling touched, first of all, fuel injection and exhaust systems, in order to reduce the content of toxic substances emitted into the atmosphere. For example, diesel engines, like gasoline engines, began to be equipped with catalytic converters. In addition, variable geometry turbines began to be installed on cars for more correct adjustment of the air supply.
In addition, the car received an automatic parking system, tire pressure sensors and a collision warning system.
In 2013, the company announced the forthcoming release of the new Rexton model RX200.
In 2008, tuning studio Project Kahn introduced a modified version of the Rexton 270 SPR. In addition to luxurious interior trim and an improved audio system, Rexton received a modified 2.7 turbodiesel that produces 402 Newton meters of torque at 2400 rpm.
In 2007, the Italian tuning studio Intercar created a six-meter premium pickup truck called the Intercar RX 400 based on the Rexton.
In its home market, the SsangYong Rexton W debuted at the May 2012 Auto Show in Busan. Domestic motorists were able to see the novelty at the Moscow Motor Show, which took place a few months later. The car received a wide range of diesel units, a modified suspension, a redesigned interior and a retouched design. It is not difficult to distinguish Rexton W from its predecessor. It has large fender-mounted headlights with round focusing lenses and a silver backing. The radiator grill is visually adjacent to the lighting equipment, consists of thin horizontally oriented ribs and flaunts the manufacturer's logo. Under it, on the front bumper, there is a compact trapezoidal air intake and a couple of niches with elongated fog lights.
Dimensions
The Sanyong Rexton W is a mid-size classic SUV with the option of installing a third row of seats. Its overall dimensions are: length 4755 mm, width 1900 mm, height 1840 mm, and the wheelbase is 2835 mm. Ground clearance is quite solid and is 206 or 247 millimeters, depending on the version. The car is based on a spar-type frame made of high-strength steel grades. The front suspension is independent, with two wishbones, and a solid axle or a multi-link design can be located at the rear.
Thanks to the spare wheel located under the floor, the SUV boasts a solid luggage compartment. In the standard position, with the backs of the second row of seats raised and loaded under the window line, 678 liters of free space remain behind. The second row can be folded down and released up to 1524 liters.
Specifications
In the domestic market, the SUV is equipped with three different engines, mechanical and automatic gearboxes, as well as an all-wheel drive system.
The basic versions of the SsangYong Rexton W are equipped with a two-liter in-line diesel four with 155 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. It interfaces with both mechanical and automatic transmissions and is able to accelerate the car to one hundred kilometers per hour in 13.4-14 seconds. The maximum speed will be 173-175 km / h, and the fuel consumption will be 7.3-7.6 liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers in a combined driving cycle.
Older versions are equipped with a 2.7-liter unit that produces from 163 to 186 horsepower. This engine comes exclusively with an automatic and accelerates to hundreds in 11.4 seconds. As much as possible, such a car is capable of developing 170-181 kilometers per hour and consumes 9.2-9.8 liters of diesel fuel per hundred in a combined cycle.
Equipment
Even the base SsangYong Rexton W has a solid list of equipment. By default, the car is equipped with front and side airbags, stability control and ABS, climate control, unique design alloy wheels, heated seats and exterior mirrors, as well as fog lights and power windows in each door. For an additional fee, you can order a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, power sunroof and audio system.
Video
We are talking about the weak points of the most affordable SUV with Mercedes power units, which has been sold in Russia in three iterations for almost 15 years.
The SsangYong Rexton SUV has been officially sold in our country for almost a decade and a half since the beginning of the 2000s. During this time, the flagship model of a relatively young South Korean automobile brand, although it did not become a bestseller in the Russian market and never even came close to the Top 10 most popular rogues, nevertheless, was notable for its small, but still stable demand.
Its buyers are not the cheapest among the "Asians", but a rather large and roomy SUV with all-wheel drive and a frame body structure attracted not only decent equipment, but also licensed "Mercedes" power units. A slight similarity in design with the cars of the Stuttgart auto giant also played into the hands of the solid Rexton. In particular, reminiscent of the "Mercedesovskuyu" grille. And now, 4 years after the model left the Russian market, when its new generation loomed on the horizon, we decided to find out how tenacious its predecessors turned out to be in our climate, and what to expect from such Rextons with mileage.
Complicated story
The South Korean SUV with a frame structure and all-wheel drive SsangYong Rexton debuted in 2001 in Frankfurt. The design of the model under the factory index Y200 was developed in Italy, in the eminent Italdesign bureau. The car was created during the partnership of the Korean brand with DaimlerChrysler. As a result of this friendship between the companies, the novelty received licensed Mercedes gasoline and diesel engines, which were aggregated with a 5-speed manual, an Australian 4-band automatic from BTR Automotive, and later with a 5-band automatic transmission from Daimler.
In 2006, the flagship rogue SsangYong was thoroughly modernized. The environmental friendliness of its engines was improved, a particulate filter and a variable geometry turbine appeared. The updated flagship has changed the design of the front. So noticeable that the Koreans called the prettier SUV - Rexton II and assigned it a new Y250 index. On the eve of this big update - in December 2005 - the production of the model was launched at the facilities of the Small Car Plant (ZMA) bought out by Severstal from KamAZ, where the Togliatti Oka had previously been assembled.
In 2012, this generation, called by many the second generation of an SUV, was replaced by another - the third. Although the Y250 index of the model has not changed. Yes, and the essence of the car from the beginning of the "two thousandth" after the next modernization, too. During this restyling, Rexton received other bumpers, fenders, new optics with LEDs, a different grille, hood and side mirrors, a different plastic body kit, and a revised interior. In this form, the rogue was sold with us until 2015, when SsangYong stopped producing the model in Tatarstan and took a time out on the Russian market.
"Resale"
It is possible to characterize the variety of Rextons of all three generations currently on the secondary market with the phrase “a real SUV should be diesel”. Two-thirds of all used cars sold online are on heavy fuel ( 70% ) and only a third - gasoline ( 30% ). SUVs with a gun in the vast majority ( 81% ), and with mechanics, one might say, a rarity ( 19% ). The most common engine on used SsangYong Rexton is a 2.7 turbodiesel ( 67% ). Four times less than gasoline versions with a 2.3 engine ( 15% ) and even fewer top 3.2 ( 12% ). The rest is in short supply: 2.8 ( 3% ), 2.0 (2% ) and 2.9 ( 1% ).
Underbody problems
Many SsangYong Rexton SUVs, even the so-called first generation, despite their age, look very decent. Due to the good anti-corrosion protection of the body metal of these machines, they almost do not rust. True, the paintwork of the model is not very good. Chips on it are not uncommon. And if they are not painted over in a timely manner, then local centers of corrosion will certainly appear on the body of the SUV in these places. Most often, traces of the "red plague" can be found on the roof above the windshield, on the hood worth 31,900 rubles and the trunk door for 6,200 rubles.
Also, the appearance of cars produced before the first restyling is spoiled by roof rails peeling off with age for 14,600 rubles and wiper leashes. And also peeling chrome on the radiator grille from 8900 rubles and protective linings of wheel arches from 1600 rubles. But external traces of corrosion are not so bad. The frame of the car suffers much more from rust. Especially if she has never received additional protective treatment. In early examples, the corrosion of the frame can be so severe that it negatively affects its rigidity. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the frame number is often marked on the frame behind the right front wheel. Check its safety and legibility so that there are no difficulties when registering a car in the traffic police.
Peculiar engines
During sales in Russia, Rexton was equipped with three gasoline engines and the same number of turbodiesels. The car of the first generation was equipped with a 150-horsepower in-line gasoline "four" 2.3 MPI (G23) and a 200-horsepower "six" 2.8 MPI (G28). The top-end 220-horsepower 3.2 MPI (G32) was offered in all generations of the SUV from the very beginning. Also, the "first" Rexton was available with an archaic 120-horsepower diesel "turbo" 2.9 TDI (OM662LA). In 2004, the SUV received a 165-horsepower 2.7 diesel (D27DT), and since 2007, its more capable 186-horsepower "brother" (D27DTP). And finally, in 2012, the 155-horsepower “turbo-four” 2.0 (D20DT) joined the line.
Despite the fact that Rexton engines have a large margin of safety, they still cause trouble for their owners. Gasoline engines are afraid of overheating, and diesel engines suffer from poor quality fuel. The latter, due to the oil separator losing efficiency, require cleaning the intake manifold every 100,000 km. Glow plugs are enough for about 30,000 km. Problems with diesel engines can arise with a converter from 13,000 rubles, an EGR valve for 2,800 rubles and a turbine from 29,000 rubles, which is enough for about 50,000 km. If the diesel smokes heavily and loses traction, then it's time for it to be serviced. But on the other hand, such motors have a reliable and durable piston group.
Yes, and high-pressure fuel pumps for 44,700 rubles with nozzles of 16,900 rubles go at least 150,000 km. The timing chain is survivable for everyone, except for the younger 2-liter diesel engine, in which it stretches to 130,000 km. Petrol units are less troublesome. The key to their health and longevity is preventive measures against overheating. Namely: flushing the cooling radiator every two years with the replacement of a not very durable thermostat for 2200 rubles. A pump for 3200 rubles on the younger "four" runs about 40,000 km. The drive belt tensioner lives on average for 9250 rubles for the same amount. And at intervals of 60,000 - 70,000 km, it may be necessary to replace oil seals and head gaskets to prevent oil leaks.
Transmission
The most reliable on Rekston is the 5-speed manual Dymos TSM54. If there are no oil drips on its body, and the input shaft bearing for 400 rubles, nursing up to 120,000 km, does not buzz, that is, it is still alive or has already been changed, then you should not expect any problems from this MCP. What can not be said about the 4-band Australian machine M74 from BTR Automotive, which was installed with a 2.9 diesel engine and 2.8 and 2.3 petrol engines. For those who like to drive on an SUV with a breeze, the clutches in the automatic transmission, wearing out over 60,000 km, clog the filter element for 1,800 rubles, threatening the box with oil starvation. Therefore, you need to change the oil along with the filter at least 60,000 km.
Paired with a 3.2 petrol "six" and 2.7 diesel engines, the good old "Mercedes" 5-speed automatic 722.6, known from other SsangYong models, is not bad. But he also has a lot of weaknesses. In particular, for Rextons of the first generation and Rexton II SUVs until 2008 inclusive, this box sometimes caused trouble due to problems with the electronic filling, which suffered from overheating and dirty oil. On later machines, the electronic unit has been upgraded and is less vulnerable. Each of the three types of all-wheel drive available on the Rexton has its own nuances.
The least problematic is the simplest part-time transmission with a hard front connection. On the machines of the first two generations, there were failures in the operation of the transfer case control unit, which was finalized in 2009. But the vacuum clutches for engaging the front axle at 9300 rubles each were the scourge of the Rexton of the first generation. They cease to perform their function, having lost their tightness, in just some two years. Connoisseurs prefer to change them to mechanical ones. The TOD (Torque-On-Demand) transmission, which automatically distributes torque along the axles, has its own “bouquet” of troubles. Over 60,000 km, the front hubs “die” for 12,800 rubles, oil seals and axle bearings require replacement for 1,000 rubles each.
Somewhere around 140,000 km in the BorgWarner razdatka, the chain for 16,300 rubles and clutches wear out, and corrosion can ruin the wiring, connectors and the drive motor of this unit. Cars with 2.7 and 3.2 engines, which have been equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system since 2007, have no such difficulties with the transfer case. Because it is mechanical, without servos. But by 60,000 km in it, you may have to change the axle bearing for 2300 rubles. And at the front driveshaft for 12,200 rubles, which initially lacks lubrication, splines can be cut off from a sharp jerk for 70,000 km. Therefore, regular lubrication of the transmission with lubricant for this machine is not just necessary, but critical.
Here and there
In general, SsangYong Rexton of any generation is a moderately reliable car. The owner, who not only actively exploits, but also regularly maintains this SUV, is unlikely to suddenly fail in a big way. But minor problems with the car will nevertheless arise from time to time here and there. For example, the suspension can cause some trouble, which, alas, is not a standard of strength and durability for a large and heavy frame SUV. Least of all claims to the dependent rear with a continuous bridge. Its gearbox and axle bearings require lubrication renewal after 30,000 km.
Shock absorbers from 2,500 rubles go about 70,000 km, by this time the springs for 3,600 rubles also sag. In an independent rear multi-link, the situation is the same with sagging springs, and it also has rather weak hinges, silent blocks from 300 rubles and longitudinal rods of 1400 rubles each. They are usually enough for about 100,000 kilometers. The weak point of the front suspension is the ball bearings of the lower arms, 800 rubles each, which wear out somewhere over 40,000 km. Squeaks and even a slight play when turning the steering wheel is a signal for their urgent replacement in order to avoid pulling out the support pin on a large bump or pit and subsequent breaking of the wheel.
A little longer than 100,000 km, brake hoses live for 1,500 rubles, losing their properties, and for diesel versions, up to 120,000 km, the vacuum brake booster may need to be replaced for at least 11,800 rubles. When inspecting and test driving the car, check the operation of the handbrake. In a few years, the handbrake cables can turn sour, disabling the entire mechanism. By the way, hydraulic booster hoses from 2000 rubles also sometimes have to be changed due to aging. They are especially vulnerable in winter. The steering rack for 45,700 rubles often serves a little more than 100,000 km, reporting the need for repair by tapping the bushing and current oil seals. Yes, and the tie rod ends at this point also ask for an exit.
The Rexton electrics are not flawless. Over 50,000 km from dampness and reagents, the wiper motor on the tailgate dies for 3,000 rubles. By the same run, door locks may begin to act up due to wear. A generator for 13,500 rubles, serving about 120,000 km, suffers from acidification of the power wire, which can also break off. On diesel SUVs, you need to monitor the generator belt costing 600 rubles, the weak tension of which is capable of large-scale damage to both the overrunning clutch for 4000 rubles, dying to 80,000 km, and the battery from 5000 rubles. The latter, in turn, due to low voltage in the on-board network, can piss off a regular immobilizer, which will immobilize the car for a long time.
How much?
Prices for Rextons start at 250,000 rubles for the very first pre-styling SUVs. Such cars, mainly with gasoline engines 2.3 and 3.2, have already managed to drive from 250,000 km to 300,000 km. Cars with a low-power diesel engine 2.9 are valued at least 330,000 rubles, and with a more modern 2.7 - from 390,000 rubles. SsangYong Rexton II with mileage cannot be bought cheaper than 430,000 rubles. And these are also cars with runs for 200,000 - 250,000 km. Prices for this generation of the last years of production reach up to 900,000 rubles. And the latest third iteration of the SUV is estimated by its owners at a minimum of 850,000 rubles and a maximum of 1,300,000 rubles with a range of up to 50,000 - 70,000 km.
Our choice
Buying a SsangYong Rexton of all three generations with mileage is not the most straightforward event. On the one hand, for that kind of money, you are unlikely to find on the secondary market many real frame SUVs comparable in size and equipment, and even with almost “Mercedes” power units. On the other hand, the age of such machines and the absence of absolutely problem-free combinations of numerous engines and gearboxes. Plus, possible problems due to poor diesel fuel, lack of qualified service, or even its absence. Therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice and purchase of such a machine thoroughly and very seriously.
A complete diagnosis of all components and assemblies of the car is important to do before you "hit hands" with the seller, and not after, in order to avoid possible huge repair costs. We at Am.ru believe that any gasoline Rexton of the last two generations with mechanics or with a 5-band automatic not older than 10 years can be the best purchase option. It also makes sense to consider SUVs with a 2.7 diesel engine with the same automatic transmission, but only with a confirmed service history with regular maintenance and a positive verdict after diagnosing the car in a qualified service. Such gasoline options in good condition with a range of up to 150,000 km can be found cheaper than 600,000 rubles, and diesel ones - from 500,000 rubles.
The first generation South Korean SUV SsangYong entered the market in 2001. In 2004, the car went through a planned upgrade, after which it was produced until 2006, when it was replaced by a new generation model.
The first generation SsangYong Rexton is a mid-size SUV with a frame body structure and a seven-seat interior layout.
Its length is 4720 mm, height - 1760 mm, width - 1870 mm, wheelbase - 2820 mm, ground clearance - 200 mm. Depending on the modification, the curb weight of the car is from 1815 to 1860 kg, the total weight is 2550 kg. The luggage compartment of the Rexton reaches 500 liters, and with the rear seat folded down - 1920 liters.
The first generation SsangYong Rexton SUV was equipped with three engines. The first is a 2.9-liter turbodiesel that produces 120 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, the second is a 2.3-liter gasoline unit with a capacity of 140 “horses” (209 Nm), the third is a 3.2-liter engine with a return of 220 horsepower and 312 Nm of torque. The engines were combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The front suspension on the SsangYong Rexton is independent torsion bar, the rear is independent spring. Ventilated disc brakes are installed in the front, disc brakes in the rear.
The "first" SsangYong Rexton has its advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspects of an SUV are an attractive appearance, powerful engines, acceptable dynamics, good visibility, a roomy interior, a large trunk, good off-road capabilities for all-wheel drive versions, a solid frame body structure and a low price.
Negative - high cost of ownership, stiff suspension, high fuel consumption, cheap trim materials and not always high-quality assembly.
Let's start, so to speak, ab ovo (for those who have forgotten Latin - from the very beginning) ... In 1993, the brand with the name SsangYong, which is very dissonant for the Russian ear, broke into the world SUV market with the Musso model. And since in those days the young Korean dragon (or rather, two whole dragons, since this is how the name is translated from Korean) had neither experience nor relevant specialists, they entrusted the design to the British Ken Greenley - a rebel, outrageous and a great original . So he piled "Rhino", that is, Musso.
Ssang Yong Musso "1995–98 for the UK market
The car really got a very original, but very ambiguous appearance. Suffice it to recall how much poison poured out on the design of Musso in the Top Gear program from the mouth of the caustic Jeremy Clarkson! But high-quality assembly and technological partnership with the Mercedes-Benz brand, which supplied the Korean company with licenses for engines and main units, allowed the model to hold out on the conveyor right up to 2005. And yet, when it came to developing a successor (and it happened much earlier, no later than 1997), SsangYong management decided not to take risks and find a design studio that would make the body in line with global trends.
Italdisign, headed by maestro Fabrizio Giugiaro, became such an atelier. So in 2001, the Ssang Yong Rexton (“Royal Voice”) was born with the factory code Y200, and in December 2005, SeverstalAvto began assembling these SUVs at the facilities of the Small Car Plant JSC in Naberezhnye Chelny.
SsangYong Rexton (Y200)" 2001–2003
In 2006, the model underwent a restyling (factory code Y250), and in 2012 another one (code Y290). These versions were named Rexton I, Rexton II and Rexton III (or Rexton W). The most massive in Russia, of course, was the Rexton II variant: Rexton W simply did not have time to disperse widely enough.
With the onset of the crisis in 2014, sales went down sharply, and in 2015, the SsangYong brand practically curtailed its activities in our country. Nevertheless, many of these cars run on Russian roads, which were originally a development of the design of the first generation Mercedes ML.
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Structurally, Rexton is a classic frame SUV, equipped with one of two 2.7-liter turbodiesels (XDi, producing 165 hp and 340 Nm of torque, or XVT - 186 hp, 402 Nm), as well as a petrol 3 .2-liter in-line "six" (220 hp, 312 Nm). In 2012, a two-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 149 hp was added to the range of engines. (360 Nm).
But the most curious thing is that three types of transmission were provided for Rexton II, and four types of transmission for Rexton W! The car could have either a classic part-time, that is, a plug-in front axle and a BorgWarner transfer case with a reduction gear, or an automatically connected front axle (TOD, Torque-On-Demand system), or a permanent all-wheel drive without a “lower” (that is, in fact, such options were such a rare animal as a frame crossover). In addition, versions with a two-liter engine were also produced in a rear-wheel drive configuration. Accordingly, SUVs with D20DT and 2.7 XDi had a dependent rear suspension, and versions with 2.7 XVT and G32P had a multi-link independent.
Well, what are the impressions of these SUVs from their owners?
Hate #5: "Over the seas, over the waves..."
In almost all reviews on the Internet, there are complaints that the Rexton suspension is too weak and rolly. Americans like this setting, but not everyone among Russians, and on the forums you can find a couple of hundred recipes on how to “bring it to mind” and turn Rexton into something “UAZ-like”.
Those who switched to Rex from domestic SUVs react especially sharply to this softness: “If I drove Patrick along a country road, and the pits themselves ran away from it, then you have to drive slowly and carefully.”
In corners, the Rexton heels imposingly (but pretty well keeps the trajectory on straight lines), but on speed bumps, as well as serious bumps and pits, it makes it slow down to 20-30 kilometers per hour.
Plus, the chassis does not differ in special endurance. Independent suspension usually requires intervention every 60-80 thousand kilometers. Most often, replacements require anti-roll bars and silent blocks. The cars of the first years of production had another unpleasant "childhood disease": the ball bearings of the lower arms withstood a maximum of 30 thousand kilometers, and if the progenitor Mercedes ML had ball joints in the catalog as a separate part, then for Rexton they are supposed to be replaced along with the lever. As a result, the "collective people's intellect" found a way out: as it turned out, the supports can be replaced with similar ones from VW Transporter, designed for practically "cargo" operation, and such an operation turns out to be almost 30 times cheaper than that offered by official services.
Love # 5: “I gave spurs under the sides, the horse flew like an arrow ...”
Here's what's interesting: among the merits of the Ssang Yong Rexton, the vast majority of owners also mention handling, although it would seem that a large and heavy SUV with a very soft suspension should be perceived as a complete bumpkin, humpty dumpty and generally tyupa. And what may seem even more mysterious, the owners are echoed by picky automotive journalists!
The fact is that a certain looseness of the suspension is quite successfully stopped by successful steering settings. At low speeds, the steering wheel rotates very easily and provides a fairly small turning radius, but when accelerating, it fills with informative effort.
Let's add quite decent (for diesel cars) dynamics. True, the car “wakes up” only after gaining a speed of about 50 km / h. At the same time, as I said, Rexton is distinguished by excellent trajectory stability: a little worse for versions with dependent, and a little better for versions with independent rear suspension. “Voronezh - Krasnodar often traveled along the highway (850 km from house to house), both in winter and summer. With 1-2 stops in 9-10 hours I arrived. On the M4, which is being repaired all the time, I drive steadily at 130-150 km / h, and there is a “reserve under the slipper”.
Rexton behaves very decently even in difficult winter conditions. So the handling and even the dynamics of this car go into the piggy bank of its unequivocal pluses.
Hate #4: "Stars shine brightly, light bulbs burn brightly..."
Everyone knows that electric light bulbs glow brightest before they burn out to hell, sim ending their mortal light bulb existence. So, almost all Ssang Yong Rexton owners complain about constantly burning headlights. At the same time, the Rexton headlights are equipped with the most ordinary “halogens”, which for a solid car worth several tens of thousands of dollars produced in the 21st century is already perceived as a kind of anachronism. Many of the owners claim that the only way to deal with this scourge is to install xenon light sources and appropriate electronic components. By the way, this is not such an expensive pleasure, and replacing light bulbs with Rexton is a rather dreary task, because it requires removing the headlight.
Love # 4: “And around the silence, taken as a basis ...”
If the owner gets acquainted with Rexton's pernicious habit of burning innocent lighting devices only during operation, then he can immediately appreciate the silence in the cabin, having taken the driver's seat for the first time. Drivers who got into a Korean SUV from the womb of our UAZ will especially highly appreciate a good “Shumka”. However, they will appreciate the “Shumka” in any car.
Hatred #3: “This is such an incomprehensible object - here it is, but it’s not there ...”
Winnie the Pooh talked about honey. As for the owners of Rexton, they often pronounce these words in relation to vacuum, or rather, to the vacuum drive of the front wheel freewheels, which were equipped with options with an automatically or forcibly connected front axle. Indeed, in order for the clutch to stop closing, the slightest violation of the tightness of the system is enough, and everything happens without any preliminary signs and a declaration of war. Only yesterday everything was fine - and boom, “you turn it on - it doesn’t work!”, As Zhvanetsky wrote.
I myself ran into this problem myself, because for seven years I owned a Ssang Yong Musso Sports pickup truck equipped with exactly the same clutches. It can be very disappointing - it seems that you are driving a quite decent and solid frame SUV, but you get stuck in a place that the driver of some Niva will not even notice.
This issue can be radically solved only by installing mechanical freewheels - for example, the AVM brand. But that means stopping, getting out of the car, putting on gloves and turning the flags on the clutches every time you turn the 4WD on or off.
However, the Rexton's cross-country ability should be assessed as very average: it has a ground clearance of only 206 mm, and the overhangs are quite large, as well as the weight. As a result, I am practically unaware of cases of turning Rexton into a military projectile for conquering abysses and swamps. Probably, it is correct - for this there are completely different, much more suitable cars. Nevertheless, many owners of the Ssang Yong Rexton, especially those who moved to it from cars, consider cross-country ability to be one of the advantages of this model. Those who have previously dealt with "professional crooks" clearly see the limits of the possible.
Love #3: "Painting, basket, cardboard..."
In any case, Rexton is not intended for extreme exploits, but for purely family use, and in this regard it is really very good. First of all, the owner will be pleased with the volume of the trunk, which is 935 liters according to VDA. And that's with the rear seats folded down! By the way, during the restyling of 2012, the designers came to the conclusion that the trunk can be reduced to 678 liters, giving space to the rear passengers.
The fifth door, of course, is quite heavy, but access to the luggage compartment can also be obtained through the opening rear window. So, in addition to “pictures, baskets, cardboard boxes”, you can also fit a small dog here. Or a St. Bernard - there would be a dog, but there would be enough space.
Hate #2: "What is not, is not there..."
The equipment of Rexton lacks many positions, the presence of which, it would seem, should be quite natural for an expensive comfortable SUV of the first decade of the 21st century. For example, as a class there is no on-board computer, and in order to estimate fuel consumption, you need to measure the mileage on a full tank and do the calculations yourself. There are no tire pressure sensors either ... There is no rear-view camera, and parking sensors appeared only after the second restyling.
Of all the electronic assistants, there is only a downhill assistance system, and some owners believe that it works extremely incorrectly.
Many automatic transmission versions do not have cruise control.
Finally, the audio system ... Its main advantage is an unusual design in the form of a CD cut in half. At the same time, the system does not support the MP3 format, does not understand RDS, lacks a touch screen and, of course, does not have navigation functions.
Love # 2: “And instead of a hertz, an Ausenboard motor, or a Teutonic song”
When people ask me: “Did you have a Ssang Yong, so how?”, I usually answer that it’s not bad in general, but the best thing that was in this car was the 2.9-liter D29DT turbodiesel, nee Mercedes OM602 . It was reliable, not too noisy, it started well in winter, it was quite omnivorous, but most importantly, it had absolutely locomotive traction and allowed it to drive in fifth gear without switching, in the range from 40 to 140 km / h.
I was especially pleased with the omnivorousness: the engine practically did not react to the quality of the fuel and absolutely calmly accepted diesel fuel drained with a bucket from the tank of a combine operating in the field.
Its successor, D27DT, which has become the main Rexton engine in the Russian market, also has a German counterpart - OM612. However, this engine belongs to a completely different generation of compression ignition units, and does not have a conventional injection pump, but an electronically controlled common rail fuel system. As a result, it is more powerful, quieter, more elastic, more economical, more powerful than its predecessor. It is thanks to the excellent performance of the engines (not only the diesel D27DT and D20DT deserve praise, but also the gasoline G32T) that Rexton has earned all the pluses for dynamics and comfort. And all these engines have Teutonic roots and quite decent reliability, and efficiency does not cause any particular complaints.
Most of the authors of reviews on the Internet claim that in urban traffic jams, fuel consumption is about 12-13 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km, and on the highway it drops to 8-9. In any case, a 68-liter tank is enough for 700-800 km. The owners of diesel cars with mechanics testify: traction on the bottoms quite allows, without switching, to use fifth gear in the range from 50 to 150 km / h, and in the city to drive in the “second-fifth” mode.
As for the G32T, it, as befits a gasoline V6, is significantly more voracious, but its appetite does not fall outside the acceptable range and is about 14-16 liters in the city and 10-12 on the highway. But there is no need to talk about the former omnivorousness of diesel engines ...
Low-quality diesel fuel is exactly the factor that can lead to significant problems, primarily related to the malfunction of injectors. In especially severe cases, it is necessary to change the entire fuel system, including the fuel tank.
Hate #1: "I was looking for you, I looked in all the stores..."
It is no coincidence that Rexton owners pay great attention to the search for a wide variety of analogues for parts, assemblies and assemblies of their cars, because in almost every review there is a complaint about prices, availability, delivery times and the difficulty of finding originals. The matter is further complicated by the discrepancy between the Russian and Korean catalogs, which is why even VIN does not always help to buy what you want, and not what happens.
Separate bouts of anger in many Rexton owners are caused by the work of dealer services. Most often they are characterized by two words: expensive and bad.
Love #1: "Pleasant in every way"
Be that as it may, the owners consider the comfort provided by them to be the fundamental advantage of the Ssang Yong Rexton. And we are talking about the comfort of the cabin, and driving comfort.
Yes, Rexton is by no means a driver's car, and it is precisely for the reason that it literally separates both the driver and passengers from the road conditions. But it is precisely this quality that many appreciate in premium SUVs, and here you get it in full, and for very modest money...
SsangYong Rexton - more like love or more like hate?
