SsangYong Rexton W (2013 – 2017) Review

SsangYong Rexton W (2013 – 2017) At A Glance

2/5

+Very good value for money, has a strong towing ability making it ideal for caravanners, feels strong and robust, impressive five-wear warranty cover a wide range of components.

-A revamp of the old Rexton which was crude and dated, automatic gearbox is slow to respond.

Insurance Groups are between 31–35
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

SsangYong is giving its ageing Rexton a new lease of life with the launch of the Rexton W. The facelift brings a new look as well as much needed improvements to the interior. The new front end gives the Rexton a much neater appearance than the ungainly model it replaces, although the basic shape remains unchanged.

As before it uses a body on frame construction with double wishbone and coil spring suspension to the front plus a five link rigid axle with coil springs at the rear. Cutting edge it may not be, but the Rexton is designed as a proper off roader.

Power comes from SsangYong's own 2.0-litre diesel engine with 155PS and 360Nm of torque which peaks from just 1500rpm making it ideal for towing. It has a three tonne towing capability too which is ideal if you have a full-size caravan or a double horsebox. A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard or there's a five-speed Mercedes-Benz sourced T-Tronic automatic which costs an extra £1500, however, it's an automatic that feels dated.

The inside has been overhauled with new aluminium-effect and chrome finishes, plus soft-touch materials while it retains the third row of seats which flip out of the boot floor. And as you'd expect from a brand like SsangYong, standard equipment levels are high with all models getting cruise control, air conditioning, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, a leather covered steering wheel plus iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

A high spec ELX model was launched in 2015 and comes with extras such as navigation, special 18-inch alloy wheels, a new multi-function steering wheel and updated instruments plus heated rear seats. It also has a plusher interior. It's more expensive at £27,995 but you're still getting an awful lot of kit for that money, especially when compared to the competition.

The Rexton comes with SsangYong's five-year unlimited mileage warranty. All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system. Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles plus the battery and paintwork for three years.

It may not be the most fashionable of cars - or the most modern - but when it comes to value for money in a big SUV, not a lot can match the Rexton W.

Real MPG average for a SsangYong Rexton W (2013 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

26–37 mpg

MPGs submitted

9

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best 3.5 tonne tow car for under £15k?

"My partner is looking for a vehicle that is capable of towing 3.5 tonnes (horsebox and horses). Ideally, an automatic that costs less than £15,000 to buy (not a Land Rover Discovery after numerous issues with a previous car she owned). What options are there? "
We'd recommend a SsangYong Rexton. A late example of the last-generation model (replaced in 2017) will be within budget and capable of towing up to 3500kg. Alternatively, look at a Toyota Land Cruiser. You'll be looking at a much older example for the cash but they're very capable tow cars and pretty much indestructible.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Do we have a right to a replacement vehicle for our new SsangYong Rexton?

"I own a January 1, 2016 registered SsangYong Rexton ELX 2.2 diesel automatic. Whilst it has performed as expected, I have experienced repeated (five) visits to the dealer to resolve the issue of the engine light coming on. On each occasion I have been informed that they have cleared the fault and that the vehicle would be fine. I am now on my second long absence from the vehicle as they have now had it for two weeks (a week previously and three wait and fix visits) as they continue to try and resolve the fault. Whilst the vehicle performs okay, it is very unnerving and my wife and I are at the point of losing all confidence in driving or being a passenger in it. It would appear that there is an inherent fault within the vehicle software management system. Whilst the dealership have done all that SSanyong GB have advised them to do, we are still not confident that the problem will be resolved. The fault first appeared approximately 22 weeks into ownership and we wondered what our legal position is. Could we insist that the dealer or Ssanyong replace the vehicle with a like for like vehicle? We keep being promised that this time it will be fixed but we feel they have had enough opportunities to repair the vehicle. Have you heard of similar issues with this vehicle or have we got a lemon?"
Since the vehicle is now a year old, I don't think you have a right to a new replacement, though you may be able to successfully argue your case for a replacement of the same age. Law here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John
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