SsangYong Rexton

The SsangYong Rexton (Korean: 쌍용 렉스턴) is a mid-size SUV manufactured by SsangYong Motor since late 2001. The name Rexton is derived from the Latin title ' rex' and the English word 'tone', which is intended to mean "the ruler's tone".

In 2017, the second generation Rexton debuted in Seoul 2017, and to the European market in Frankfurt 2017. The new generation Rexton features SsangYong's new body-on-frame platform, which it shares with the Musso pick-up. Other improvements include active safety driving pack, increased towing capacity, and electric parking brake system with auto hold.

The Rexton is offered with a choice of a new 2.0L petrol turbo or 2.2L diesel engine and available in two or four-wheel drive. It is equipped with Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic automatic or AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission.

First generation (Y200; 2001)

The Y200 series Rexton was produced from 2001 to 2006. The car's design was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign studio. And it was available only with four-wheel drive and one of four engines: a 2.3-liter 112 kW (150 hp) petrol engine, a 2.7-liter and common rail diesel, a 2.9-liter diesel and a 3.2-liter and petrol engine. 2,7XDi was based on Mercedes-Benz OM612 2,7CDI turbodiesel but had details that greatly distinguished it from the actual Mercedes one. In June 2003, another version (''RX 280'') appeared on the European market with a 2.8-liter licensed M104 engine (148 kW (199 hp) and 277 N·m (204 lb·ft))) manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.

In the summer of 2003, the Rexton was introduced in Europe. Technically, it is based on a slightly extended chassis of the SsangYong Musso. Initially, it was only available with a choice of two engines: a 2.9-liter five-cylinder diesel and 3.2-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine. Both engines were borrowed from the Musso which were licensed from Mercedes-Benz.

The transmission options for the diesel model were originally either a five-speed manual with a gearbox from the American company Tremec or a four-speed automatic with a gearbox from the Australian company BTR Automotive. The petrol model was only offered with the automatic transmission. In 2004, with the introduction of the 2.7-liter ''XDi'' diesel engine, a five-speed Tiptronic gearbox ( NAG 5G-Tronic provided by Mercedes-Benz) became an optional extra with that engine.

Rexton II, first facelift (Y250; 2006–2012)

In early 2006, SsangYong unveiled an upgraded Rexton. The vehicle features numerous technologies to reduce carbon emissions, such as a catalyzed diesel particulate filter and a
variable-geometry turbocharger. Based on these upgrades, the South Korean government classifies the 2008 Rexton as a low-emissions vehicle, making it eligible for an exemption from a quasi tax related to environmental standards for five years after the purchase of the vehicle. Other improvements include enhanced parking brake technology, a tire pressure monitoring system (as seen on the SsangYong WZ concept car), an electronic toll collection system and a forward collision warning and avoidance system.

In Malaysia, the Rexton was assembled starting in August 2006 by Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd (CSSB), also the sole importer and distributor of SsangYong vehicles in Malaysia.

In 2008, Project Kahn, famous for tuning luxury and sports cars, presented a modified Rexton 270 SPR at the 2008 British International Motor Show. It was so well received that in 2009, it became part of the British SsangYong range. It features added kit, chrome highlights and a "sportier" interior, but unusually, in the initial models, it does not have a radio/CD player, as it is intended that those that potential customers would want to put their own sound system in. However, the R-Line later gained a Kenwood double-DIN touch screen navigation system with steering wheel-mounted controls. The R-Line also has a more powerful version of the 2.7-liter straight-five turbo diesel engine producing and torque at 2400 rpm.

Rexton W, second facelift (Y290; 2012- early 2017)

A revision version called the Rexton W, was released worldwide at Busan Motor Show 2012. And it was the first facelift model with Mahindra & Mahindra of which SsangYong is a subsidiary. SsangYong re-designed front grille with new headlights, rear combination lamp and retuned chassis. The car introduced the new 2.0-liter XDi diesel engine Euro 5 with standard DPF come from the Korando and the 3.2-liter petrol engine retuned for Euro 5 standard. And it is equipped with Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic automatic which the same gearbox with the previous model or manual gearbox.

At the end of 2015, SsangYong introduced to the European market the 2.2-liter ''e-XDi'' diesel engine with Euro 6 compliance. This engine improved power and torque than the previous 2.0-liter ''XDi'' diesel engine. This 2.2-liter diesel also comes with the Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

Chinese copy controversy

In 2005, SG Automotive released the Huanghai Aurora which heavily resembled the Rexton. However, SsangYong chose not to sue SG Automotive, citing China's lawsuit system which is favorable to their companies. SsangYong only informed SAIC, which was the largest shareholder at the time, of the copyright issue with SG Automotive.

Second generation (Y400; 2017)

The Y400 series Rexton traces its roots to the SsangYong LIV-1 concept car and the SsangYong LIV-2 concept from Paris Motor Show 2016. In 2017, 2nd generation Rexton debuted to Korean market in Seoul Motor Show 2017, and to global market in International Motor Show Germany 2017. With the car's design, SsangYong claims that the Rexton got the inspiration from the Greek temple Parthenon.

The new generation Rexton features SsangYong's new body-on-frame platform using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which shares with SsangYong Musso pick-up. Other improvements include safety driving equipments, increased towing capacity (up to 3,500 kg) in both manual and automatic forms, and electric parking brake system with auto hold.

The Rexton is offered with a choice of a new 2.0 L ''e-XGDI 200T'' petrol turbo engine or 181 horsepower 2.2 L ''e-XDI 220'' diesel engine and available in two-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive. It is equipped with Mercedes-Benz 7G-Tronic automatic or AISIN 6-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission.

Awards

In Korea, the Rexton was chosen as the Best Ergonomic Design Award by the Ergonomics Society of Korea. It also received Award of the Prime Minister in Korean Good Design Award 2017. G4 Rexton has earned Best Value award for two consecutive years. It won three titles at last year's awards including the Best Value Off-roader and 4x4 of the Year 2018.

Safety

The second generation Rexton equipped with 9 airbags, including a driver knee-airbag and second-row side airbags. It also features intelligent safety driving system including Autonomous Emergency Brake System (AEBS), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).

In Korean New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP) the SsangYong G4 Rexton received top safety rating of Grade1 (5 stars, 88.5 pts.) on a 2017 registration.

Mahindra Alturas G4 (2018–2022)

Mahindra revealed a rebadged version of the 2nd generation Rexton called the Alturas G4 at the 2018 Auto Expo, India. The SUV is slotted above the Mahindra XUV500.

During its lifespan, it was offered in both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains and it was the flagship model of the brand until it was discontinued in late 2022 due to poor sales and marketing.

The Alturas G4 was assembled in Mahindra & Mahindra Chakan Plant in India between 2018 and 2022, by using CKD methods from SsangYong's Pyeongtaek plant.

First facelift (Y450; 2020–present)

The facelifted Rexton was unveiled in September 2019 as the 2020 model.

References

External links

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{{SsangYong timeline

Rexton
Cars introduced in 2001
Mid-size sport utility vehicles
2010s cars