Drawing crowds has not been a SsangYong forte. In fact, SsangYong’s Rodius managed to disperse gathering crowds with the power of a Pontiac Aztek.
Apparently, however, SsangYong’s stand at the British Motor Show was a collector of people. They were all coming to see this, the SsangYong Rexton R-Line. 22-inch wheels; lowering springs; sports exhaust; and upgraded Nappa leather inside combine to separate the R-Line from its lesser Rexton brethren.
186 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque are sent to all four wheels from the 2.7L five-cylinder diesel. SsangYong has gone the Bentley route, where in press releases, they make mention that alternative paint colours and interior leathers can be chosen – “anything is possible”. Equipment is plentiful with stability control, ABS, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, side airbags, electric folding door mirrors and heated seats.
And in case you doubt the SsangYong’s credibility, be sure to remember that much of its technology comes from a certain German manufacturer with whom the Korean company has a technology partner: Mercedes-Benz.