SsangYong Rexton W RX6: Review

SsangYong’s entry into India about a year and a half ago was highly anticipated and with the introduction of the Rexton, the little known Korean manufacturer was quite the adversary for the likes of the Toyota Fortuner. When launched, the Rexton was available in two variants, the RX5 and the RX7. The RX5, the cheapest Rexton was available only with a manual transmission and the higher spec RX7 available only with an Automatic transmission. The difference between the variant, both in terms of price and in terms of standard equipment was quite large. To gap the difference between the two then, SsangYong will soon launch a new variant of the Rexton, the RX6.

Although we do not usually classify a car into a certain gender, the Rexton certainly seems to be a ‘He’. On the outside, the Rexton RX6 is exactly the same as other variants. With its large chrome grille and swept-back headlamps equipped with daytime running lights, the Rexton looks as imposing as ever. The wrap around rear windscreen and LED-studded tail lamps accentuates the handsome looks of the Rexton. Marginally bigger than it’s biggest competitor, the Toyota Fortuner, the 16-inch wheels do look a tad bit small and could certainly do with a factory provided upgrade.

The biggest difference in the RX6 though are all the additional features that the car incorporates from the higher end RX7 automatic variant. Step into the spacious and rather luxurious interior and the differences are quite obvious. The RX6 gets an all-new leather interior and leather wrapped steering wheel with an 8-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat. The RX6 also comes with memory seats and rear view mirrors, a feature that was absent in the RX5. The new touchscreen infotainment system with an inbuilt GPS system also comes standard with the RX6. Although the infotainment system does feel and look a little tacky, it feels simple and uncomplicated to use. The Rexton RX6 also comes standard with an electronic sunroof that offers both tilt and open functions.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

The SsangYong Rexton RX6 is powered by a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel ‘RX270 XDi’ engine, which delivers 164PS and 340Nm of torque. Although the manual version of the Rexton has been on sale for a year and a half, this is the first time we have actually had the chance to drive one. As compared to the automatic, which gets permanent all-wheel-drive, the manual gets a 4-wheel-drive ‘Torque on Demand’ system, which gives the front wheels power only when it needs to. The power delivery feels smooth and the 340Nm of torque does seem noticeable. That said, the 5-speed gearbox does feel a little old-fashioned, rubbery and indirect.

The Rexton is a large car but it does not feel very cumbersome to drive. The well-weighed speed sensitive power steering setup ensures minimal effort from the driver and the Rexton RX6 is surprisingly easy to drive and park. The Rexton is also well sprung for city use with its soft and comfortable suspension. The soft suspension and light steering though does not inspire any confidence over rough roads and at higher speeds. The same uncertainty seems to be present in the brakes too. Although good at slower and city speeds, the Rexton’s brakes feel almost marshmallowlike at higher speeds with the brake pedals taking some getting used to.

The Rexton RX6 though comes preloaded with a ton of gizmos that one could use if they decide to take their car offroad. With driver assist systems like ESP, Anti Slip Regulation, Active Rollover protection and Hill Decent control, the Rexton might make a pretty potent vehicle off-road. That said we do not expect the general Rexton customer to ever take their car off road.

The Rexton RX6 was built for a very specific purpose. Customers who choose the manual RX5 option lost out on several of the gadgets that adorned the automatic RX7 variant. Competitors like the Toyota Fortuner or even the Hyundai Santa Fe for that matter offered much more for a similar price range. Although the SsangYong may not be a drivers’ car, it certainly does have the comfort factor working in its favor. Priced at Rs 21 lakh (estimated) the SsangYong Rexton RX6 would make the ideal car for someone who is looking for that plush and comfortable SUV that has a lot of road presence.