Talking about SsangYong today, South Korea’s third manufacturer, much smaller than Hyundai and Kia – SsangYong founded in 1954 post the Korean war. Firstly, as a truck and commercial manufacturer using steel, parts and engines from left over U.S military vehicles. By the mid 1990’s it had formed a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, and I well remember driving their first model the SsangYong Musso SUV, sold through Mercedes dealers. Other models followed including the Rexton SUV as the company also went through a series of owners. I’ve just driven the latest SsangYong Rexton SUV, a seven-seater in three models, the ELX, Adventure and the top spec Ultimate at $58,000 on road – all 2.2-litre turbo diesel in eight-speed automatic with part-time four-wheel drive in high and low range via a dial selector. With 3,500kg. braked towing capacity this is a workhorse SUV, with good build quality, the Ultimate model loaded with equipment, upgraded this year with a larger touchscreen and tweaked suspension. It’s not a big seller, because its relatively unknown, but if you’re after a rugged strong sharply priced highly equipped 7 seat workhorse with great towing ability then the SsangYong Rexton Ultimate won’t disappoint – well supported with a 7- year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Drive details next.

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