Review: Ssangyong Mk.2-I Rexton (2006-08)

Overview

Released in September 2006, the Ssangyong Mk.2 Series I (Mk.2-I) Rexton was a large SUV. Manufactured in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, the Rexton RX270 was powered by a 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. As per the table below, the RX270 was available in Sports and Limited editions.

Initially, the Mk.2-I Rexton had a ‘Torque on Demand’ all-wheel drive system (described below), double wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle. From February 2007, however, the Limited edition had a permanent four-wheel drive system and independent rear suspension.

OM647 engine

PProduced under licence from Mercedes-Benz, the 2.7-litre OM647 five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, common-rail injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1. From February 2007, however, a more powerful version of this engine was available – for Limited editions – which had a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT).

Dimensions

The Mk.2 Rexton was 4720 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1830 mm tall and had a 2820 mm long wheelbase.

AWD and 4WD systems

For models with the 121 kW turbo-diesel engine, the Mk.2 Rexton had a ‘Torque on Demand’ (TOD) electronic torque management system that controlled the distribution of power according to driving conditions. In normal conditions, the TOD system directed torque to the rear wheels only for maximum fuel efficiency. If rear wheel slippage was detected, however, the TOD system would operate to transfer torque to the front wheels.

The Limited edition with the 137 kW turbo-diesel engine had a permanent four wheel drive (4WD) system. As such, the engine’s torque was distributed constantly to all four wheels. If wheel slippage was detected, torque would be immediately transferred through the electronic stability control (ESC) system to the wheels with traction.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rexton RX270 included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelt pretensioners.

The RX270 Limited was further equipped with front seat-mounted side airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control and hill descent control.

Features

Standard features for the Rexton RX270 Sport included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player and 3.5 mm auxiliary input, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, split and folding rear seats, power windows and heated mirrors, heated and retracting door mirrors, a 12 volt power socket, courtesy lights, rear cargo blind, side steps, roof rails, an alarm and immobiliser. Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with cruise control.

The Rexton RX270 Limited added leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, driver memory settings (for the seat and mirrors), an anti-glare rear view mirror and steering wheel gearshift buttons.

Review: Ssangyong Mk.2-II Rexton (2008-12)

Overview

Released in February 2008, the Mk.2 Series II (Mk.2-II) Rexton introduced a revised range, Euro IV emissions compliant engines, improved safety equipment and lower retail prices. The Sports edition was discontinued, leaving the entry-level Rexton as simply the RX270; the Limited was also replaced by the XVT SPR.

Visually, the Mk.2-II Rexton could be identified by its revised bonnet, grille and headlights. Inside, there were minor trim changes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.2-II Rexton was improved as all models were fitted with front side airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control and hill descent control. 

Features

Compared to the Mk.2-I Rexton Sports, the entry-level Mk.2-II Rexton was fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels (previously 18-inch wheels) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Compared to the Mk.2-I RX270 Limited, the Rexton XVT SPR gained rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers. From May 2010, the Rexton XVT SPR was fitted with front parking sensors and a power-operated sunroof as standard.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ssangyong Rexton

Overview

Released in Australia in July 2014, the Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton (also known as the Rexton W in international markets) was a seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Korea, the Mk.3 Rexton was powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to five-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

With its ladder-frame chassis, the Mk.3 Rexton was 4755 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1840 mm tall (including roof racks) and had a 2835 mm long wheelbase. The Mk.3 Rexton had a kerb weight of 1985 kg, while braked towing capacity was 2600 kg.

Steering and suspension

The Mk.3 Rexton had power-assisted rack and pinion steering, double wishbone front suspension and a five-link rigid rear axle (both with coil springs).

Four-wheel drive system

The Mk.3 Rexton had a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system with selectable high and low ranges. As such, only the rear wheels were driven when the four-wheel drive system was not engaged. When additional traction was required, however, the driver could switch the transaxle to four-wheel drive for additional traction – this could be done while the vehicle was in motion.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rexton included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control (including rollover stability control), traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Rexton included 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/75 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB) and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with audio streaming, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (with three memory settings), leather seat trim, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift buttons, 60:40 split and folding second row seats, third row seats which could be stowed beneath the cargo floor, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, three 12 volt power sockets, floor mats, courtesy lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Brochure

• Specifications: Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton (July 2014)

Related links

• Ssangyong Australia: Ssangyong Rexton
• Wikipedia.org: Ssangyong Rexton

Review: Ssangyong Mk.1-I Rexton (2003-04)

Overview

Released in April 2003, the Ssanyong Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) Rexton was an all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, the Rexton was available with either 2.9-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel or 3.2-litre inline six cylinder petrol engines (the RX290 and RX320 variants, respectively). As per the table below, the Mk.1-I Rexton range consisted of Sports and Limited editions.

OM662 and M104 engines

Of the engines,

• For RX290 variants, the 2.9-litre OM662 diesel engine was designed by Mercedes-Benz but manufactured by Ssangyong under license. As such, the diesel engine had a cast iron block, indirect injection, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 22.0:1; and,
• For RX320 variants, the 3.2-litre M104.99 petrol engine was also designed by Mercedes-Benz and produced under license by Ssangyong; it had a cast iron block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Both engines were mated to either four-speed BTR automatic or five-speed Tremec manual transmissions. 

Dimensions

Styled by Italdesign, the Mk.1 Rexton had a ladder-frame chassis and was 4720 mm long, 1870 mm wide, 1760 mm tall and had a 2820 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the Rexton had five seats as standard, though two additional third row seats were available as an option.

Steering and suspension

The Rexton had power-assisted rack and pinion steering, double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems

The Mk.1 Rexton was offered with all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems:

• The RX290 variants had a part-time four-wheel drive system. As such, only the rear wheels were driven when the four-wheel drive system was not engaged. When additional traction was required, however, the driver could engage the Borg-Warner transfer case to provide four-wheel drive for additional traction – this could be done while the vehicle was in motion; and,
• The RX320 variants had a ‘Torque on Demand’ (TOD) electronic torque management system that controlled the distribution of power according to driving conditions. In normal conditions, the TOD system directed torque to the rear wheels only for maximum fuel efficiency. If rear wheel slippage was detected, however, the TOD system would operate to transfer torque to the front wheels.

The RX290 and RX320 both had high- and low-range gearing.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rexton included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners. 

Features

Standard features for the Rexton Sports included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Rexton Limited added 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seats and heated mirrors.

Review: Ssangyong Mk.1-II Rexton (2004-06)

Overview

Released in April 2004, the Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) Rexton introduced a new RX270 diesel-engined variant and the consisted of Sport, Sports Plus and Limited editions. For the RX270, the 2.7-litre OM647 five-cylinder diesel engine had a cast iron block, common-rail injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1.

The Mk.1-II Rexton was fitted with five seats as standard, though seven seats (with dual-zone air conditioning) were available as an extra-cost option for $2000.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.1-II Rexton included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners; the Limited editions were also fitted with front side airbags. 

Features

Standard features for the Rexton Sport included 16-inch alloy wheels, six speaker stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, remote central locking, split and folding rear seats, power windows and door mirrors, heated and retracting door mirrors, rear cargo blind, side steps, roof rails and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Rexton Sports Plus was further equipped with automatic headlights and a tilt adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The range-topping Rexton Limited was distinguished by its power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, rain-sensing wipers, anti-glare rear view mirror and front nudge bar.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ssangyong Rexton

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton

No recall information is available for the Ssangyong Rexton (post 2014). To search for recalls of Ssangyong models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ssangyong.

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton.

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton

No recall information is available for the Ssangyong Rexton (2003-06). To search for recalls of Ssangyong models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ssangyong.

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton.

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton

• In May 2015, a recall was issued for Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton vehicles that were manufactured prior to January 2008. In these vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may be damaged under extreme driving conditions. If this occurred, the effect on the handling of the vehicle would pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2015/14681).
• In May 2015, a recall was issued for Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton vehicles that were manufactured prior to November 2010. In these vehicles, the rear suspension track rod assemblies may be damaged under extreme driving conditions. If this occurred, the effect on the handling of the vehicle would pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2015/14682).

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton.

Released in September 2006, the Ssangyong Mk.2 Series I (Mk.2-I) Rexton was a large SUV. Manufactured in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, the Rexton RX270 was powered by a 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Rexton RX270 was available in Sports and Limited editions… Read full Ssangyong Mk.2 Rexton review

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Images: Ssangyong Mk.2-II Rexton (2008-12)

Released in February 2008, the Ssangyong Mk.2 Series II (Mk.2-II) Rexton introduced a revised range, Euro IV emissions compliant engines, improved safety equipment and lower retail prices. The Sports edition was discontinued, leaving the entry-level Rexton as simply the RX270; the Limited was also replaced by the XVT SPR. The Ssangyong Mk.2-II Rexton could be identified by its revised bonnet, grille and headlights. Inside, there were minor trim changes.

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Released in Australia in July 2014, the Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton (also known as the Rexton W in international markets) was a seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Korea, the Mk.3 Rexton was powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that was mated to five-speed automatic transmission. With its ladder-frame chadsis, the Mk.3 Rexton was 4755 mm long, 1900 mm wide, 1840 mm tall (including roof racks) and had a 2835 mm long wheelbase… Read full Ssangyong Mk.3 Rexton review

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Released in April 2003, the Ssanyong Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) Rexton was an all-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, the Rexton was available with either 2.9-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel or 3.2-litre inline six cylinder petrol engines (the RX290 and RX320 variants, respectively). Furthermore, the Mk.1-I Rexton range consisted of Sports and Limited editions… Read full Ssangyong Mk.1 Rexton review

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Images: Ssangyong Mk.1-II Rexton (2004-06)

Released in April 2004, the Ssangyong Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) Rexton introduced a new RX270 diesel-engined variant and the consisted of Sport, Sports Plus and Limited editions. For the RX270, the 2.7-litre OM647 five-cylinder diesel engine had a cast iron block, common-rail injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1. The Ssangyong Mk.1-II Rexton was fitted with five seats as standard, though seven seats (with dual-zone air conditioning) were available as an extra-cost option for $2000.

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