- Proven Mercedes-Benz engines
- Off-road capability
- Loud induction noise from turbo-diesel engine
- Suspension lacks bump absorption and body control
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.
| Variant | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX290 | Sports, Limited |
2.9-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 4000 rpm | 256 Nm at 2250 rpm |
| RX320 | Sports, Limited |
3.2-litre petrol I6 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
162 kW at 6100 rpm | 312 Nm at 4600 rpm |
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.
| Variant | Editions | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX290 | Sport | 2004 | 2.9-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
88 kW at 4000 rpm | 256 Nm at 2250 rpm |
| RX270 | Sports Plus, Limited |
2004-06 | 2.7-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
121 kW at 4000 rpm | 340 Nm at 1800-3200 rpm |
| RX320 | Sports Plus, Limited |
2004-06 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
162 kW at 6100 rpm | 294 Nm at 4600 rpm |
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.
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