Returning to the Australian market after a long hiatus, the Korean manufacturer is looking to pick up where it left off with some brand-new models. It’s bringing well-appointed vehicles with sharp pricing and good functionality, with some familiar names. Important…
Returning to the Australian market after a long hiatus, the Korean manufacturer is looking to pick up where it left off with some brand-new models. It’s bringing well-appointed vehicles with sharp pricing and good functionality, with some familiar names.
Important to us are the Musso and Rexton models, which share driveline components and parts of the interior. Think along the lines of Triton/Pajero Sport, Ranger/Everest and D-Max/MU-X, and you’ll understand the relationship here: ute and wagon both built upon the same platform.
The engine is a 2.2-litre ‘e-XDI 220’ diesel, which makes 133kW and 400Nm (Musso ute) and 420Nm (Rexton wagon). Instead of using old Mercedes-Benz running gear, the new engine looks to be from a different source. The ute gets a familiar Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual, while the Rexton scores a Benz-sourced seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The Rexton also has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol option, making 165kW and 350Nm in the lower specification. This runs through a six-speed Aisin gearbox.
Both models will have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW), while the Rexton gets access to more niceties like high-beam assist, lane departure warning and dual zone air conditioning.
Both models have a part-time 4WD set-up, along with a low-range transfer case. In terms of towing, there will be a maximum braked capacity of 3000kg on the Rexton and Musso, and SsangYong says 3.5-tonne braked towing isn’t far away.
SsangYong Rexton Drive-away prices
Rexton EX 2WD petrol A/T -$39,990
Rexton ELX AWD diesel A/T – $46,990
Rexton Ultimate AWD diesel A/T – $52,990
SsangYong Musso Drive-away prices
Musso EX M/T – $30,490
Musso EX A/T – $32,490
Musso ELX A/T – $35,990
Musso Ultimate A/T – $39,990
