Driving the Ssangyong Rexton 2.7 Xdi

I’ve always been intrigued by Ssangyong. To most people, they might be reminded about the midsized Musso SUV of about a decade ago. (It’s still around as a pickup.) Surprisingly, fewer Filipinos seem to actually relate this third largest Korean automaker with a vehicle that made a much bigger impact in the Philippine automotive market, the MB 100 van. Yup, the Mercedes-badged MB 100 is a Ssangyong product, the Korean firm having long-standing technical ties with the prestigious German automaker.

Which explains why the P1.925 million Rexton 2.7 Xdi rides and drives so well. Its platform is based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-class SUV while its 5-cylinder engine, too, is based on a Mercedes design. The Rexton’s chrome grille, with its vertical center bar and three horizontal bars, even looks like a stretched version of a Mercedes grille.

Front grille notwithstanding, the Rexton will never be mistaken for a Mercedes, however. Like its current stablemates, the Stavic MPV and the smaller Kyron SUV, the Rexton has a look all its own. "Conventional" does not seem to be a term used by Ssangyong designers. Compared to the curvaceous Hyundai Santa Fe and the more traditionally designed Kia Sorento – the Rexton’s compatriot competitors – Ssangyongs stand out more by virtue of their "unique" styling. It’s a subjective thing, anyway, so I’ll let you be the judge.

What I can judge for you, however, is how the Rexton performs. Suffice to say that the Rexton rides admirably comfortably, even over rough roads. Body integrity feels solid, as noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) levels are impressively low; almost at par with the Ford Explorer. You can hear some diesel clatter from inside the cabin, but it’s not as audible as say, an Isuzu Alterra or even a Toyota Fortuner.

The 2.7-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine develops strong, if not overwhelming, power (165 hp and 340 Nm). The motor is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with manumatic control. Acceleration is certainly more than adequate for daily driving. (Top speed is quoted at a decent 170 kph.)

Inside, you’ll find lots of room in the first two rows of seats. Like most 7-seaters, the easy-to-fold 3rd-row bench is best for smaller occupants. Overall fit and finish is again impressively high; even the leather upholstery seems better than in some Japanese sedans.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the dash-mounted monitor with TV tuner. I’m no longer surprised by built-in DVD players; but to be able to catch primetime news or a live sports event while on the road is manna from heaven. The system could use a stronger TV antenna, though, as signals from powerfully transmitted networks like ABS-CBN and GMA are still prone to breaking up and it could barely pick up the other stations.

Still, highish price notwithstanding, this is one 7-seat SUV that has so much more to love than to hate.

The Good

• Smooth drivetrain

• Spacious, well-crafted interior

• Cool TV tuner (plus DVD entertainment system)

• Well-developed driving dynamics

• Surprisingly high build quality

The Bad

• Pricey

The Verdict

• A strong – and unique – alternative to the 7-seat SUV conundrum.