2018 Ssangyong Rexton revealed
The next-generation Ssangyong Rexton has been revealed on the Korean automaker’s social media pages.
Due to have its in-the-flesh debut at the upcoming Seoul motor show, the new Rexton has so far gone by the codename Y400, and will be sold in its home market as the Ssangyong G4 Rexton.
According to Autocar, the new vehicle will do without the G4 appellation throughout much of the rest of the world.
The new Rexton is very closely related to the LIV-2 concept from the 2016 Paris motor show. Key differences between the two cars centre mainly around the headlamp graphics, and details, like the bumpers, alloy wheels, and interior trim and colour choices.
Reportedly available in the both rear- and all-wheel drive forms with a seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, buyers will be able to choose between a 133kW/420Nm 2.2-liter turbo-diesel motor and a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
As revealed last week, the new Rexton measures 4850mm long, 1920mm wide, 1800mm high, and rides on a 2864mm wheelbase. That makes it 130mm longer than today’s car on a 44mm longer wheelbase. Although 50mm wider, the new car’s roof is 30mm closer to the ground.
Riding on a ‘Quad-Frame’, the new Rexton is the first car to 1.5Gpa giga-steel. The utilisation of high-strength steel should mean that it’s lighter than today’s vehicle.
Along with improved refinement, more safety equipment and better road manners, the new SUV will also be available with a 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a surround-view camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Australia
The next-generation Rexton will go on sale in South Korea during the first half of 2017, and should reach other major markets by the end of 2017.
It’s not clear when or if the Rexton will make its way into Australian showrooms. CarAdvice confirmed in February this year that the brand is currently on hiatus as Ssangyong and Ateco, the local importer, thrash out pricing and a long-term strategy.
MORE: Rexton news, reviews, comparisons and video
MORE: Everything Ssangyong