Jalopnik
Some slightly more fair people might describe the Ssangyong range as 'worthy.' We just think they're hideous. Afflicting UK roads since the '90s, the South Korean company now have a new English importer that's attempting to shore up slow sales with a range of practical new features and slightly less offensive looks. The full press release follows the jump.
SSANGYONG LAUNCHES NEW MODEL RANGE
* SsangYong relaunches with new range from £14,995
* New Kyron, Rodius and Rexton models with new specifications and pricing
* 3 years' free servicing on all models
* Free satellite navigation upgrades on selected models
* Better equipment and prices than rivals
* New web site at www.ssangyonggb.co.uk
SsangYong has completely refreshed its model line-up with a new range of Kyron, Rexton and Rodius models starting from just £14,995 for the Kyron S and Rodius 270 S. But that's not all. In addition to the standard three year/60,000 mile warranty, SsangYong is offering three years/30,000 miles free servicing, free satellite navigation upgrades on certain models and low cost finance. The new range is in dealerships now.
The South Korean SUV, 4x4 and MPV manufacturer is being re-launched by Koelliker UK Ltd, a new company that took over importation and distribution at the end of last year. The new range has been substantially upgraded with wider choice, specifications and pricing to suit the UK market. And there's a brand new web site at www.ssangyonggb.co.uk.
New Kyron
There are six Kyron SUV models with most using the latest clean and economical 2.0 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engine, with two or four wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The SsangYong Kyron goes head-to-head with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva.
At £14,995 (previous Kyron models started at £17,995) the Kyron S easily undercuts its competitors and even at this price, gets air conditioning, electronic stability programme (ESP), hill descent control (HDC), ABS brakes, a Kenwood radio and CD player and steering wheel audio controls. The five speed manual transmission is mated to the 141 PS turbo diesel engine with 310 Nm of torque at 2,250rpm. All Kyrons are versatile and practical five-seaters that will tow up to 2.3 metric tons. The extra urban fuel consumption is up to a pleasing 45.6mpg.
Add part-time four-wheel drive, and the Kyron S 4WD comes in at £16,995 with Mercedes-Benz 5-speed T-Tronic automatic transmission adding just £1,500 for the Kyron S 4WD Auto.
There are two Kyron EX models, both with part-time four-wheel drive and a choice of manual or auto transmission. EX models gain rear parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors, larger alloy wheels, side airbags, leather upholstery and a Kenwood touch screen audio and navigation system. The EX Auto also has cruise control. The Kyron EX is £19,495 and the EX Auto is £20,995.
For the ultimate in comfort, equipment and go-anywhere four-wheel drive ability, the Kyron 2.7 SPR wants for nothing. Its huge towing capability comes from permanent four-wheel drive and the newest SsangYong 2.7 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engine. This gives 165 PS and a thumping 340 Nm of torque at 2,525rpm. With the Mercedes T-Tronic auto transmission, it still returns an extra urban consumption of 34mpg. The price is £22,495.
New Rexton
All three new SsangYong Rexton models have all-wheel drive and the 2.7 litre common rail turbo diesel engine for big towing capacity and off road capability. The Rexton squares up against the Mitsubishi Shogun, Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Cherokee and whichever way you look at it, offers great value and performance with huge advantages over the competition.
The SsangYong Rexton 270 S is £19,995 - a £2,600 reduction on the lowest price of the previous model - yet it comes complete with ABS brakes, ESP with Active Rollover Protection (ARP), HDC, climate control and Kenwood audio system. The Rexton S uses manual transmission and torque on demand (TOD) four-wheel drive. Like other Rextons, it will happily tow up to 3.2 metric tons - enough for most caravanners, boat and horse owners.
The Rexton 270 S Auto comes with cruise control and the Mercedes T-Tronic transmission for only £1,500 more.
For luxury pulling power, the Rexton 270 SPR is outstanding value at £24,995. You name it and it's probably got it, with only a rear roof spoiler and a Kenwood touch screen audio and navigation system as options.
New Rodius
For those looking for serious people carrying capacity, SsangYong now offers four Rodius models in 2wd and 4wd - all with the 2.7 litre turbo diesel.....and with automatic transmission as an option.
A full seven-seater with ample luggage space, the Rodius 270 S easily undercuts the Kia Sedona and starts at only £14,995. All Rodius models use the 2.7 litre common rail diesel engine with 165PS and massive torque. Even a vehicle this big can achieve up to 35.8mpg.
The 270 S is equipped with ABS, remote keyless entry, speed-sensing door locks, climate control and Kenwood audio system. It is also hugely practical with multiple seat variations and useful extras such as two 12v DC power outlets.
The Rodius 270 ES gains reverse parking sensors, auto headlights, electric folding mirrors, privacy glass, alloy wheels, ESP and leather upholstery for only £2,000 more. The Mercedes T-Tronic transmission is likely to be very popular for an additional £1,500.
Topping the Rodius line-up is the 270 EX Auto with torque-on-demand all-wheel drive providing outstanding traction and stability. It packs a big punch at only £19,995.
The SsangYong range appeals to those looking for a well equipped, immensely practical vehicle who want value for money rather than paying the premium prices demanded by other brands. They are especially suitable for anyone with a regular or occasional need to tow a caravan, boat or horsebox and if you need to venture off the tarmac, SsangYong's four-wheel drive systems will let you do it with ease.
There are about 60 SsangYong dealerships in the UK and you can find your nearest by calling 0845 456 4056 or going to www.ssangyonggb.co.uk.
The full line-up is:
Kyron S (2.0, 2wd) £14,995
Kyron S 4WD (2.0) £16,995
Kyron S 4WD Auto (2.0) £18,495
Kyron EX (2.0, 4wd) £19,495
Kyron EX Auto (2.0, 4wd) £20,995
Kyron 2.7 SPR Auto (4wd) £22,495
Rexton 270 S (4wd) £19,995
Rexton 270 S Auto (4wd) £21,495
Rexton 270 SPR (4wd) £24,995
Rodius 270 S (2wd) £14,995
Rodius 270 ES (2wd) £16,995
Rodius 270 ES Auto (2wd) £18,495
Rodius 270 EX Auto (4wd) £19,995
Ends
Comments
more like: now with more Mercedes/Kia/Hyundai styling!
Don't they have truth in advertising laws there in Great Britain? No where in that press release does it say anything about them being "road-turds" or designed by "the less-cool group of third graders at Bleeker Primary School."
They need to hire american (or westernized) marketing people. Rodius? Put a 1/8" Rodius on this here corner.
Wow, they've really toned it down. The first time I saw a Musso in person I was pretty sure it was a Montero customized by a mentally ill person. These actually look like they made them on purpose.
10% less is being too kind, star with 2% and see if they fix it.
Nice to know Chris Bangle has a fall back company to go to!
I saw a Rodius the other day and laughed out loud.
If I had one in front of me I'd overtake it at the first available opportunity so I didn't have to look at it's ugly arse-end.
You think they maybe have a thing for Merc grilles?
I'd drive a million miles
To be with you tonight
So if you're feeling low
Turn up your radio
The words we use are strong
They make reality
But now the music's on
Oh baby drive with me
Start it up - shifter down
Hit the gas - move it down to the ground
Turn it off - cool down
Korea time - don't hang out at the borderline
Everybody have fun tonight
Everybody have fun tonight
Everybody Ssangyong tonight
Everybody smoke bong tonight
Everybody Ssangyong tonight
@amblito: I also saw it described as, "So ugly that children walking past it burst into tears."
Amazing that it's designed by the same guy who did the Bentley Continental R.
Ssangyong...you had me at "Hello".
Then you had to add the German SS...
Hey, those are not bad looking designs. Not great, but better than Hyundai's first stuff.
10% less ugly in metric maybe, but what is that in SAE? Yeah, thats what I thought!
Well, now its only the Rodius that's actually Aztek-ugly, which is a definite improvement; but the Rodius is SO ugly that it actually seeps through into the models around it; its so bad it probably bleeds into Skoda and Suzuki.
man are these guys offshoring their designs from China??
I mean honetly these cars make Dodges and Fords look badass
@yellofury: damn my S button seems to be alluding me today for ome reaon
That's less ugly? I'm glad I've never seen the previous version.
It does kinda look like the camper back cladding on the X6 test mules.
... and the new Rodius will win the contest for the ugliest car of the year once again (was it last year or the year before?). Even if they improve it by 50% it may still win!!! This car is a record breaker...
10%? does that mean they started at 110% ugly?
The Rexton looks good, but the Rodius looks like Preparation H could help it to "smooth" the rear-end.
So ugly a dawg wouldn't chase it.
Wow, I always see a few Ssangyongs when I vacation in St. Maarten, but I've never seen that obvious R-Class copy before (the Rodius.) That's just so weird, maybe I'll make it my avatar.
They're still appalling. The Rexton isn't too hellish, but the other two are shockingly bad. I saw my first Kyron in person about three weeks ago and my first reaction was "ugh, what the fuck is that!?"
Rodius--It's Commodious!
You complain about the Ssangyong Rodius but we never talk about the Fiat Multipla.
If a family member spends 22,000 pounds on a Ssangyong, is that grounds for having them committed?
Are they just begging for a court summons from Mercedes Benz?!
@M0L0TOV:
When does 'quirky' become 'Holy Mary mother of fuck'?
The Multipla was a pure form-following-design, the result of being a genuine 6 seater, with luggage room, in a very short overall length.
In short, it had a point, a purpose.
The Ssangyongs, on the other hand, have no reason to exist.
Perhaps they don't. Perhaps they're just a collective comedown hallucination.
The Rodius COULD be a good car. It is one of the few vehicles with space for lots of people AND their luggage, plus all wheel drive. But dang there's good quirky, and then there's scratch yours eyes out quirky. Hurry up and get some better designers!
Where is the 10% less ugly? One of them went past me today on the way home from work. scared the shit out of me.
It doesn't work for me.
@Stoatmaster: No, of course it has a purpose..to ape Mercedes as close as their lawyers will allow. But wait..
Considering SSangy and Merc have a deal going as it is (their Chairman CM600 = W124 S-Class), it really makes you wonder who got the better end of the bargain.
A Korean-built Mercedes? OK, but just don't try too hard with that styling, boys.
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