This is partially a marketing gimmick because it's a 250,000-mile or five-year warranty and it's unlikely anyone will hit the 250K mark in five years. Just for reference, someone would have to drive their Rodius along the country's longest road more than 850 times in order to hit 250,000 miles.

Still, we're sort of hoping someone takes advantage of this warranty and the five-year free servicing plan and takes in a Kyron with 244,600 miles on the clock for an oil change.

SSANGYONG MOVES TO FIVE YEAR / 250,000 MILE WARRANTY

ow many miles do you drive in five years? Fifty thousand? One hundred thousand?

In a new SsangYong you can drive for a quarter of a million miles and not have to worry about a warranty claim. Now even better value for money, SsangYong Kyron, Rexton and Rodius models from South Korea now come with a five year or 250,000 mile warranty (whichever comes first).

The five year or quarter of a million mile warranty is not simply a marketing initiative, but a permanent enhancement to SsangYong ownership. Having tested public opinion in Northern Ireland with a similar warranty provided by Northern Irish dealers over the past year, the move clearly demonstrates confidence in SsangYong's build quality and reliability and will appeal to pragmatic buyers looking for rugged ability coupled with value for money.

"The move has the full support of the SsangYong factory," says Koelliker UK managing director Paul Williams. "We were pleased with the reaction of customers in Northern Ireland and with over 50 years' experience of making tough, practical vehicles, we know that SsangYongs are well made and solidly reliable and this will reinforce that message and give buyers great confidence."

Five years' free servicing
Right now, a five year warranty isn't the only reason to consider a SsangYong. Until the end of June, retail customers can also enjoy five years/50,000 miles of free servicing, focusing still further on SsangYong's reliability and low costs of ownership.

Customers can easily plan their motoring budgets with SsangYong, confident that there will be no nasty surprises. All SsangYong models also come with three years' European AA cover.

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, horsebox or trailer of any kind, and if you need to venture off the tarmac, SsangYong's four wheel drive systems will let you do it with ease.

There are six SsangYong Kyron models with a choice of the latest clean and economical 2.0 and 2.7 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engines, with two or four wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions. The Kyron represents a considerable saving over its competitors such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva.

The Kyron starts at on £14,995 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. All Kyrons are versatile and practical five-seaters that will tow up to 2.3 metric tons. The extra urban fuel consumption of the 2.0 diesel is up to a pleasing 45.6mpg. CO2 emissions are the lowest in the class at only 191 g/km.

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 SsangYong 2.7 litre, turbocharged diesel engine. This gives 165 PS and a thumping 340 Nm of torque at 2,525rpm. With Mercedes T-Tronic auto transmission, it still returns an extra urban consumption of 34mpg.

All three SsangYong Rexton models (from £19,995) 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, Landrover Discovery and Jeep Cherokee and whichever way you look at it, offers great value and performance with huge advantages over the competition.

For serious people carrying capacity, SsangYong's Rodius models come 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 with 165PS and massive torque. Even a vehicle this big can achieve up to 35.8mpg.

SsangYong light commercial versions of the Kyron and Rexton – the C-S models - have the rear seats removed, blacked-out windows and a flat load floor installed. They offer massive load space and towing capacity with all the equipment and driving refinement of a passenger car. Starting at only £11,995 (excluding delivery and first registration charges, and VAT) the S-C models can also be fitted with a tachograph.

Ssangyong is the fourth largest Korean automaker and has recently broken into the European market, first with the Musso SUV and lately with the much more attractive Rexton. Now it's $75 million in debt.

“Due to lack of operating funds for December, it is impossible for the company to pay salaries any longer,” the company announced to workers on Friday. Domestic Ssangyong sales have fallen by more than a third in 2008, forcing it to close 60 dealers.

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which acquired 51% in 2004, has refused Ssangyong’s requests for emergency funds. The Korean company now plans to hold a protest rally against SAIC. Koreans vs. Chinese? What is this — 1950 all over again? [via Autocar]

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

It's a Ssangyong Rexton with manufacturer plates, out in front of Discount Tire in Troy, Michigan. I'm thinking this might be a GM test car due to the MFR plates and the fact that Ssangyong has had manufacturing relationships with Daewoo, and GM owns most of Daewoo. On the other hand, Shanghai Motors now owns 49% of Ssangyong, so maybe they're doing some humidity testing in the Detroit area.

Well, mondo thanks Jon on the pic and the identification. It's a Friday morning and we're way to hungover to have been able to do that all on our own.

HB Ride Spotting: Ssangyong Rexton? [How Bourgeois]

Related:
Britons Vote Ssangyong Rodius UK's Ugliest Car [internal]