SsangYong tweaks local model line-up

While it waits to launch its upcoming hero model, the Korando C, later this year, Korean marque SsangYong has heralded its return from near-death by giving its existing volume models some minor cosmetic and equipment touch-ups.

As outlined last week, the Korean brand is seeking to bounce back from two years of financially imposed hiatus. It now boasts a new board, fresh capital sources and new distribution partnerships in many countries – including Australia.

As part of its rejuvenation the company has announced changes to its key local models: Rexton and Actyon. Here's a quick overview...

Rexton
The Rexton seven-seat SUV gets minor exterior changes to clean up and 'Europeanise' its look, removing its running boards and rear spoiler and upgrading the wheels to 18-inch alloys with Desert Dueller tyres as standard.

Rexton will be available in two spec levels powered by different versions of the same 2.7 litre diesel engine. In base XDi form, it puts down 121kW of power and 340Nm of torque through either a five-speed manual or five-speed 'Tiptronic' style auto and a 'torque-on-demand' part-time AWD system. This system defaults to the rear wheels under normal conditions, shifting power to the front wheels when it detects slip.

Safety equipment goes to four airbags, ESP with traction control and active rollover protection (ARP) – an extension of the stability control system that applies brakes selectively when it detects excessive lateral forces that put the car at risk of rolling.

Comfort kit includes tri-zone climate control air conditioning, front fog lights and 18-inch wheels with premium Desert Dueller tyres standard. The XDi starts at $36,990 for the manual.

For $49,490, the upper spec SPR adds variable geometry turbocharging, boosting power 13 per cent to 137kW and torque 18 per cent to 402Nm. It's five-speed auto only, and the AWD is permanent.

The SPR gets full hide inside, with heating and electric adjustment for the front seats, reverse parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, automatic lights and self-dipping rear view mirror.

Actyon
Like all 2010 model SsangYong vehicles, the Actyon Sports Ute is exclusively diesel powered with the XDi 2.0-litre turbocharged engine generating maximum power of 104kW at 4000rpm and maximum torque of 310Nm/1800rpm making it ideal as a tough workhorse or a smooth and quiet everyday drive.

The Actyon comes in three spec levels. The base Tradie, available with FWD or AWD drivetrains, starts at $24,990 for the 4x2 five-speed manual, while the 4x4 starts $27,990 for the manual. A six-speed auto, supplied by Australian firm DSI, is a $3000 option.

The vehicle gets driver and passenger SRS airbags, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors and remote central locking with keyless entry, wheel-mounted controls and a protective tub liner.

The mid-spec Sports Ute, also available in FWD or AWD, starts at $28,990 for the 4x2 manual and $31,990 for the 4x4.

Standard equipment on the mid-range Sports includes all of the Tradie models feature plus antilock brakes, locking rear differential (4x2) 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear knob and cruise control ( auto only).

The top-shelf SPR adds 18-inch alloys and a full leather interior with heated front seats and climate control air conditioning, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and reversing sensors. It's available only in auto and AWD, and starts at $39,990.

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