SsangYong Rexton fills an important gap in the market

SsangYong’s new Rexton has arrived. Tom Wiltshire gets behind the wheel

THE SsangYong Rexton is a big, rugged SUV which fills the gap developing at the lower end of the market. As cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe become steadily more premium — and expensive — those in need of an off-roader are becoming limited to smaller, crossover-style vehicles, or ferreting about on the used market.

A massive step up from the old model, the latest Rexton offers genuine off-road ability and space for seven, at a price lower than just about anything else in this sector. It’s not as accomplished on road as some rivals, and nor does it have the badge appeal — but we suspect many buyers simply won’t care.