Light commercial and SUV specialist SsangYong has given its range-topping Rexton Limited an upgrade for 2007. Top of the list of enhancements is what the maker describes as a "significant" power boost. In addition, the five-door medium SUV has gained independent rear suspension and full-time all-wheel drive at no extra cost.
The Rexton's 2.7-litre common-rail turbodiesel now pumps out 142kW compared to the previous model's 121kW. SsangYong says the increase is due to the adoption of a variable geometry turbocharger. Torque is also up markedly -- from 340Nm to a healthy 402Nm.
Ssangyong claims the inline five-cylinder engine's fuel economy is unchanged at a "very competitive" 9.2lt/100kms.
"We have had such good feedback on the Rexton, this upgrade will make the Limited even more appealing to buyers and establishes it as a really strong value proposition in the SUV market," said SsangYong Australia, general manager sales and marketing Brad Larkham.
"The introduction of Variable Turbo technology, independent rear suspension and full-time all-wheel drive gives the Rexton better off-road and road performance." said Larkham.
The seven-seat Rexton Limited features a five-speed T-Tronic automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Active Rollover Protection and Traction Control. Its interior has also received a makeover with trim and audio console changes and new steering wheel with sports shift buttons for the automatic transmission.
The engine upgrade, IRS and all-wheel drive changes only affect the Rexton Limited at this time -- the Rexton Sports continues unchanged.
The Rexton Limited's price is unchanged at $53,990.
Meantime, CarPoint/Carsales spy pic specialist Carparazzi has spotted Ssangyong testing its next generation Chairman luxury car (also pictured). Unlike the current generation that is almost an E-Class clone, the new Chairman seems to have inherited a few styling cues from other, non-Stuttgart-based brands.
No news on when (or if) the new car is coming Down Under...
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