Test drive Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI: a good stranger
Test Drive

Test drive Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI: a good stranger

Test drive Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI: a good stranger

Driving a Rexton W with a new seven-speed automatic

In principle, Ssangyong Rexton is one of the most famous SUV models in the domestic market. Its first generation has long been even the best-selling off-road model in our country. But if at the beginning of production this model was at the peak of popularity among SUV models of its time, today its third generation is a representative of a gradually shrinking automotive layer. Not because the concept of the car is bad - on the contrary. Literally today, classic SUVs are gradually giving way to all sorts of urban models of SUVs, crossovers, crossover coupes and other innovative concepts that rely on everything but off-road.

Good old recipe

That is why today the Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI deserves to be called an interesting and noteworthy phenomenon more than ever. To this day, it continues to rely on the classic base frame design, has a huge ground clearance of 25 centimeters, and is also actuated by a four-wheel drive button with the ability to engage a reduction mode of the transmission. And since we're talking about the transmission - with the 220 e-XDI variant it's better than ever. The seven-speed engine that the Koreans already offer in addition to their 2,2-liter turbodiesel is actually the well-known 7G-Tronic that Mercedes has been using in a wide range of models over the years.

Better than ever

The 2,2-liter four-cylinder engine develops 178 horsepower and 400 Nm of maximum torque, which remains constant over a wide range between 1400 and 2800 rpm. It sounds good on paper, but the way the transmission pairs with the new seven-speed torque converter automatic transmission far exceeds expectations - with this drive, and at this stage of its technological maturity, the Ssangyong 220 e-XDI is now the best Rexton ever. sold. The engine has a smooth ride and an unobtrusive tone, the sound insulation has been significantly optimized and leaves an excellent impression on long trips, the operation of the transmission is almost imperceptible. At the same time, the traction is confident, and the reactions to more serious "spurs" are more than satisfactory.

Another feature that makes this car quickly win the sympathy of passengers is the almost old-fashioned pleasant driving comfort. Most of the bumps in the Ssangyong Rexton W's road are soaked up by the big 18-inch wheels shod with high-profile tires, and when bumps still reach the chassis, all that's left is a little body wobble. And the truth is that, given the state of most of the roads in our home reality, the feeling of almost independence from such "details" is really nice. In most cases, rear-wheel drive is absolutely sufficient to ensure proper road handling, but when conditions get more problematic, dual-wheel drive is definitely useful. With a ground clearance of 25 centimeters, an angle of attack of 28 degrees at the front and 25,5 degrees at the rear, the Ssangyong Rexton W is well prepared for more serious challenges.

There are no two opinions that it would be inappropriate to expect ultra-dynamic driving behavior from a car with such a concept, but objectively speaking, for a member of its breed, the Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI offers absolutely adequate handling and does not involve any compromises with an active engine. road safety. It is interesting to note that even the unpleasant “boat in a rough sea” behavior typical of a number of SUVs is practically absent here - yes, lateral body vibrations in a turn are noticeable, but they do not go beyond the reasonable and do not go over to a tendency to shake or rock the body.

Impressive value for money

It is also worth mentioning that the Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI comes with the maximum trim, including leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory, heated steering wheel, bi-xenon swivel headlights, sunroof and more. 70 000 leva with VAT. If anyone is looking for a real new SUV, this is an almost incredible deal for the price. Especially considering the fact that real SUVs are becoming less common in modern automotive industry.

CONCLUSION

The Ssangyong Rexton W 220 e-XDI is the best Rexton available today. The combination of a 2,2-liter diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission is great, the car's comfort while driving is also worthy of respect. In addition, the behavior on the road is quite safe, the equipment is rich, and the price is affordable.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Melania Iosifova

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