While the SsangYong brand is not all that well known in the West, it has been creating cars since 1954, and is actually Korea’s oldest manufacturer.
Now, the 4×4-specialized automaker is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and to mark the occasion it’s launched special edition models of its Korando and Rexton for the UK market, where it’s been present for two decades.
Of the two, the smaller Korando is obviously cheaper, starting at £21,245. The special edition trim is based on the already available ELX4 model, which comes with all-wheel drive, to which it adds 18-inch diamond cut wheels, electric sunroof, rear spoiler and the noticeable “pearl white lily metallic” paint finish.
The Rexton W is an old school SUV, riding on a ladder chassis, but they’ve tried to make it slightly posher by giving it front and rear heated seats, power-adjustable driver’s and passenger’s seat, digital radio, sat-nav and the same white finish as the smaller Korando, all on top of the fittings it comes standard with. Price is £25,995 for the manual six-speed version, while the five-cog autobox (Mercedes sourced) pushes the price to £27,495
In fact, the two vehicles share the same diesel engine, despite the obvious size discrepancy between them. It’s a modern 2.0-liter EU5-compliant unit that puts put 155 PS and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft).
By Andrei Nedelea
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