According to a report on Auto Express, the next-generation SsangYong Rexton (internally known as the Y400) is scheduled for a Paris Motor Show debut in 2016, and go on sale in 2017 in Europe. In appearance, the new Rexton will be a production friendly LIV-1 concept from the 2013 Seoul Motor Show, while it’ll be underpinned by an all-new ladder frame chassis that can accommodate both front- or all-wheel-drive layouts. Prices are expected to start at £23,000 for the entry level variants, while a fully-loaded top end variant should come close to the £35,000 mark.
The butch new styling will feature muscled wheel arch flares topped off with ridged character lines, a trapezoidal front grille and a kinked D-pillar. Rest assured, it’ll have a more confident and well planted stance than the current Rexton, apart from being stylistically ahead as well. The next Rexton’s interiors are said to feature “a choice of leather and wood-effect finishes for the dashboard with an abundance of chrome detailing”. The instrument cluster is believed to host a large colour TFT display screen, while a large central touchscreen is said to dominate the centre console. The new Rexton will offer both five and seven seat options inside.
The new Rexton will be powered by SsangYong’s new 2.0-litre GDi turbocharged petrol engine, but will be initially launched with the existing 2.2-litre diesel engine, good for 178 bhp. The diesel engine will be paired to the familiar, Mercedes-Benz sourced 7-speed automatic transmission, but when the petrol engine comes along an year after launch, there’s be a new 8-speed automatic also in the offing, again sourced from the German manufacturer. There’ll be a selectable all-wheel-drive system while safety technology will include lane departure warning and blind sport detection as well as a full complement of airbags.
