The SsangYong name will be unfamiliar to some, but this South Korean firm has been making four-wheeled workhorses since the 1950s. Today, SsangYong builds a range of stylish, high-tech family cars and 4x4s. Its turbodiesel engines and gearboxes are some of the best and most efficient in the world.
With their refinement, power, economy and great handling, it’s not surprising the road versions are popular among farmers, off-roaders and the caravan brigade. But two models have been beefed up even further for some really hard graft. With very aggressive pricing and hard-wearing modifications, the full-sized Rexton C-S and middleweight Kyron C-S are aimed squarely at commercial buyers.
As a passenger car, the Rexton is formidable but well mannered, modern and comfortable. It comes with all the latest active safety and road-holding technology, including Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), and is powered by a choice of 165PS/340Nm or 186PS/402Nm 2.7-litre turbodiesel engines, driving through a manual or Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
The commercial Rexton C-S has a number of useful modifications over the S model on which it’s based. The rear seats are removed to provide acres of space over a flat, hard-wearing steel load floor. The rear windows, meanwhile, are tinted black to keep prying eyes off the contents. And if you carry loose, heavy items, SsangYong will install an optional bulkhead between the load area and the front seats.
Great stuff, but the best is yet to come. As well as some very tasty contract-hire rates for all SsangYongs, this tough 4×4 van costs only £16,630 excluding VAT on the road – and that includes a year’s free road tax, registration and delivery. For a vehicle capable of towing up to 3.2 tonnes, it’s a big bang for your buck.
It’s a similar story with the Kyron C-S. This handsome mid-sizer is powered by a 2.0-litre with 2WD or 4WD and a choice of manual or Tiptronic auto 5-speed gearboxes.
The C-S is based on the Kyron S, but the rear seats have been removed to increase load capacity, there’s a rugged, flat steel load floor and tinted rear windows. As with the big-brother Rexton, a bulkhead can be fitted if required.
The Kyron C-S can tow up to 2.7 tonnes but costs only £12,630 plus VAT on the road. Again, this nice price includes your first year’s Road Fund Licence, registration and delivery.
As belts tighten, fuel prices soar and profit margins are constantly monitored, it’s good to know one company is supplying world-class tools that look as good on your balance sheet as they do on the road. And to make the package even more tempting, SsangYong has recently slashed 40% off the price of parts.
To request a brochure or book a test drive, click here or call 0845 456 4056.