SsangYong Rexton: When Technical Structure Matters More Than Appearance

The SsangYong Rexton is one of the newest Korean SUVs in Iran's market, imported by Hermes Khodro. At a time when much of the car market has shifted toward urban crossovers with unibody construction, there are still vehicles whose design philosophy is based on durability and off-road capability […]

SsangYong Rexton is one of the newest Korean SUVs in the Iranian market, which is imported by Hermes Khodro.

In an era where a large part of the car market has moved towards urban crossovers with an integrated body, there are still cars whose philosophy is based on strength, the ability to pass through difficult routes and the ability to be used in a variety of conditions. SsangYong Rexton is one of these cars; A SUV that, unlike many of today's competitors, does not derive its identity solely from a large design or a list of amenities, and an important part of its value is related to the technical structure and type of chassis engineering.

Rexton, which is now also known as KGM brand, remains faithful to the independent chassis structure in its new generation. This feature, along with the four-wheel drive system and auxiliary gear, makes it a different option among imported cars in the Iranian market. The version intended to be offered by Hermes Khodro, with a 2-liter turbocharged engine and automatic transmission, tries to strike a balance between everyday family use and off-road capability. But can this technical combination make Rexton a distinct choice in the Iranian market?

Rather than trying to create a sporty and exaggerated appearance, Rexton's design focuses on displaying the dimensions, strength and personality of a large SUV. In the front view, a large grille and lights with an angular design give the car a serious look. The prominent lines of the hood and the volume of the bumper have also made the front part of the car look visually powerful; A feature that is in harmony with the technical nature of Rexton.

In the side view, the length of the body, the appropriate height from the ground and the relatively vertical form of the rear section maintain the identity of a traditional SUV. Unlike some new crossovers, Rexton has a more conventional look with a sloping roof and sharp body lines. On the one hand, this approach may not be very exciting for buyers interested in ultra-modern designs, but on the other hand, it helps to maintain the proportions of a large family car.

In the rear part, the design of the lights and in the trunk has been designed with the aim of creating harmony with the overall volume of the body. All in all, the Rexton is not a car that wants to attract attention with a lot of decorative details; Its appeal comes from the dimensions, body shape and solid appearance of a real SUV.

The dimensions of the Rexton body are also important in the interior. This car is available in seven-seater versions and can be a significant option for families who need more cabin space and the ability to carry more passengers. Of course, the third row of seats, like many SUVs of this class, is mostly used for flexible use and family trips, and its level of comfort will depend on the height of the passengers and the duration of the trip.

The design of the dashboard and the middle console provides the driver with a combination of displays, functional controls and various decorative surfaces. In such a car, proper access to the main controls is very important; Especially when the Rexton is going to be used in long trips or off-road routes in addition to city commuting.

Of course, in evaluating the cabin, a difference must be made between the design and the actual quality of the equipment. The type of seat cover, their adjustment facilities, display equipment and comfort systems may vary according to the model and market. Therefore, it is better for the Iranian buyer to check the list of features of the final version of Hermes Khodro independently and not to generalize the equipment of a foreign model to all imported models.

The most important feature of Rexton should be found in its chassis structure. In many of today's crossovers, the body and chassis are made in one piece; A structure that is usually suitable for reducing weight, improving road behavior and urban use. But Rexton uses an independent chassis or ladder; That is, the body is placed on a separate structure.

This architecture is traditionally chosen for vehicles that need to withstand the stresses of rough roads, loading, and tougher conditions. The independent chassis can provide an advantage in heavy use and off-road routes and is a suitable platform for installing a four-wheel drive power transmission system and an auxiliary gear.

Of course, this structure is not without its weaknesses. An independent chassis usually weighs more than a unitized structure, and because of this, the Rexton shouldn't be expected to react like a light, urban crossover in all conditions. The larger weight and dimensions can be noticeable when changing lanes quickly or maneuvering on narrow streets. On the other hand, if the buyer's priority is the strength of the structure, long journeys and crossing difficult paths, the advantages of this architecture become more important.

The considered version of Hermes Khodro uses a four-cylinder 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The declared output for this engine is about 225 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Power transmission is also done through a 6-speed automatic transmission; A combination designed to propel a large SUV.

In terms of engine size, the Rexton isn't much different from some new turbocharged crossovers; But it is not possible to evaluate its technical power only by looking at the power number. Vehicle weight, gearbox ratios, power transmission system and chassis structure all affect the final performance. For this reason, the Rexton's advantage should be seen in its combination of powertrains and driving capabilities, not just acceleration from a standstill.

The torque of 350 Nm can be useful in moving the car with a passenger load, crossing the slopes and driving on the road. However, the Rexton is a fairly heavy SUV and shouldn't be expected to perform as well as a sport sedan or lighter crossover with similar power. Engine power seems adequate for family use and touring, but accurate judgment of actual acceleration and traction depends on test conditions and definitive specifications of the import version.

One of the main differences between Rexton and many urban crossovers is its four-wheel drive system. In the version equipped with part-time 4WD system, the driver can use different power transmission modes according to the road conditions. The presence of heavy gear mode or 4L is also considered for situations where the car needs more traction and more controlled movement.

This capability becomes important in dirt roads, steep slopes, slippery surfaces and crossing obstacles. The heavy gear allows for slower and more controlled movement by changing the power transmission ratio; An issue that can reduce unnecessary pressure on the driving forces in difficult roads. Of course, the correct use of this system depends on the driver's familiarity with the operation of the four-wheel drive system, and the choice of power transmission mode should be made according to the road conditions.

It should be noted that four-wheel drive alone does not guarantee off-road capability. The type and condition of the tires, the distance of the car's floor from the ground, the entry and exit angle, the driver's skill and the control of the car also play a decisive role. Despite this, the combination of independent chassis, auxiliary gear and four-wheel drive system makes the Rexton more capable of off-road use than many conventional crossovers in terms of technical structure.

In the suspension department, Rexton uses a double wishbone structure in the front axle and a five-link system in the rear axle. This combination is used with the aim of controlling the movement of the wheels and creating a balance between the ability to pass through rough roads and the comfort of the passengers.

However, one should not assume that an independent chassis alone guarantees a smooth ride or superior off-road ability. The setting of the springs and shock absorbers, the type of tires and the load conditions of the car all play a role in the ride quality. In urban use, the body dimensions and weight of the Rexton can be felt more than a compact crossover in limited maneuvers or moving on high-traffic streets.

For the Iranian market, these features should be weighed along with the buyer's usage type. If the car is mostly in the city and on paved roads, a compact crossover may be a simpler and less hassle-free choice. But for long journeys, side roads and tracks where the asphalt quality is unpredictable, the Rexton's technical structure can be more valuable.

In the Iranian market, SsangYong Rexton is facing a group of buyers who are looking for a large SUV with a more serious technical structure than an urban crossover. In such a comparison, cars like Tank 300 and Nissan Terra can also be included in the list of options to be considered; However, the difference in price, equipment, dimensions and specifications of imported versions should be considered.

In the case of the Hermes version of the car, the final price, warranty status, supply of parts and access to repairmen familiar with KGM products play an important role in determining the purchase value. A capable technical structure becomes a real advantage for the owner when its maintenance and support is also available.

Finally, Rexton should be considered a car whose main advantage is summarized in independent chassis, four-wheel drive system and usability in various conditions. The large design and family cabin make everyday use possible, and the turbocharged engine provides enough power to move on the road. However, it makes more sense to choose it when the buyer really needs this structure and capabilities; Because if the use of the car is almost limited to urban traffic, part of the Rexton's technical capabilities will remain practically unused.

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