Ssangyong Rexton W

Ah the Ssangyong Rexton, quite a rubbish Korean-made SUV isn't it? Sure this car's been around for over a decade when it first came in South Korea since...um...2001 perhaps. As years came, so goes the changes, well facelifts to be exact. This car went for some facial surgery in 2004 and then it wasn't enough. Later on in 2006, it went to the surgeon again and this time it has a face of the Ssangyong Chairman. This is one of the worst SUVs no one ever heard of it unless if you're Sri Lankan, Russian, or from an emerging country. Such age means that the Rexton's going to be pass away pretty soon but when India's Mahindra took over Ssangyong, they decided to give the Rexton another lease of life and guess what? It worked, and here's the result...

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W

What Mahindra done to the Rexton is simple, revert its front face back to the year 2001 and whoa, this so-called all new Rexton W doesn't feel like a brand new car because of such looks that feels like it came out a decade ago. What's the point of this? Come on Mahindra, wake up! You took over Ssangyong and you did well with last year's Korando C, Chairman New Classic, and New Chariman W but why do you want to make the Rexton feel like old again? In their minds, the year is not 2012 and it is 2001, the year when the Ssangyong Rexton first launch. This isn't what I've expecting this, it feels like back to the age when Nokia phones are proven popular in the Philippines. 3210, 3310, these kinds of Nokias what I'm referring and because it's 2001, MMS hasn't been invented yet.

2013 Ssangyong Rexton W interior

On the interior though, it wasn't as bad as eating a durian because it has some of the features common on any Korean-made SUVs such as those premium dual tone interiors with metal grain accents, electronic adjustable driver seat, fully automatic climate control, sat-nav system, and some of the features that you commonly get on a Korean-made SUV but still, the interior design of the Rexton W isn't quite as good as a posh luxury SUV from Europe.

And then there's the way the Rexton W behaves...the e-XDi200 LET Korean diesel engine that produces about a measly 155PS of power and 36.7kg-m of torque, mated with a 5-speed automatic. Not bad though for Ssangyong standards but still it wasn't quite as good as the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento R.

As for the fuel economy, if you're on an economy drive and if you're on a 2WD variant, this will go up to 13.7km/L of fuel economy while 4WD variants get up to 13.1km/L of fuel economy, meaning the new Rexton W is more thirstier than it rivals even though this engine's Euro V compliant and not compatible on Euro II-compliant countries.

This Korean-made Rexton W though, even though Mahindra states that its an all new model, it doesn't feel like a new model. It feels a bit as rubbish as a Nokia 3310 cellphone and listening to some rubbish oldies music. What I'm thinking of that this car could be a decent candidate of being THE WORST CAR IN THE WORLD. We're going to think about it later though because it's a bit complicated to call this the worst car in the world but it takes time though. It takes time. The new Rexton W though is not the best car for me. If I were to put it in my Cool Wall, it would be SERIOUSLY UNCOOL because, well you get that idea.

Imagine that if you are the kind of person who owns this car, people think that you've came from a very poor country capable of smuggling luxury cars and then crushed by the government. If you are going to test drive one of these from your nearest Ssangyong dealer, be sure to bring a hidden camera so you can secretly record about the Rexton W's rubbishness and then upload it on YouTube. It's all in the matter of critic though because the W in the Rexton W naming means WRONG. Perhaps I should call it the REXTON WRONG. He he he....Nah just kidding, it's because of the fans...or enthusiasts...

PRICE LIST:

렉스턴 W 2WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 26,830,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 31,980,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 29,180,000  Won

렉스턴 W 2WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 34,050,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD NOBLESSE A/T - 37,430,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX5 DELUXE A/T - 28,600,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 BROWN SPECIAL A/T - 33,750,000 Won 

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 LUXURY A/T - 30,950,000  Won

렉스턴 W 4WD RX7 PRESTIGE A/T - 35,820,000  Won

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Korando C meets Sistar - It's C style!

The Ssangyong Korando C has been around since it was launched last year but the Mahindra-owned Korean carmaker really want to cut a mustard some more. We bumped to some latest TV ads for the Ssangyong Korando C featuring none other than Sistar, a K-POP female idol group that every K-POP fans are familiar of...

Yes I know, Korean cars and K-Pop don't mix, almost...

15-second version:


30-second version:

Ssangyong Korando Sports

The now Indian-owned Korean car company, Ssangyong, unexpectedly started the year 2012 with a new model that some say is the production version of the SUT-1 concept car. This is Korando Sports, the evolution of Korea's first pickup truck since the Musso Sports in 2001 and the Actyon Sports in 2006. However, the Korando Sports has no direct relation to the Korando C crossover SUV despite the naming.

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

Take a second look at the Korando Sports and you'll see that nearly most of the components were exactly the same as the SUT-1 Concept Car but this is just an Actyon Sports refreshed...or is that a facelift? Well, despite being a replacement for the Actyon Sports, the Korando Sports is just the same old Actyon Sports being sorted out and that's just rubbish. You can't pick a fight against the Volkswagen Amarok with that!

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

On the Korando Sports' interior, well that's a coincidence. This looks the same as the Actyon's interior! I mean yes, the dashboard's been derived from the Actyon but refined with a new instrumental panel, and air conditioning, and that's it. This pickup truck has room for five passengers and high-end versions do get an available DMB navigation system and USB connectivity.

2012 Ssangyong Korando Sports

The e-XDi200 engine that powers the Korando Sports produces 155PS of power output and 36.7kg•m of torque. 2WD AT variants can go up to 13.5km/L of fuel economy while 4WD AT variants promise about 12.8km/L of fuel economy. A Korando Sports with a 2WD layout and a 6-speed manual transmission can go as much as 15.6km/L of fuel economy.

For safety, the Korando Sports comes with Electronic Stability Program, a 4WD system that has three modes depending on road conditions, and Depowered airbags.

The Korando Sports has seven colors; Indian Red, Canyon Brown, Marble Grey, Space Black, Fine Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

About the Korando Sports... Brakes are rubbish, Ride's rubbish, seats are rubbish, THAT'S RUBBISH... Honestly, I still prefer the Korando C SUV for my own tastes. This is a pickup truck that is made with no soul and no flair and oh no! That's horrible!

In terms of pricing, prices start at 20,410,000 Korean Won (about $18,000 or 800,000 Philippine Pesos) for the entry-level variant up to 27,230,000 Korean Won (about $24,000 or 1,050,000 Philippine Pesos) for the CX7 VISION variant, which makes the Korando Sports a very good value.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Chairman W "Big Minor Change"

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W

The flagship of Ssangyong known as the Chairman W is been here for only three years since its inception on February 2008 but the Mahindra-owned Korean car company seems to be ready on the "offensive" side after the launch of the Classy Utility Vehicle known as Korando C, launched since late February 2011, and the executive medium-sized Chairman H New Classic, launched since May 2011. For the 2012 model year, the Ssangyong Chairman W received its first minor change but this latest minor change seems to be somewhat familiar...

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W

As we know it, the Korean-made Ssangyong Chairman W is somewhat a Korean clone of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) but for the latest minor change, this is somewhat puzzling because it has the headlight of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221), the grille of the Hyundai Equus VI, and the rear view of the BMW 5-Series (F10) that makes sense that combining the elements of three luxury premium sedans into one unorthodox packaging.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman W interior

The premium interior of the Ssangyong Chairman W hasn't changed but overall, the premium comfort of this Korean premium sedan looks somewhat fascinating. With the Harman Kardon audio system, you can experience perfect sound quality from listening to music and watching movies on the go. You would be surprised that this is one superior threat to the fifth generation Toyota Crown Majesta and Hyundai Equus VI as if your judgment over Asian premium sedans is just a general classification and it can be an expected feat.

The CW600 variant offers the XGi3200 (3.2L 6-cylinder DOHC) engine that produces 225PS/6,600rpm of power while the CW700 variant offers the XGi3600 (3.6L 6-cylinder DOHC) engine that produces 250PS/6,600rpm of power output. The flagship V8 5000 variant offers none other than the powerful XGi5000 (5.0L V8 Dual Spark) engine that produces a majestic 306PS/5,600rpm of power output. Most are equipped with the E-Tronic Benz 7-speed automatic transmission with Manual Mode for smoother shifting but less fun for the hardcore owner. Some variants may get the 4-TRONIC (4WD) system to tackle various roads no matter what it takes. It even comes with 10 airbags, Intelligent Electronic Control Suspension, and Active Cruise Control.

The new Ssangyong Chairman W is available in four exterior colors; Classic Black, Diamond Silver, Grand White, and Sapphire Black.

My comment:
After launching the Korando C and the Chairman H minor change, Ssangyong's offensive plan continues with the launch of the Chairman W minor change. Although it has the headlamps of the S-Class, the grille of the Equus VI, and the rear view of the 5-series, it's good to know that this car is made in Korea, not made in China because of its reputation of cloning cars, you know what I'm saying? It wasn't easy being a flagship sedan that competes with the Hyundai Equus VI and the Toyota Crown Majesta but the new Chairman W is the Korean flagship you may want to consider being the first Korean full-size premium sedan that offered the 5.0L V8 engine. We are getting anxious to get a hold of its charismatic beauty and its excessive simplicity but the new Chairman W is something to be considered refined and valiant.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic

Well, we have to admit it that despite over 14 years of existence since its debut on October 1997, garnered its first minor change on September 2003 as "New Chairman", and offered a flagship spin-off called Chairman W since February 2008, the Ssangyong Chairman H became an aging premium sedan that was once criticized for being a carbon copy of the Mercedes Benz W124 E-Class or even the Cadillac Deville since the Chairman gained a minor change on 2003. It was similar with the Ssangyong Chairman W, which is a clone of Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class. For 14 years of existence, it seems most Korean car enthusiasts are getting to forget about the Chairman H. However, things have changed in 2011 after Ssangyong Motor Company was taken over by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., one of India's first-class car manufacturers, because the aging Chairman H is ready to face its second childhood.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

Under the name, Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic, the aging premium sedan is now made even younger with some styling cues inspired from its flagship spin-off, the Ssangyong Chairman W. Despite its flagship look, it still won't cover its aging weakness because this is the second time the Chairman received another minor change.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H interior

Despite the new exterior won't hide its aging weak spots, the Chairman H New Classic offers an all-new interior that offers first class comfort. Despite the interior is heavily inspired from the Chairman W spin-off, my understanding that the Chairman H New Classic's interior is definitely a clone that combines the interior from the Dodge Journey/JC minor change and the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M37/M56) Y51. Good thing it's better to be Korean than being a Chinese clone car with a clone interior.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

The Chairman H New Classic is powered with the XGi3200 in-line 6 DOHC 3.2L engine that releases 222ps/6,600rpm of power while the entry level XGi2800 in-line 6 DOHC 2.8L engine that is capable at releasing 200ps/6,600rpm of power output. The Chairman H New Classic is equipped with the E-tronic Benz 5-speed automatic transmission that can be set to Manual Mode for enhanced driving feel. It is mated with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced stability amidst different driving conditions.

The Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic is offered in three exterior colors such as Classic Black, Diamond Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

The Ssangyong Chairman H might be an aged Korean premium sedan that mimics Benz but with the new minor change and a "New Classic" sub-name, the aging sedan from Ssangyong Motor Company is ready for its second childhood and for those who can't afford the luxurious Ssangyong Chairman W should consider the Chairman H New Classic for now. I think this may be not a good car for the Korean politicians and executives but I think this would make a good taxi for the Korean roads. Don't expect the Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic come face-to-face against the Hyundai Genesis sedan because it will hurt more than what you expected.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Korando C

2012 Ssangyong Korando C

The rebirth of Ssangyong is the time to rebirth a legendary name in the form of its new crossover look. The Korando name, stands for Korean Can Do, is now reborn and it's no longer a jeep form, it's now evolved into a Classy Utility Vehicle, designed and enhanced to topple against the Korean crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson iX, Kia Sportage R, and GM Korea's Chevrolet Orlando ALV. Don't call the new Korando C sexy nor smart. The C in the Korando C naming means "Classy", giving the concept term Classy Utility Vehicle come alive.

On its new look, the Korando C boasts a luxurious design that looks somewhat similar to Hyundai's Tucson iX and Kia's Sportage R, but its Classy detail is fit enough for the "classian" to get in. I'm impressed to see that the Korando C is no longer an ugly Korando in the past and now made even more stylish to meet the demands of style-worthy customers. On the inside, the new Korando C looks stylish, but it's pretty much more like the aging Super Rexton SUV. Despite that, this 21st Century Korando garnered some of the appeals from legendary designer, Giorgietto Giugiaro, making this reborn Korean crossover a world-class touch everyone deserves.

The new Korando C is powered with the new e-XDi200 engine. This new engine has a power output of either 175PS (manual variant) or 181 PS (auto variant), torque output of 36.7kg-m, and the class no. 1 fuel economy of 17.6km/L (2WD MT variant). With this fuel economy, I'm sure this will put the sexy Tucson and the smart Sportage to shambles. The reborn Korando made it more economical and finally garnered a status of being a Korean eco-car. Depending on the variant, two transmission types are offered to the Korando C; a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed E-tronic. The E-tronic variant uses shift-like dials on the steering wheel instead of paddle shifters. To shift down, press the "D-" button and to shift up, hit the "D+" button. First timers may find it hard to master this different E-tronic variant from the Korando C, but if they get a hang of it, it can be somewhat enjoyable. However, I still prefer the 6MT variant of the Korando C because with the 2WD and 6MT combined, this has the class-leading fuel economy.

The new Korando C comes in three types; Chic, Clubby, and Classy. Depending on the type, customers can choose either the 2.0L 2WD 6MT, 2.0L 2WD 6AT, 2.0L 4WD 6AT, or the 2.0L 4WD 6MT variant. It comes with seven exterior colors;

1) Space Black
2) Grand White
3) Silent Silver
4) Tonic Grey
5) Ice Blue
6) Vitamin Red
7) Sable Gray

My thoughts about the Korando C:
First encountered this 21st century Korando as the C200 concept in the past, debuted in February 22, 2011, and sales start early next month, the 21st century Korando marks the rebirth of Ssangyong Motor Company, after brinks of bankruptcy and now under Mahindra and Mahindra's control. It's good to say that if the Hyundai Tucson iX is sexy, and the Kia Sportage R is smart, the new Ssangyong Korando C is classy, as in "Classy Utility Vehicle" and its made for the upperclassmen who are in search for perfect crossovers. With class-leading fuel economy of 17.6km/L, the Ssangyong Korando's grand comeback staged victorious against those but is it worth the challenge? I hope someone compares these trio of Korean crossovers and decide if sexy, smart, or classy is the right thing when it comes to decide which Korean crossover will prevail, and with the Korando C, what new challenges will take on?

Photo: http://www.ajnews.co.kr/

Ssangyong Korando C is a CLASSY UTILITY VEHICLE?

Last 2009, Hyundai launched the second generation Tucson, called Tucson iX, which has a concept of "Sexy Utility Vehicle", because of its sexy yet feisty exterior, plus fully loaded with the new R-diesel engine.

Later on, last Spring 2010, Kia takes on Hyundai's sexy Tucson ix with the smartest crossover, the third-generation Sportage, dubbed as Sportage R, giving the concept "Smart Inside" because of its smart innovation, smart design, smart exterior, and a smarter diesel engine. (Gosh, I just hope the new Sportage should arrive the Philippines soon! This is taking too long!)

With the Tucson iX and Sportage R battling around the Korean market, another contender steps in and it's not sexy, not smart, only Classy...

That's right, this crossover is neither sexy nor smart. It's Classy. CLASSY! I said! The Classy Utility Vehicle slated for sale this Spring is the Ssangyong Korando C. After facing several delays due to Ssangyong tries to make part of its new owner, Mahindra and Mahinda, an Indian automobile. With the prelaunching TV CF aired on some South Korean networks, needless to say that the "C" in the Korando C name really stands for "Classy", giving it a luxurious status for the owners.

Slated to be released in late February and sales start this early March, the Korando C is the new premium of the Korean crossovers. It's classy status giving it more of a touch of class.

Which would you prefer? The sexy Tucson ix? The smart Sportage R? Or the classy Korando C?