Last month Michael Attard Ltd announced they have been appointed local importers of Korean-made SsangYong Motors.
With German engineering and Italian styling, the latest model in the SsangYong range, the Rexton, is on display at the company's Psaila Street, St Venera, outlet.
Michael Attard Ltd is also offering hassle-free trade-ins. It describes the Rexton as an optimal fusion of style, comfort and safety. With engine technology developed in association with Mercedes-Benz, the Rexton can either cruise in the fast lane or tow a horse trailer comfortably.
Styling details compliment its muscular build and, while Rexton's looks may seduce, its design concept goes beyond aesthetics to masterful aerodynamic efficiency. With a 0.39 drag coefficient, a quiet and comfortable ride is ensured, while fuel consumption is kept to a minimum.
Priced from Lm16,200, the five-door Rexton is designed specifically to satisfy the demands of SUV owners who need dependable workhorse performance but expect the lines of a true thoroughbred.
The 2.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine produces 120 ps at 4,000 rpm and 255 Nm of torque (pulling power) at 2,400 rpm. Top speed is 155 km/h, CO2 emissions are 244 g/km and combined fuel consumption is a creditable 9.3 litres/100 km (30.4 mpg).
The part-time 4WD system allows shifting 'on the fly' from two-wheel drive high ratio to four-wheel drive high ratio and back at the push of a button - without having to stop the vehicle. To select four-wheel drive low ratio, the vehicle must be stationary.
Comfort is combined with good ergonomic design and practicality, including 60/40 split rear seats. The dashboard is functional, with clear dials and few controls, and logically laid out. There are a multitude of storage places to hold everything from drinks, through CDs or maps to spare change and sunglasses.
Driver and passenger airbags are standard, and other passive safety features include shock absorbing rear bumpers and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
ABS combines with ABD to provide safe braking. In the event of an accident, the Rexton has been engineered to absorb the impact. It has a steel safety cell with reinforced cross members, and as an added precaution, the fuel tank is securely placed within the rigid ladder frame, reducing the risk of spillage.
Options include factory-fitted side steps, a retractable load cover, load liner and tow bar, automatic gearbox, leather steering wheel, reversing sensors and roof rails.
The 290E comes in a choice of seven colours. All Rextons come with three years unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year paint finish warranty and three-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals for the 290 diesel range are every six months or every 9,500 km.