Lindacre Automotive has found SsangYong’s range of SUVs and 4x4s complementing its Land Rover business and providing an alternative to customers looking for a serious off-road workhorse or tow car, says motoring editor Andy Russell.
Crossovers, SUVs and 4x4s are as popular as ever with drivers who like their spacious practicality, ability to cope when the going gets tough and the security and visibility of sitting high up.
It’s a market SsangYong’s modern range of capable, high-spec, reliable value models is getting to grips with, making them attractive alternatives to established rivals and even premium offerings.
Ipswich-based Lindacre Automotive should know. With nearly a quarter of a century of Land Rover and Range Rover experience, it added the SsangYong franchise in 2014.
You may not know the SsangYong name but the Korean manufacturer has been building 4x4s for 64 years and is so confident about the reliability, durability and longevity of its models that they come with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty – real peace of mind for business and lifestyle customers who tend to keep them longer than a family car.
With efficient Euro 6 engines, availability of four-wheel drive and manual or automatic gearboxes, SsangYongs are popular with people who tow – be it caravans, trailers, horseboxes or boats – especially automatics which pull away smoothly so ideal for transporting livestock and horses.
So what does the range comprise?
Tivoli – small SUV, 128PS petrol or 115PS diesel 1.6-litre engines, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, front-wheel drive or intelligent 4x4 and priced £13,495 to £21,245. The XLV version – £17,045 to £21,995 – is longer with a larger load capacity. Both can tow up to 1.5 tonnes.
Korando – compact crossover, £16,295 to £24,345, 146PS, 2.0-litre petrol and 178PS, 2.2-litre turbo diesel, six-speed manual or automatic, two or four-wheel drive. It can tow up to two tonnes and is a double Tow Car of the Year Awards class winner.
Rexton – all-new flagship, large, seven-seater SUV, £28,495 to £38,495, 181PS, 2.2-litre diesel engine, six-speed manual or seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic, selectable four-wheel drive with low ratios. It can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and won 4x4 Magazine’s 4x4 of the Year 2018 and best value and best off-roader awards.
Musso – five-seat, double cab pick-up, £16,490 to £19,490 excluding VAT, 178PS 2.2-litre turbo diesel, six-speed manual or automatic, selectable four-wheel drive with low ratios. It has a one-tonne payload and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
Turismo – people-carrier able to transport seven adults and their luggage, £20,495 to £26,995, 178PS 2.2-litre turbo diesel, six-speed manual or seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic, rear-wheel or selectable four-wheel drive with low ratios.
Lindacre managing director Greg Rashbrook said: “SsangYong is a value brand with premium specifications and build quality. The models offer significant savings – several thousands of pounds against comparable rivals – and also have the advantage of a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
“It enables us to provide similar workhorses, as well as vehicles at a lower entry price.”
Sales director David Chenery said the SsangYong brand was a good fit with Land Rover.
“The vehicles complement each other without being direct competitors. We are getting Land Rover customers coming in who don’t want to upgrade to a newer model, or can’t replace their Defender, and consider SsangYongs as alternative options.”
Mr Rashbrook added: “For the same money they are looking to spend upgrading to a newer Land Rover, they can actually buy a brand new SsangYong with that five-year warranty.”
One such customer is John Larter, of Plant Larter Farms at Framlingham, who now uses a SsangYong Rexton, having had six Land Rover Defenders, seeing it as the best alternative for his farm work, including towing a three-tonne bowser.
“I do take it through some pretty bad conditions and the Rexton gets me everywhere I want to go. From a day-to-day point of view of personal comfort, ride comfort and being a pleasure to drive, it is certainly a big step up.”
Lindacre Automotive is at 1A Olympus Close, White House Road, Ipswich, IP1 5LJ. Telephone 01473 461751 or log on to www.lindacressangyong.co.uk
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