SsangYong Santa cuts prices in run-up to Christmas

The chancellor’s VAT cut this week hasn’t gone far enough for SsangYong. So the South Korean maker of Kyron, Rexton and Rodius passenger cars and light commercials is cutting prices by fiveper cent from this Monday, December 1 – just in time for Christmas.

The reduction in VAT of 2.5 percentage points means a saving of just £2.50 on every £100. But the price of a Kyron 2.0 S and a Rodius 270 S is being slashed by £736, with both ranges now starting at only £14,259 on the road.

The Rexton line-up now starts at £18,999 – a cut of £996. The Rexton 270 SPR seven-seater is now £24,249, a reduction of £1,246.

Every SsangYong passenger car price has been reduced with the exception of the recently introduced Rexton R-Line which remains unchanged at £29,995 on the road. Kyron and Rexton C-S light commercial prices also remain unchanged.

“SsangYong prices already undercut our competitors by some margin, representing great value for money,” said SsangYong operations director Ian Nicholson. “But we recognise that in the current climate, we need to be ultra-competitive, and felt that the chancellor didn’t go far enough. On top of the VAT reduction, we have reduced prices even further to help our dealers and customers in the run-up to Christmas and into 2009.”

There are six SsangYong Kyron models with most using the latest clean and economical 2.0 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engine, with two or four-wheel drive and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The Kyron already represented a considerable saving over its competitors such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva before these price reductions.

Even at only £14,259, the Kyron gets air conditioning, electronic stability programme (ESP), hill descent control (HDC), ABS brakes, a Kenwood radio and CD player and steering wheel audio controls. The five speed manual transmission is mated to the 141 PS turbo diesel with 310 Nm of torque at 2,250rpm. All Kyrons are versatile and practical five-seaters that will tow up to 2.3 metric tons. The extra urban fuel consumption is up to a pleasing 45.6mpg.

There are two Kyron EX models, both with part-time four-wheel drive and a choice of manual or auto transmission. EX models gain rear parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors, larger alloy wheels, side air bags, leather upholstery and a Kenwood touch screen audio and navigation system. The EX Auto also has cruise control.

For the ultimate in comfort, equipment and go-anywhere four-wheel drive ability, the Kyron 2.7 SPR wants for nothing. Its huge towing capability comes from permanent four-wheel drive and the newest SsangYong 2.7 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engine. This gives 165 PS and a thumping 340 Nm of torque at 2,525rpm. With the Mercedes T-Tronic auto transmission, it still returns an extra urban consumption of 34mpg.

All four SsangYong Rexton models (now from £18,999) have all-wheel drive and the 2.7 litre common rail turbo diesel engine for big towing capacity and off-road capability. The Rexton squares up against the Mitsubishi Shogun, Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Cherokee and whichever way you look at it, offers great value and performance with huge advantages over the competition.

For serious people carrying capacity, SsangYong’s Rodius models come in 2wd and 4wd – all with the 2.7 litre turbo diesel – and with automatic transmission as an option.

A full seven-seater with ample luggage space, all Rodius models use the 2.7 litre common rail diesel engine with 165PS and massive torque. Even a vehicle this big can achieve up to 35.8mpg.

The SsangYong range appeals to those looking for a well equipped, immensely practical vehicle who want value for money rather than paying the premium prices demanded by other brands. They are especially suitable for anyone with a regular or occasional need to tow a caravan, boat or horsebox and if you need to venture off the Tarmac, SsangYong’s four-wheel drive systems will let you do it with ease.

For further information, visit ssangyonggb.co.uk