SsangYong’s January blues breakers

If you’re quick, you can beat the snow and ice, the VAT increase and get free auto transmission on selected SsangYong 4wd models – but only until the end of the month.

With Britain frozen to a standstill, SsangYong dealers are experiencing unprecedented interest in both new and used all-terrain SsangYong passenger cars and light commercials. So to ease the thaw and bring a little new year warmth, the increase in VAT from 15 per cent to 17.5 per cent is being absorbed by SsangYong, saving at least £320 on 2wd Kyron and Rodius S passenger car models.

Opt for a part-time 4wd Kyron with Tiptronic transmission, and the VAT saving is even greater at £363.

But that’s not all. Mercedes-Benz automatic Tiptronic transmission with a reassuring winter driving mode worth £1,500, is a free option on the Kyron S, the Rexton S and the Rodius ES – again, until the end of the month.

And right now, five years’ free servicing offers the additional peace of mind of always having your SsangYong in tip-top condition – as well as easy budgeting. Combined with SsangYong’s standard five year/250,000 mile warranty and three years’ AA cover, all SsangYongs are ready for the road, no matter what the conditions.

SsangYong’s emphasis on value for money – especially during a recession – paid dividends last year with a 25.12 per cent increase in registrations in a market that ended 2009 over 6 per cent down, despite the scrappage incentive. According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, SsangYong was one of only 15 manufacturers to increase sales last year (over 30 manufacturers were in negative equity).

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, horsebox or trailer of any kind, or if you simply need to deal with whatever the winter can throw at us.

There are six SsangYong Kyron models with a choice of the latest clean and economical 2.0 and 2.7 litre, turbocharged common rail diesel engines, with two or four wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions. Even the lowest priced 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. All Kyrons are versatile and practical five-seaters that will tow up to 2.3 metric tons. The extra urban fuel consumption of the 2.0 diesel is up to a pleasing 45.6mpg. CO2 emissions are the lowest in the class at only 191 g/km.

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 SsangYong 2.7 litre, turbocharged diesel engine. This gives 165 PS and a thumping 340 Nm of torque at 2,525rpm. With Mercedes T-Tronic auto transmission, it still returns an extra urban consumption of 34mpg.

All three SsangYong Rexton models have all wheel drive and the 2.7 litre common rail turbo diesel engine for big towing capacity and off-road capability.

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, the Rodius 270 S easily undercuts the competition with all Rodius models using the 2.7 litre with 165PS and massive torque. Even a vehicle this big can achieve up to 35.8mpg.

SsangYong light commercial versions of the Kyron and Rexton – the C-S models - have the rear seats removed, blacked-out windows and a flat load floor installed. They offer massive load space and towing capacity with all the equipment and driving refinement of a passenger car. The C-S models can also be fitted with a tachograph.

You can find out more about SsangYong at ssangyonggb.co.uk.