Posh and Rex

The rugged Rexton 4x4 has been a major hit in its domestic market, and even a cursory glance reveals why. Where previous SsangYongs have been odd-looking, the Rexton is sleeker and very contemporary. The car's designers may look a little red-faced if their peers at Lexus ever come knocking, though - the Rexton bears more than a passing resemblance to the RX300, and SsangYong has sailed even closer to the wind by badging the Rexton range RX, too.

Its high aspirations don't end with the exterior, either. The upmarket illusion is carried into the cabin, which saw our range-topping RX320 test car plastered in walnut-effect veneer and leather upholstery over a dashboard styled to look suspiciously like a Volkswagen Group product, right down to the switches and metal-look trim. The options of power-adjustable heated seats and climate control also lend the newcomer an air of luxury far removed from the budget car image of Daewoo.

On the move the Rexton continues to impress. Although we encountered a few minor rattles from the dashboard, overall the level of cabin refinement is fine. Thanks to a deal with DaimlerChrysler, the RX320 uses a 3.2-litre petrol V6 licensed from Mercedes which provides smooth and responsive power via a slick four-speed automatic gearbox. Performance isn't electric, but the Rexton offers a satisfying degree of grunt under firm acceleration and will cruise comfortably at motorway speeds. Economy is unimpressive even for this type of car. Government figures suggest it will average 18.8mpg, and in town this could drop to below 15mpg.

Where the SsangYong also falls down is in its steering set-up. In bends it feels vague and woolly, and three-and-a-half turns lock-to-lock means even the nimblest driver may struggle with the massive amounts of twirling required to corner accurately. That said, the Rexton is surprisingly stable. SsangYong has eliminated the excessive body roll which mars the likes of the wallowing Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Rexton feels increasingly agile as it pushes on. The brakes could be better, though, with too much pedal travel and a less-than-impressive bite for such a heavy vehicle.

The ride is also something of a mixed bag, for although the Rexton's high stance lends it a natural ability to soak up Britain's potholed road surfaces, we found there was too much general vibration through the steering wheel on relatively smooth tarmac.

However, the car promises a better performance off road thanks to its robust ladder frame construction, impressive ground clearance and tough coil spring suspension. The four-wheel drive offers high and low ratios as well as an electronic centre differential capable of automatically supplying extra power to the front wheels in slippery conditions.

So the pros outweigh the cons on the Rexton. Modern styling, a strong blend of luxury and versatility and an engine range that also includes a 2.3-litre petrol and 2.9-litre turbodiesel add up to an attractive, versatile package.

Until you talk about prices. Although official figures have yet to be confirmed, Daewoo - which continues to market the car in the UK - has revealed they will start at around £19,000 for a base 2.3 and rise into the low £20,000 bracket for the RX320 V6. This may seem cheap compared to a Mercedes ML or Lexus RX300, but it's big money for a car with no brand recognition in Britain.

Domestic rival Hyundai is busily reinventing itself, and its Santa Fe is priced from £15,995 to £17,995. And while the Hyundai isn't as stylish as the SsangYong, most customers are likely to put value ahead of image - so it's here that the Rexton may trip itself up.