Added REX appeal

The most significant difference is the engine. The old car's 2.9-litre diesel has been replaced by Mercedes' 2.7-litre five-cylinder unit, bringing with it major advances in terms of performance and refinement. Where the out-going Rexton had been noisy at speed and had lethargic acceleration, the newcomer is much quicker off the mark and is respectably quiet when cruising at the legal limit.

Alterations to the exterior include a new front bumper and a wider chrome radiator grille. These give the car a more upmarket look, while there's also further bright detailing around the rear lamps and number plate. Inside, the dashboard has been given a new finish, with classier, darker plastics replacing the two-tone facia that's used in the current model. There's also a new backlit instrument panel, which comes with extra dials including an oil temperature gauge and a trip computer.

The changes make the Rexton a more appealing buy for European tastes, and help to build a much more convincing case for the car in Britain. Providing the importer keeps prices at the sensible levels they are now, showrooms could well have a moderate success on their hands.