SsangYong Rexton 290E Tdi - From £17,499 OTR

Priced at only £17,499 on-the-road the five door Rexton is designed specifically to satisfy the demands of SUV owners who need dependable workhorse performance but expect the lines of a true thoroughbred.

Based on designs by Ital, the Rexton certainly looks the part but it also delivers real off-road performance and serious pulling power with the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes.

The 2.9 litre turbocharged diesel engine option produces 120 ps at 4,000 rpm and 25.5 kgm of torque at 2,400 rpm. Top speed is 98 mph, CO2 emissions are 244 g/km and combined fuel consumption is a creditable 30.4 mpg.

The part-time 4WD system allows shifting ‘on the fly’ from two-wheel drive high ratio to four-wheel drive high ratio and back at the push of a button – without having to stop the vehicle. To select four-wheel drive low ratio, the vehicle must be stationary.

Comfort is combined with good ergonomic design and practicality. The dashboard; functional, with clear dials and few controls, is logically laid out in an entirely gimmick-free zone. Electric Sun-Roof and radio/CD player are standard along with fog lamps, roof rails, electric windows, heated front/rear screens and external mirrors. There is also a leather steering wheel and a multitude of storage places to hold everything from drinks, through CDs or maps to spare change and sunglasses.

The 60/40 split rear seats fold to provide a flat floor and cavernous carrying space.