All-new 2017 SsangYong Rexton unveiled at Seoul Motor Show

It comes with a Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission

SsangYong has lifted the veils off its second-generation Rexton SUV at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea (where it will be sold as the G4 Rexton).

SsangYong's new flagship model features a redesigned exterior and interior that puts it in line with the latest brand products such as the Tivoli. It features similar design cues, including the side creases above the wheel arches, and the grille that SsangYong says it resembles "the spread wings of a bird in flight."

However, the new Rexton has a lot more in common with the LIV-2 Concept unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show than the Tivoli. It's a production version of the LIV-2 design study, with fewer changes than we expected — which is a good thing.

Details like the 20-inch wheels, as well as the LED DRLs, fog, side and indicator lights, give the Rexton a more upmarket look.

As for the interior, SsangYong says the new SUV offers the largest load space in the segment, although no figures have been provided yet. The Rexton is wider than before (1,920 mm), with the automaker claiming it can accommodate five passengers and four golf bags in the boot.

Convenience features include a new 9.2-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Easy Access, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, and a "smart tailgate" that opens automatically when the key is near it for more than three seconds.

Like the old Rexton, the new one has a body-on-frame construction with a front engine/rear drive layout. That means it's still able to deliver strong off-road performance as well as good towing capabilities. Power comes from a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine (e-XDi220), mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes-Benz. A 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline unit will also be offered in combination with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

The car's four-wheel-drive system sends torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions, but AWD with high/low ratios is available when on- and off-road conditions require it. The new Rexton will go on sale in South Korea during the first half of this year and in global markets before the end of 2017.