[THE INVESTOR] SsangYong Motor’s G4 Rexton has become the top-selling model in the nation’s burgeoning large SUV market since its official debut in May last year.

According to the carmaker on June 27, the 7-seater SUV sold 22,034 units as of May this year, far outpacing 14,094 unit sales of its segment rival Kia Motors’ Mohave over the past year.

With the new car’s entry, the nation’s large SUV market is gaining a new momentum. Last year, the segment soared almost 30 percent to sell 38,598 units. 

Ssangyong's Trans-Eurasia Trail team traveled parts of the Silk Road in eastern China that links Asia and Europe -- a distance of 10,000 kilometers -- in September last year.

“Korean drivers tend to choose a bigger model for their new car purchase. Considering the upbeat sales of the SUV market overall, the large, premium segment is expected to maintain its growth momentum for some time,” a SsangYong official said.

Named after “Great 4 Revolution,” the car boasts upgrades in terms of style, driving, safety and high technology compared to its predecessor.

It is the first Quad Frame SUV in Korea. In a strategic partnership with Korean steel giant POSCO, the carmaker has developed high-strength steel that improves both safety and performance while reducing the weight.

The car also proved its driving performance after its Trans-Eurasia Trail team traveled parts of the Silk Road in eastern China that links Asia and Europe -- a distance of about 10,000 kilometers -- in September last year. Its four-wheel drive system was named the “4x4 of the Year” by UK’s 4x4 Magazine in January.

The car owners also expressed satisfaction with the new model, saying they feel more premium and elegant, according to the carmaker’s own customer survey. The satisfaction level was the highest among all SsangYong’s popular SUVs, including smaller Tivoli and Korando C.

“The G4 Rexton represents our return to the world of luxury SUV. We will further expand our presence as a global SUV brand under the slogan Safety First,” said SsangYong President and CEO Choi Johng-sik.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)