SIZE isn't everything is a phrase often used, sometimes in the unprintable sense, to refer to good things often coming in small packages.
Try telling that to Korean manufacturers SsangYong. For them it is a case of the bigger the better - including the name - SsangYong hardly trips off the tongue
Big on bigness is one of their proud boasts, a phrase that could have been borrowed from John Prescott and its hard to argue once you see the models like the Rexton up close and personal. It is also big on value. Whether you like the car or not, one thing is for sure, like other Korean manufactuers you plenty of kit for your money.
Even the basic model features a host of equipment, with just about every creature comfort on offer plus a raft of safety equipment.
SsangYong would appear to be something of a new kid on the block to many, but they have in fact been building vehicles since 1954.
Previous efforts in this country include the Musso and Korando in the nineties, but sightings have generally been as rare as hen's teeth .
But in the last couple of years they have firmly entered the niche market fray with the oddly-shaped Rodius MPV, the Rexton and more recently the smaller 4x4 Kyron.
There are now plans to attack the mid-range SUV market later this year with the launch of the new Actyon.
The Rexton is the biggest in the range and is huge with acres of head and legroom, plus the typical commanding driving position you expect with big offroaders.
The space is mirrored in the boot area which is cavernous and swallows 1,338 litres of luggage.
Fold the rear seats and you could almost fit a small car in the space that opens up.
Another option is to add a third row of seats for the larger family, but this obviously compromises the stowage space.
Despite being a big rugged beast, the Rexton is quite stylish, as perhaps it should do coming from the pen of the Italian Giugiaro design house.
But the good looks, dominated by the car-like grille are offset by crude add ons like the rear spoiler and disappointingly plain alloys.
The interior is not only spacious but comfortable, with well-appointed leather seats.
Controls, and there are plenty of them, are well placed and accessible, but it did take a me while to figure out how to tune the radio.
The Rexton features one power unit, a Mercedes sourced 163bhp 2.7 diesel engine. This provides more than enough grunt and despite reading criticisms of it being a bit raucous, found this not be the case. In fact, after initial accleration, the engine settles down and is quite muted, particularly when cruising on the motorway.
Standard kit includes power windows and mirrors, headlamp levelling, split folding rear seats, auto climate control.
SsangYong has a pedigree with off-road capability and the Rexton should be no exception. The switch to all wheel drive is manual on the S and SE model, but the top of the range SX offers TOD - torque on demand - this automatically senses driving conditions and applies power accordingly.
For safety Rexton features all round airbags, anti skid brakes and stability programme and door impact protection beams.
I was surprised with the economy from the Rexton. Official figures show 28.5mpg which is entirely believable.
SsangYong makes its intentions quite clear. As a company, it says the entire focus is on developing best-in-class 4x4s. It's as simple as that, says the publicity blurb. It is certainly capable and has the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes.
But achieving that aim is a tough call when you look at the market leaders.
But the Rexton, starting at £18,995 is a surprisingly good car and excellent value for money.
FAST FACTS
SsangYong Rexton 270 SX auto
Price: £24,495
Mechanical: 165bhp, 2,696cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 111mph
0-62mph: 13.2 secs
Combined mpg: 28.5
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 266g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust