Big Rex and me. We’ve been cruisin’, parkin’ up and clockin’ up the action

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Car Reviewed: SsangYong Rexton Ultimate Seven-Seater

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Thing is, once I get up there I’m queen of the road and all those big fellas who normally tower over me are now getting a taste of their own medicine. That’s just one of the reasons I like this car so darned much.

First off, while Big Rex is well, big, he’s not difficult to keep under control even for a titchy gal like me.

The latest version of this enormous vehicle is plush and pleasurable to drive, aided by all them dinky gadgets to help you out.

This is the Ultimate trim level with massive wheels, a deep new black honeycomb grille which gives it that easy-on-the-eye appeal, length to accommodate seven people and include a boot. With all seats down there are more than 1800 litres of space.

There are roof bars, slim runners and a nice rear with an automatic tailgate powered from the keyfob – and it even works.

Inside the finish is terrific, certainly smooth enough to defeat critics who refuse to look east when considering a large and well-appointed SUV.

The ride height is high, the seats are comfortable and all the controls are easy to operate.

The default mode on the 2.2-litre diesel engine is Eco with a Winter and a Power option for dynamic driving and since Big Rex is a genuine off-roader you also get a choice of low gear driving modes including a locking differential. Big Rex will take you places where his rivals would not dare set foot.

He might not be first off the lights or even daring on roundabouts but he is far more manoeuvrable than you would imagine and once up to speed the livin’ is easy and the cruisin’ delightful especially in Power mode.

The power steering wheel makes light of bends and hairpins and Big Rex is easy to park too. We visited the supermarket several times while he was with me and as I walked towards him sitting there waiting peacefully, I realised that he exactly fits the confines of a Tesco parking space.

The reverse parking camera and surround bird’s eye view make messing about in car parks a cinch and there is little about this big guy you will not grow to love.

Then there’s the price – far less than you would pay for a British or German big seven-seater and with the Rexton, you also get a seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty.

Time was it, folks would turn up their noses at a 4×4 like the SsangYong Rexton out of Korea – but not me – no sirree. This big boy has got everything it takes to please, and more. He’s a real beast from the east.