SsangYong Rexton W safety credentials have not yet been tested by independent safety body EuroNCAP and we do not expect this to change as the Japanese manufacturer has to date not put any of its models through the tests.

With limited active safety systems included it is unlikely the car would achieve five stars if it were to be tested.

Safety kit fitted to the Rexton W includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). There are also dual front and side air bags, while ISO-Fix points for child seats are fitted on the second row.

Parking sensors are available as standard on the EX trim, which is helpful.

With a 3,000kg towing capacity SsangYong Rexton W practicality is pretty strong, beating that of the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe. This means you have the capability to tow a reasonably big caravan, horsebox or trailer with the Rexton W.

Headroom is impressive and legroom is very good for those sitting in the front and second row. The third row is still a bit of a squeeze, especially for adults, but it is better than most cars in the segment can offer.

If all seven seats are up there is little room in the boot, though fold the third row of seats flat and this greatly improves. Second-row seats can also be folded in a 60:40 split. The total amount of cargo space on offer is 1,338 litres – not bad at all.

Folding the seats can become quite an arduous task with several different levers to pull to collapse the second row and the headrests needing to be removed for the third row of seats to be stowed away.

As for storage space around the car, there are plenty of cubbies and cup-holders on offer in the front (including a glasses holder which is a particular bonus) but door pockets are a little on the small side, especially in the rear doors.