Ssangyong has earned a reputation for tough, good-value, dependable 4x4s.

Its proven engines and gearboxes, - sourced from Mercedes, the result of a technical alliance with the German marque - add instant credibility, while robust four-wheel drive hardware wins respect from off-road aficionados.

The Kyron follows in this tradition while adopting the Korean firm's challenging new design direction.

But few will savour its looks. Nor will they appreciate cheap-feeling materials, a dated cabin and our car's annoying rattle in the dash, signalling suspect build. And while the range-topping SX models gain good levels of spec, the satnav that comes as standard is a retrofit fiddly single-slot effort. Lastly, the boot, though huge, sacrifices much-needed rear cabin space.

On the road the Kyron is well off the pace, too. Running in 2WD the big 4x4 is difficult to drive smoothly, hindered by a lacklustre step-off, narrow powerband and jerky automatic gearbox. In an effort to improve things in town we drove in 'winter mode', pulling away in second gear to reduce the number of changes.

On the motorway the Kyron is commendably quiet, but not relaxing - constant steering corrections are needed to maintain lane discipline, while steering feel on the whole is poor, transmitting little of what's going on. Adding to handling woes are huge body lean and a suspension that feels distinctly pick-up like, fidgeting over poor surfaces.

Offroad, however, the Kyron will shine - not only does it have a low-ratio gearbox but there is the option of hill descent, allowing full use of the standard ESP to safely traverse steep downward slopes at controlled speeds.

The P11D price of our SX model means it competes with talented opposition such as the Nissan X-trail and new Hyundai Santa Fe. Despite the Kyron being bigger and offering more equipment, the competition are better to drive, better to live with, and are less of a risk when it comes to depreciation, an area where less-established brands historically struggle.

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