A NEW diesel engine is being fitted to SsangYong's flagship Rexton SUV bringing the car in line with the latest emissions regulations.

The 2.2-litre Euro 6 diesel engine replaces the current 2.0-litre block and at 178ps it increases power by 15 per cent and delivers 11 per cent more torque.

Fuel economy for manual models is now rated at 40mpg with emissions of 184g/km, down from 196g/km.

The new Rexton, which is priced from £22,995, is also being made available with a seven-speed Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission.

Prices for the auto models range from £26,995 to £28,995. Top speed is a claimed 119mph with a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 9.9 seconds.

The automatic has the same 3.0-tonne towing limit as the manual and features selectable four-wheel-drive. Official fuel figures for the auto are 38.1mpg with emissions of 194g/km.