Low-Key Busan Show Marks Debut of Tweaked Cruze, Remodeled Rexton

The Busan International Motor Show begins its 10-day run at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Korea, with not a single totally new entry from any of the Korean auto makers on the floor.

Moreover the Korean producers, Hyundai, Kia, General Motors Korea, Renault Samsung and Ssangyong, do not even have an all-new concept to show to the more than 1 million consumers expected to visit the exhibition.

“It may be a matter of timing,” a Kia spokesman says about the lack of new product. “For us, it’s a pretty minor show.”

A spokesman at Hyundai concurs: “We view it as a domestic show.”

The closest thing to a global debut is a couple of restyled ’13 entries from GM Korea and Ssangyong.

GM Korea rolls out an updated Chevrolet Cruze that will go on sale first in Korea and make its way to some export markets later, including Europe. Called the Chevrolet Perfect Cruze, the revamped model features a new lattice-work grille that replaces the previous hexagonal grid, redesigned front fascia and bolder fog and corner-lamp clusters.

There are no changes to the drivetrain or suspension. The Perfect Cruze continues to offer 1.6L or 1.8L Ecotec 4-cyl. gasoline engines and a 2.0L turbodiesel.

However, it is the first Chevrolet model in Korea available with the Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment system.

“In Korea, the car owner spends a great deal of time in his vehicle, as traffic is often congested and slow, so a high-tech infotainment system with all the futuristic touches is of great interest in this market,” says a GM Korea spokesman.

Ssangyong finally takes the wraps off of its replacement for the popular Rexton SUV. Though much work and budget has gone into it – 130 billion won ($110.4 million) over 30 months, the new Rexton W mainly is an upgraded and reworked version of its predecessor.

The vehicle has an entirely new front end, including grille, headlamps, bumper, hood and fenders, but remains dimensionally close to the model it replaces.

The big story is under the hood. Ssangyong has developed its own e-XDi200 LET (low-end torque) 135-hp 2.0L turbodiesel mill that replaces two previously used Mercedes engines.

The engine is said to improve fuel economy 20% in the 2-wheel-drive Rexton Wand meets Euro 5 standards.

The new vehicle will continue using manual and automatic transmissions supplied by Mercedes.

Like its predecessor, the new Rexton W will be classified as a low-emission vehicle by the Korean government, making it eligible for exemption from certain environmental levies for five years after purchase.

The basic rugged body-on-frame design features multilink live rear-axle and double-wishbone front suspension.

Though it sold just 8,000 units in 2011, including 6,000 in Europe, the auto maker is placing much emphasis on the revamped workhorse. It will go on sale within a few days in Korea, with exports starting in June.

It also will be produced and sold in India by Ssangyong parent Mahindra & Mahindra beginning in the second half of the year.