GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: SsangYong gets bold

SsangYong has continued its tradition of showing daring new SUV concepts at international motor shows by revealing the seven-seat XAVL -- a big, bold crossover wagon that previews a future D-segment (large) SUV.

Also making its world debut at the Geneva motor show overnight was the facelifted Korando small SUV, the Australian future of which remains unclear given the South Korean brand, which is 73 per cent owned by Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, remains dormant Down Under.

Established in 1954, SsangYong is Korea's oldest car-maker and only SUV specialist. But the outgoing Korando was the last new SsangYong model released in Australia by importer Ateco Automotive, which chose not to launch the Tivoli here after failing to secure competitive pricing.

Due on sale in Europe in the second quarter of this year, the facelifted 2017 Korando -- images of which were leaked in January -- features a new-look front-end with 11 LED lamps, new 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, a new steering wheel, 7.0-inch infotainment display and front- and rear-view cameras.

It will be available in Europe with turbocharged Euro 6 emissions-compliant 2.2-litre diesel or 2.0-litre petrol engines matched with either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and both front- and all-wheel drive.

Meantime, the previously-teased XAVL (for 'eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long') previews an all-new model to be positioned between the Korando and soon-to-be-launched Rexton flagship, which was previewed by the LIV-2 concept at the 2016 Paris show.

An evolution of the XAV concept at the 2015 Frankfurt show, the XAVL has been created to go up against seven-seat SUVs like the Nissan X-TRAIL and the recently-launched Skoda Kodiaq.

It is claimed to have been inspired by SsangYong’s second-generation Korando sold during the 1990s and features that car's angular wheel-arches and truncated snout, as well the company's next-generation cabin design and infotainment tech.

The XAVL measures 4630mm long, 1866mm wide, 1640mm high and rides on a 2775mm wheelbase. Under its flat bonnet are 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines matched with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions driving only the front wheels.

Safety aids include Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assistance, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and the XAVL is also equipped with a Smart Parking Assist System, a 10.25-inch full-colour LCD display and a wi-fi hotspot for the second and third row of seats.

In addition, the car’s navigation, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and the infotainment system located in the head lining, can all be controlled from a smart phone, while Link to Home IOT (Internet of Things) technology allows occupants to connect with their home and manage CCTV, security, domestic equipment and temperature control.

Presenting the XAVL in the Swiss captial, SsangYong Motor Company CEO Johng-sik Choi said: “As the oldest car brand and only specialist producer of SUV and 4x4 vehicles in Korea, it is incumbent upon us to lead the way in new product development in this sector.

"I am delighted to unveil this concept which signposts the future generation of SsangYong cars. XAVL is a further iteration of the XAV concept we presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2015. This longer bodied car will accommodate seven passengers in comfort, and will be powered by both petrol and new clean-burning diesel engines.

“Of particular note, this concept draws heavily on our heritage, and unashamedly takes its design inspiration from our classic and iconic Korando model of the 1990s.

During his presentation, Choi also said SsangYong was developing a "luxury pick-up" for release in the near future, following the launch of the all-new XAVL and Rexton replacement.