GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ssangyong SIV-2

Ssangyong has released renderings of a new mid-size SUV concept that will go head-to-head with the Mazda CX-5.

Called the SIV-2, the new SUV concept is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a small 10kW electric motor and a 500kWh lithium-ion battery.

The 48-volt hybrid powertrain has been created to run on its motor alone at slow speeds to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Also reducing fuel consumption is the concept’s ‘lightweight body’ that provides for a low centre of gravity to benefit driving dynamics.

Little more is known about what could become the South Korean’s most important vehicle, created to satisfy global demand for small SUVs.

Set to sit above the Tivoli in the Ssangyong range, the production version of the SIV-2 is expected to be on sale by 2018 and be offered with traditional combustion engines, as well as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains – the latter likely to be similar to the one shown at last year’s Geneva motor show Tivoli EVR electric car concept.

The chances of Ssangyong's all-new mid-size model becoming available in Australia remain unknown, but local importer Ateco Automotive continues to rule out the car-maker's smaller Tivoli SUV, in both standard and long-wheelbase forms, on the grounds of high pricing.