Kryon enters the fray

Korean car-maker Ssangyong's Kryon will be the next contender in Australia's thriving mid-size SUV market.

Unveiled at this week's Frankfurt International motor show, the Kryon (the name combines the Greek words for "infinite" and "run", we're told) will be at the Melbourne motor show, in March and on sale soon after.

And, on the face of it, it should give market kings Nissan's X-Trail and Toyota's RAV4 a run for their money.

Although final Australian market specifications and equipment haven't yet been finalised, we should get two models - a 2.7-litre diesel starting around $30,000 and a top-shelf 3.2-litre petrol version around $40,000.

Built on a shortened version of the Rexton's chassis, and the new stablemate of the controversially-styled Stavia people-mover, the Kryon is a five-seater that should be well equipped for the money.

As is the case with the Rexton and the Stavia, much of the Kryon's drivetrain is Mercedes-Benz derived. At its Frankfurt launch this week, the star car on the Ssangyong stand sported a 2-litre diesel - the first engine developed by the Shanghai Motors-owned, Korean-built car-maker.

We won't get that engine at launch, although it could be on the cards for later down the track.

According to Russel Burling, chairman of local Ssangyong importer Rapson Australia - who was at the launch in Frankfurt - local Kryons will get 2.7-litre diesel and 3.2-litre petrol engines, again, both Benz-derived. We'll likely get the 3.2-litre engine first, he said.

Australian market Kryons will come with all-wheel-drive as standard, Burling said. The petrol-engined version will have low-range as standard. Low-range probably will be optional with the 2.7-litre diesel Kryon.

Burling confirmed that the top-shelf 3.2-litre petrol Kryon will likely come standard with ESP (electronic stability program), HDC (hill descent control) and traction control.

Towing capacity for the 3.2-litre Kryon is said to be 2.9 tonnes.

Brakes are discs all round, and suspension will be independent at both ends. Wheels will be 18-inch alloys.

Inside, expect driver and passenger airbags, lap-sash seat belts on all five seats, adjustable-rake split rear bench seat and, under the cargo floor, an oddments storage bin.

Instrumentation is fairly straightforward, but the push-button switchgear is somewhat avant garde - with buttons arranged in circular patterns.

Obviously, we haven't driven the Kryon yet but, as always, we'll keep you posted.