Kyron out loud!

The name may be hard to say and harder to spell, but chances are SsangYong will be a brand on many peoples' lips in the next few years.

For while the Korean-based automaker has had an checkered past, with giant Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) now a majority shareholder, the company is now set to commence a $2b investment program.

According to local importer, Rapson's chairman Russell Burling, the dollars will be focussed on R&D and production facilities. SsangYong's plans, as stated by Burling at the Melbourne Motor Show, include ten new models by 2010 -- among them three SUVs, a compact front-wheel drive sedan, two large sedans (with V8 petrol power!) and a MPV.

In addition to the V8 petrol engine mentioned above, the maker has three state of the art diesel powertrains under development.

Melbourne saw SsangYong launch its new mid-size Kyron AWD. Prices for the SUV start at at $34,490.

Kyron arrives powered by a SsangYong-developed 104kW/310Nm 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel powerplant matched to a choice of five-speed manual or auto transmissions. The part-time 4WD system features a two-speed transfer case so offroad ability should be better than average.

According to SsangYong, the range will be boosted by a 2.7-litre common rail turbodiesel a 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol.

The five-door wagon is well equipped and looked well finished, if a little fussy in terms of styling.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloys, multi-link rear suspension, three-stage rear parking sensors, ABS brakes and dual front airbags with seat belt load limiters and pre-tensioners.

The new Kyron will be a cornerstone of the company's sales growth Down Under. It plans to sell 100 per month.

Keep an eye out for a review of the SsangYong Kyron at CarPoint in March.