SsangYong boosts spec
SsangYong has announced revised pricing, a new six-speed auto gearbox and higher standard equipment levels across its range of turbodiesel SUVs and MPVsKorean brand SsangYong has introduced a raft of pricing and specification changes across its range of vehicles.
The changes include the arrival of an Australian-built six-speed automatic transmission for the Sports dual cab ute, higher-spec range-toppers and a general upgrading of equipment levels across the line up.
SsangYong's current range comprises the Rexton, Kyron and Actyon SUVs, the Actyon Sports dual cab and the Stavic peoplemover. In the shake-up the Sports Dual Cab loses its Actyon label, now known as simply Sports, the Actyon SUV has been 'dropped' until a replacement arrives sometime next year and the Stavic peoplemover is now available only as a 4X2 model.
All models will also now be offered at a range-topping 'SPR' level with standard equipment including leather, sunroof, rear-park assist and SsangYong's new 'T-tronic' automatic transmission with "Thumbs Up" steering-wheel shift control.
The Sports dual cab is also now available with a new six-speed automatic transmission -- a first for the segment. SsangYong says the unit is the lightest in its class and its torque capacity is 400Nm. The six-speed also features 'winter mode' which selects second gear at take-off to reduce wheel spin in poor road conditions.
The six-speed auto is produced by Albury-based company Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), giving the Sports "more Australian-made content than any other dual cab ute on the market in this country," according to SsangYong.
All 2008 SUV models come with ESP, front and side airbags, rollover protection, brake-force assist system and hill descent control as standard. The Stavic peoplemover will also have ESP as standard.
SsangYong says the inclusion of ESP as standard on all models gives the brand a "safety edge" over rivals.
Range changes include a subtle facelift for Rexton, now called Rexton II and available in two model variants. The RX270 model starts at $35,990 while the new range-topper RX270 SPR is priced at $49,990.
The Rexton RX270 uses the latest generation variable geometry turbocharger-equipped Mercedes-Benz-sourced inline five-cylinder turbodiesel. The 2.7-litre engine produces 137kW/402Nm and rates relatively frugal consumption at 9.1L/100km.
The Kyron, which was facelifted mid 2007 (more here) comes with extra equipment including 18-inch wheels, hill descent control, rollover protection and cruise control on automatic models. The mid-size SUV also features 'on the fly' four-wheel drive, allowing adjustment while driving.
Kyron starts at $32,990, equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine or $35,990 for the 2.7-litre Xdi version. The SPR grade is applied to the 2.7L model for $39,990.
Pricing remains for the Stavic model. Starting at $32,990 the peoplemover now comes with ESP, alloy wheels, climate control and rear parking sensors as standard. The SPR specification, for an extra $4000, offers extra equipment including heated front leather seats, rain-sensitive wipers and auto headlight controls.
Remaining stock of the Actyon SUV starts at $29,990. Standards include automatic transmission, climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual front and side curtain airbags, ESP, ABS, hill descent control and anti-rollover system, headlight levelling feature and reverse parking sensors.
The largest dose of SsangYong's range overhaul goes to the Sports dual cab. Apart from the all-new six-speed auto, the ute now comes with four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS. Pricing starts cheaper for both 4X2 and 4X4 models, at $28,990 and $31,990 respectively. The six-speed auto costs an extra $3000.
The newly-christened Sports has improved NVH, according to SsangYong. The ute carries over the coil rear suspension used for the Actyon Sports models, as well as the outgoing model's in-line four-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
Company director for SsangYong Motor Australasia, Russell Burling said the brand's strength was a jump on potential diesel sales -- which he predicts will account for 70 per cent for the SUV market by 2012 -- with the company's 100 per cent diesel lineup. The range's 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre turbodiesel engines are Euro IV compliant.
"I believe Australians will embrace diesel technology and that the penetration of clean green diesel power will be at a similar level to Europe within a few years," says Burling.
"I cannot see the Australian government offering tax breaks for diesel in the near future but I still believe more people will choose turbodiesel power here in the coming years and that is why we have made the decision to lead the market with a full switch to 100 per cent pure diesel power.
"I foresee that if you don't have a diesel engine in five years time you will struggle in the Australian market," he said.
2008 model pricing
Rexton II RX270 five-seater 2.7 Xdi Man $35,990
Rexton II RX270 five-seater 2.7 Xdi Auto $38,990
Rexton II RX270 seven-seater 2.7 Xdi Man $36,990
Rexton II RX270 seven-seater 2.7 Xdi Auto $39,990
Rexton II RX270 SPR 2.7 Auto $49,990
Kyron M200 2.0 Xdi Man $32,990
Kyron M200 2.0 Xdi Auto $35,990
Kyron M270 SPR 2.7 Xdi Auto $39,990
Sports Dual Cab A200s 4x2 2.0L Xdi Man $28,990
Sports Dual Cab A200s 4x2 2.0L Xdi Auto $31,990
Sports Dual Cab A200s 4x4 2.0L Xdi Man $31,990
Sports Dual Cab A200s 4x4 2.0L Xdi Auto $34,990
Sports Dual Cab A200s 4x4 2.0l Xdi SPR Auto $39,990
Stavic SV270 4x2 2.7 Xdi Man $32,990
Stavic SV270 4x2 2.7 Xdi Auto $35,990
Stavic SV270 4x2 2.7 Xdi SPR Auto $39,990
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