Ssangyong plotting Wrangler rival

Ssangyong is planning to go back to its roots to help in conquer new territories like North America by reintroducing a vehicle similar to the original Korando SUV.

The South Korean brand first introduced the original Korando back in 1983 and production of the tough, utilitarian offroader (actually a Jeep CJ-7 made under license) continued for 13 years until 1996.

Now execs within Ssangyong, that’s now 80 per cent owned by India’s Mahindra, thinks it needs a stylish Jeep-style vehicle to make in-roads in markets where it has struggled.

Speaking to British magazine, Autocar, a Ssangyong insider said: “Ssangyong is effectively Korea’s answer to Land Rover and Jeep. We need to make better use of the power of our brand.”

Thought to be developed using the new Tivoli crossover platform and built along the same production line, the tough new SUV could be inspired by the recent XAV Seoul motor show concept but with even more overt, retro lines, according to the Ssangyong insider.

“A Wrangler-style high-design 4x4 could create the waves we’d need in order to make a mark over there. At the same time, it’d work really well for us in the UK and Europe at a time when building profile is absolutely key.”

Sharing engines, transmissions with the Tivoli small SUV the Ssangyong is expected to be offered with the 91kW 1.6-litre petrol, 1.6-litre diesel and potentially even the 91kW pure-electric version that was show at this year’s Geneva motor show.

Meanwhile, Down Under, Ssangyong importer Ateco Automotive is said to be close to signing off the Tivoli. Only internal struggles over price and specification provides the final obstacle for the cars coming here. It’s now likely the small SUV will arrive in the fourth quarter.