SsangYong unveils its answer to the RAV4
South Korean brand aims to make inroads into the high-volume compact SUV segmentSsangYong unveiled its proposed new Toyota RAV4 fighter -- dubbed C200 -- in concept form at last October's Paris motor show, and the South Korean manufacturer is using this week's Seoul motor show to reveal the compact all-terrainer in production-ready guise.
The new model is being shown in two versions, dubbed Aero and Eco respectively, and the company says a choice of three powerplants will be available.
The C200 is scheduled for production later this year and could be offered here within the next 12 months.
SsangYong is currently represented in Australia by five models -- the Kyron, Stavic, Rexton and Actyon dual-cab ute and SUV -- and the C200 would slot in below these.
Smaller and lighter than the existing SsangYong vehicles, the C200 is said to offer much improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
Dubbed a compact urban vehicle (CUV), the C200 Eco uses diesel-hybrid power, while the Aero version has a choice of a 'high-torque' 2.0-litre turbodiesel or a 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine.
SsangYong is boldly forecasting class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions -- claimed to be slashed by 50 per cent -- in the Eco. Show cars have a six-speed auto transmission, but manual versions will also be available, says the manufacturer.
Styled by Giugiaro's ItalDesign in Italy (and somewhat Audi Q5-esque in execution), the C200 measures 4.4m in length and has a 2.65m wheelbase, meaning it's dimensionally similar to the Honda CR-V.
As per the RAV4, CR-V, et al (but unlike its SsangYong stablemates), the C200 is underpinned by a monocoque chassis (rather than a utilitarian ladder-frame) in the quest for better refinement and more car-like driving characteristics.
What's more, SsangYong says extensive use of aluminium suspension components reduces weight and this, together with a low centre of gravity, is said to further benefit the vehicle's dynamics.
The C200 is shaping as a much-needed addition for the marque as its local sales have slumped of late. SsangYong has found just 193 buyers during the first quarter of this year, compared with 471 for the same period last year.
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