New SsangYong SUV concept to be introduced at Geneva Motor Show

SsangYong is readying a new large SUV that will sit above the Tivoli in its global line-up.

 

This new SUV will be previewed by the SIV-2 development concept at next month’s Geneva motor show, and is a development of the original SIV concept revealed in 2013.

 

The SIV-2 concept is said to be “based on SsangYong’s theme of ‘Robust, Speciality, Premium", and “pursues the emotional interface between the driver and the car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range".

 

The new model is expected to be a five-seater and be around the same size as Nissan's Qashqai. Bolstering its SUV range with a model larger than the current Tivoli will allow SsangYong to capitalise on the growing appetite for SUVs in international markets.

 

Powering the concept is a mild hybrid powertrain which features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with a small electric motor, coupled to a lithium-ion battery. The 48V mild-hybrid setup is claimed to offer “quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds”.

 

The SIV-2 concept will feature lightweight bodywork, a low centre of gravity and “a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high-efficiency powertrains, such as HEV, PHEV and EVs to future proof the SsangYong brand”.

 

This suggests that when the production version of the SIV-2 goes on sale in 2018, it will be offered with a variety of alliterative powertrains as well as regular combustion engines.

 

SsangYong recently showcased the Tivoli in India at Auto Expo 2016. However, there is no official confirmation on the India launch of this model.