SsangYong's Future: Big & Bold

By Motoring Channel Staff - 5/05/2005

SsangYong isn't a brand that many folks outside of Asia know about, despite the company selling more than 150,000 vehicles in 2003.

The South Korean marque has sold a small amount of cars in Australia and New Zealand, such as the Mercedes-engined Musso SUV and Musso Sport utility, and after its positive showing at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show, we can expect plenty more in future from the budding automaker.

SsangYong has made a name for itself in the 4WD and offroad markets, so it comes as no surprise that three of its four concept vehicles shown at the '05 Seoul Motor Show have rugged designs aimed at those who enjoy exploring new places.

SV-R Concept

The first concept we're looking at is the SV-R, which combines SsangYong's latest technology with its interpretation of 'modern' styling.

The SUV may replace the Musso at some stage in the mid-term future, and is visually defined by a beak-like grille and bulging wheel arches.

The SV-R's headlamp design is quite modern, and the rear view extends the design style followed by the front, and the rear brake lights complete the design in what SsangYong calls a "mystical" shape.

Power for the SV-R, and the other concept cars profiled here, comes courtesy of Mercedes-Benz engines, both petrol and diesel.

XMT Concept

One of current trends in the automobile industry is the crossover vehicle, and the XMT concept is like Holden's Crewman Cross 8, in that it can carry five passengers and still carry a load in the tray, like a ute or pickup.

'XMT' means "eXteme and Multi-purpose vehicle for the Trailblazer" that comprises the characteristics of style, versatility, sports and 'no limit', according to the SsangYong literature.

The design is based on metropolitan needs and 'Bohemian freedom' and is an indication of where SsangYong wants to takes its range into the future.

To give it a modern feel and unique, almost radical style, the concept is based on the idea of what the company calls 'Metro Attraction', but perhaps SsangYong took this idea too far; from some angles it looks over-sculpted and its hard to get an idea of any base proportions.

The characteristic belt line that connects from the front wheel arch to the rear is designed to give the concept vehicle a slim and powerful look, while the chunky tyres give it a touch of ruggedness.

XCT Concept

The XCT has the same front end to the XMT, with its bold headlights and curvy grille, but goes for a different crossover look and feel, one that SsangYong ambitiously calls a Sports Utility Coupe, which has the amusing acronym of SUC.

There are hints of coupe in the rear windows and downward sloping rear end, but a 4-door coupe is an oxymoron of sorts. Coupes are historically 2-door vehicles [Tell that to the Mercedes CLS-Class - Ed].

The main idea behind the XCT crossover concept is for a car with practicality with luxurious options, as well as a safe body and sophisticated design.

According to SsangYong, the front image resembles a shark, which delivers a symbolic meaning of power.

The wide radiator grille reveals the figuration of shark's mouth in a hunting situation and the sharply designed headlamps represent the image of shark's eyes to encapsulate the animalistic design.

Good, bad or ugly, the largely unknown South Korean car maker is taking risks, and this is a good thing for car makers wanting to make a name for themselves on the world stage. SsangYong wants to increase its exports, and showings such as the XCT concept are good signs that it will do this in future.

Rodius Limo Concept

Based on the Rodius people mover, the Rodius Limo concept is a more upmarket design from the South Korean automaker, which it labels as a luxurious office for passionate CEOs.

The concept of Rodius Limo is all about a moving office, a modern living room and a high-tech area for CEOs. And while it may come across as a little absurd, there's legs in the idea.

Mercedes-Benz has had a lot of success with its various vans beyond just courier and trades peoples vehicles, and if SsangYong can find a market for such a vehicle in the Asia-Pacific region, the impressively decked-out business van could become a reality.