Ssangyong has been on a roll at Geneva 2017 with two major unveilings. The first is a new SUV concept called the XAVL while the other is the latest version of the Korando SUV. Both vehicles sport refreshed designs and of the two the latter will join the Ssangyong lineup later this year.
XAVL compact SUV
Funky is perhaps the best term I could use to describe the design of the XAVL (eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long). The face gets a larger than life integrated bumper and grille while the side has a mix of the square SUV lines as well as modern crossover leanings. The rear has a similar kind of setup where the dominant element is the silver coloured bumper which merges into the back of the boot lid.
The concept car gets a beige and silver interiors. The feature list appears to include two massive screens, climate control, leather upholstery and high quality plastics for the centre console and rotary dial gear knob. Also included in the package appears to be electrically adjustable seats and a mood lighting.
The car is being offered as a seven-seater and can be had with a 1.6-litre diesel engine or a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Both these engines are available with AT/MT options. In terms of dimensions, the XAVL is 4.6-metres long and has a wheelbase of 2.77-metres.
Korando
This latest generation compact SUV from the South Korean automaker has been updated for 2017 and sports a revised fascia but otherwise retains the design facets that made this car so popular.
Updates include daytime running lights, new 18 inch diamond-cut wheels and a new ergonomically designed steering wheel. The new car also gets both front and rear view safety cameras* for greatly enhanced safety, allowing the driver to monitor blind spots around the vehicle when parking or moving at low speed.
There is the choice between a 7inch colour display offering a mirroring function to connect between a smart phone or an HDMI cable, and TomTom 7inch navigation: both support the video camera displays, Bluetooth hands-free and iPod connectivity.
The new Korando is powered by a choice of a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel or 2.0 litre petrol engine, and is matched with either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission for smooth, dynamic gear changing, comfortable driving and lively acceleration. The car also comes with either front wheel-drive, or a smart, on-demand all-wheel drive system.
