SsangYong Motors has been through a torrid time in recent years, changing hands more than a £20 note and only being saved from receivership by a cash injection from Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra. However, the new capital looks to have brought with it new cars and at the
Frankfurt Motor Show we will be able to see the first of these new machines.
The SsangYong SUT-1 was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show back in March and at the time was called a 'concept' despite being nearly production ready. At Frankfurt the SUT-1 is set to lose the 'concept' tag and, SsangYong hopes, draw buyers away from rivals like the VW Amarok, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara. SsangYong says the SUT-1 'perfectly presents the dynamism and strength of the SsangYong brand' and 'is the ideal vehicle for a wide variety of drivers who enjoy leisure activities such as camping, skiing and cycling or just need a hard working truck.'
Much more interesting is the Nissan Juke rivalling XIV-1 crossover concept pictured here. Set to showcase the company's new design language that will be applied to future models, the images of the XIV-1 show a striking looking car that manages to be curvaceous yet imposing at the same time. SsangYong says the XIV-1, which is derived from 'eXciting user Interface Vehicle', will highlight the car's focus on interaction with the driver and passengers - so expect to see an advanced interface offering plenty of high-tech toys.
The final piece of the Frankfurt jigsaw for SsangYong is the introduction of a new petrol engine for the recently released Korando crossover. No details as of yet but the engine could be another string in the bow of the Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Qashqai competitor.
Paul Healy - 5 Sep 2011