The new SsangYong XAVL concept car has made its debut in Geneva.
The new XAVL – which stands for ‘eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long’ – concept was developed from the XAV concept which SsangYong presented at the Frankfurt motor show in 2015. For the design of the mid-size SUV, SsangYong drew on the second-generation Korando model from the 1990s.
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The XAVL concept can accommodate seven passengers with three rows of individual seats. The seats are arranged in a two-three-two layout, with the five seats of the second and third rows able to fold and slide for maximum comfort and practicality.
The XAVL concept has the option to be powered by either a Euro 6d-Temp compliant 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The petrol and diesel engines can be combined with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and a two wheel-drive system.
Safety features include an external airbag which provides pedestrians with increased protection, a central airbag between the driver and front seat passenger which enhances the passenger’s safety, as well as a driver’s knee airbag.
Additional safety features include Advanced Emergency Braking System, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assistance, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Inside the cabin, a Smart Parking Assist System is available along with a 10.25-inch LCD display. A Wifi hotspot serves the second and third row of seats. Smartphones can be used to control the car’s navigation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as the infotainment system. Additionally, Link to Home IOT (Internet of Things) technology will enable occupants to connect with their home and manage CCTV, security, domestic equipment and temperature control.
Johng-Sik Choi, CEO of SsangYong Motor Company, said: “I am delighted to unveil this concept which signposts the future generation of SsangYong cars.”
New-look Korando
Also on the SsangYong stand at Geneva is the redesigned Korando.
The new Korando features daytime running lights which operate using 11 high-luminescent LED lamps and separate lenses to improve visibility. The redesign includes new 18-inch diamond-cut wheels and an ergonomically designed steering wheel.
The Korando’s safety is enhanced by the addition of front and rear view safety cameras. These allow the driver to monitor blind spots around the vehicle when parking or moving at low speed.
Customers can choose between a seven-inch colour display and TomTom seven-inch navigation, which both support the video camera displays, Bluetooth hands-free and iPod connectivity.
The Korando offers the choice of a 2.2-litre diesel or a 2.0-litre petrol engine which can be combined with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission. There is also the option of front wheel-drive or on-demand all-wheel drive.
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The new Korando will be available to buy from late Spring/early Summer 2017, while possible production of the XAVL concept is not expected until 2020.
