Geneva show: SsangYong teases sleek SIV-1

REVITALISED Korean car-maker SsangYong has released sketches of yet another small SUV concept – its fourth in 18 months – ahead of a global debut at the Geneva motor show in March.

Dubbed the SIV-1 (short for Smart Interface Vehicle), the curvaceous and stylish five-door appears to be another attempt from the small company to distance itself from its more polarising designs of the past.

The company – which has been allowed to ramp-up investments in new products and concept vehicles since its majority shareholder, Indian company Mahindra and Mahindra, took over in 2011 – calls the SIV-1 a “mid-premium” crossover, hinting at a potential move upmarket.

Few other details have been released, although the company claims the vehicle will feature four independent bucket seats and what it mysteriously calls a Mobile Auto System.

At 4500mm long, 1880mm wide, 1640mm high and riding on a 2700mm wheelbase, the SIV-1 is slightly longer, lower and wider than the Korando small SUV currently sold in Australia.

It is also larger than the company’s XIV-1 crossover concept, a Range Rover Evoque-inspired SUV with ‘suicide doors’ that first appeared at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, as well as its subsequent convertible XIV-2 and electric e-XIV derivatives.

The SIV-1 is expected to share space on SsangYong’s Geneva show stand with the new-generation, less divisively styled Rodius (nee Stavic) people-mover, which will be available with up to 11 seats.