SsangYong adds to SUV puzzle
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 18th Mar 2013
Dubbed the LIV-1, the angular, Range Rover Evoque-inspired five-door crossover is the largest in a series of concepts from the Korean brand that began with the three-door XIV-1 at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.
A plug-in hybrid version of that car was shown at the Paris show in September last year as the e-XIV concept, while the Geneva motor show earlier this month saw the unveiling of the XIV-2 convertible crossover concept and the five-door SIV-1.
Should they all go into production, the XIV would sit below the Korando in the sub-compact category, the SIV would fill a gap as SsangYong’s mid-size contender.
The LIV seen here could top SsangYong’s line-up as a possible replacement for the Rexton.
Images of the LIV-1, which stands for Limitless Interface Vehicle, show a conceptually similar design to that of the SIV, although the LIV-1 appears to be larger and features a three-slat grille instead of the open grille of its smaller sibling.
SsangYong calls the LIV-1 “a sturdy large premium SUV concept” that has been designed according to the company’s ‘Robust Aesthetics’ design philosophy.
As well as premiering the LIV-1, SsangYong has confirmed that it will reveal future production plans for its mid-size and large SUV line-up at the Seoul show later this month.
Indian company Mahindra and Mahindra saved SsangYong from bankruptcy by becoming the majority shareholder in 2011, which has seen increased investment in future product and allowed the car-maker to plan for an expanded line-up.
Also revealed at Geneva this year was the Rodius people mover that will arrive in Australia later this year as the replacement for the unloved and discontinued Stavic.
Last year, local distribution of SsangYong vehicles switched from private importer Sime Darby to Sydney-based Ateco Automotive.
Currently SsangYong only sells two vehicles in Australia, the Actyon Sports ute range and the Korando small SUV.
