Ssangyong SUT1 concept unveiled at Geneva

Ssangyong says the goal of the SUT 1 is a simple one: to be the world’s best pick-up truck. It may sound ambitious, but the company is back from the brink of bankruptcy, so what else is the company to do apart from reach for the stars?

The production vehicle based on the SUT 1 concept will replace the Actyon Sports utility, which was released in 2006 and has a considerable following in parts of Europe, South America and Asia.

Designed in collaboration with Italian stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro, the SUT 1 is a sharp, modern design with a robust, sporting energy, sharing styling elements with the recently launched Korando SUV.

The SUT 1 is powered by Ssangyong’s FR 2.0-litre diesel engine, producing 114kW of power and 360Nm of torque (from 1500rpm to 2800rpm).

The engine will be available with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive.

The production version of the SUT 1 will be well equipped, with available features including leather seats, heated front seats, climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, reversing camera, sunroof, cruise control and Bluetooth audio.

Safety will include dual airbags, four disc brakes, active rollover protection, front and rear fog lamps, daytime running lamps and electronic stability control.

Ssangyong will start production of the SUT 1 in the second half of 2011 ahead of its launch in Korea and other markets in early 2012. Production is expected to peak at 35,000 units per year.

The production version of the SUT 1 utility is expected to go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2012.

Ssangyong also used the Geneva Motor Show to unveil three new diesel engines and one new petrol engine.

The 2.0 Active diesel outlined above in the SUT 1 shares the e-XDi200 engine construction with the 2.0 Green diesel. The Green diesel produces the same 360Nm of torque and slightly less power (110kW). While the Active diesel will power rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles, the Green diesel will be reserved for front- and all-wheel drive models.

Ssangyong says the Green diesel variant will produce 30 percent fewer emissions than the previous generation engine and the time between oil changes will increase by 30 percent.

A new e-XDi220 two-stage turbocharged 2.2-litre engine will produce 165kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Ssangyong says the engine will be perfect for a premium saloon vehicle, with strong performance and efficiency.

A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine has been designed for future Ssangyong SUVs and premium passenger cars. The engine produces 163kW of power and 300Nm of torque, and will be fitted to front- and all-wheel drive platforms.

All four new engines displayed by Ssangyong at Geneva are Euro VI compliant, meeting Europe’s most stringent emissions standard that won’t be introduced until September 2014.

Given that Ssangyong Australia’s current slogan is ‘We live diesel’, the introduction of the petrol engine to the local range appears unlikely, at least in the short term.