Ssangyong X100 confirmed for Australia : Baby SUV previewed by XIV-Adventure and XIV-Air concepts

Speaking exclusively with CarAdvice at this week’s Paris motor show, Ssangyong chairman Lee Yoo-il confirmed the X100 was scheduled to reach our shores around April, roughly three months after its domestic launch in January.

Ssangyong unveiled two concepts previewing the design of the X100 in Paris, and while the XIV-Air (pictured bottom) took centre stage thanks to its eye-catching roof design, it’s the XIV-Adventure (pictured above and below) that provides the best clues to the final design of the production model.

Lee revealed approximately 90 per cent of the XIV-Adventure concept’s design will make the transition from show car to showroom.

Like the concepts, the Ssangyong X100 will offer the choice of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. Both incorporate stop-start technology, and both will be available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and front- and all-wheel-drive systems.

Ssangyong claims average CO₂ emissions as low as 110 grams per kilometre for the diesel and 140g/km for the petrol, which translates to combined cycle fuel consumption of about 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres and 6.0L/100km respectively.

The concepts’ seven airbags are expected to carry over to the production car along with electronic stability control, hill start assist and an emergency stop signal in what promises to be a strong safety package.

The XIV-Air’s interior gives us an insight into the basic layout of the X100’s cabin, though the concept’s expansive portrait-aligned central touchscreen is likely to make way for a centre console with more conventional media and climate interfaces.

The concepts are equipped with keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, reverse-view camera, and an illuminated instrument cluster with five selectable background colours.

Specifications will be finalised closer to the release of the production model.

The Ssangyong X100 will target the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax, Mitsubishi ASX and Peugeot 2008 in the sub-compact SUV class, and is expected to start in the low-$20,000s.

It will underpin the compact Korando, which costs from $27,990 driveaway.

Click the Photos tab for more images of the Ssangyong XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure concepts.