SsangYong XAVL concept revealed

Bold show car previews upcoming SUV

James Wong

01:5013 March 2017

0comments

The SsangYong XAVL concept has been revealed at the Geneva motor show this week, previewing the Korean brand's future design direction and its next-generation of SUVs.

XAVL stands for 'eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long', with the show car being a mid-size SUV with three rows of seating - similar to a Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander in terms of size.

Measuring 4630mm long, 1866mm wide and 1640mm wide, the XAVL is 100mm shorter, 46mm wider and 70mm lower in height than an X-Trail, while the 2775mm wheelbase betters the Nissan by a healthy 70mm.

The XAVL is said to preview an upcoming SUV model from the South Korean manufacturer, which will sit between the smaller Korando and larger Rexton.

Ssangyong has confirmed the production car will get the choice of a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel and a 1.5-litre petrol, both equipped with stop/start technology as standard and mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The production version will also offer all-wheel drive as an option.

"This longer bodied car will accommodate seven passengers in comfort, and will be powered by both petrol and new clean-burning diesel engines," said Johng-sik Choi, the company's CEO.

SsangYong's concept also comes with the ability to control the vehicle's systems - such as the navigation, climate control and infotainment - through a smartphone, along with a link to smart home appliances which allows passengers to connect with CCTV, security, and air-conditioning amongst others while in the car.

In terms of its design, the XAVL continues the bold styling language seen on the 2016 SIV-2 and LIV-2 concepts, with aggressive bumpers, slim head- and tail-lights along with flared wheel arches.

According to the company, the production version of the XAVL should be on the market before the end of the decade.