GENEVA - Ssangyong launch concept and new Rodius at Geneva

• New mid-size premium CUV that expresses dynamism
• Crossover styling to meet customer need for a contemporary multi-purpose vehicle

Development concept

SsangYong reveals its SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) mid-size premium CUV (crossover utility vehicle) concept at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show 2013.  The car is the next iteration of a concept series first seen as the multi interface XIV presented at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.  Designed to embody the brand’s philosophy of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, the car will become a strategic model within the SsangYong range.

Styling concept

The design of the SIV-1 is formed through the association of nature’s power and dynamism, and represents SsangYong’s new design philosophy of ’Nature Born 3 Motion’.  This is the central theme of SsangYong’s vehicle design language that was first articulated in the XIV concept series.

Nature, the source of everything, inspires the brand’s design philosophy to touch the hearts of people and to enrich their lives by creating harmony between man, nature and the car.  Dignified, dynamic, rhythmical and fluid movements found in nature are the source of inspiration behind SsangYong’s refreshing design philosophies, and at Geneva the third of its new design visions will be previewed - ‘dynamism’, created through energy and power.

Design characteristics

The styling of the SIV-1 concept is informed by the intense and dynamic movements created during nature’s most significant moments such as creation through birth.

SIV-1’s exterior design embraces the multi-purpose styling cues of the crossover to satisfy the numerous different customer demands for this type of vehicle.  It adopts the all-in-one concept of the crossover while incorporating many other design elements of other vehicle types.

Intense character lines in the body and the voluminous rear bumper represent the dynamism found in the birth of life.  The wide C pillar separated by the greenhouse style moulding and roof line, hints at a concurrent sensation of speed and robustness to highlight the sportiness of the vehicle.  The simple yet bold front, rear and strong, energetic sides embody SsangYong’s robust styling.  The radiator grille is organically blended with and separated from the headlights, tilting at the vitality of nature.  The bold division of the rear defines the car’s dynamism by flowing sidelines all the way to the back.

Interior design is spacious and as dynamic as the car’s exterior.  Understated simplicity is in stark contrast and blends well with the delicate yet strong elements of the vehicle at the same time, creating a new level of user satisfaction.  Young, sporty and contemporary sensations are created with the metallic centre fascia, together with state-of-the-art IT devices embracing a futuristic environment.  The instrument cluster delivers clear communication to the driver, while echoing a sporty feel via its dynamic graphics.  The spacious passenger-friendly interior design challenges the rules of driving experience with features such as the bilaterally symmetrical instrument panel and four independent bucket seats that engender the sporty yet safe spirit of driving you would expect from a sports coupé.

Technology

A nano tube technology-based high function heat coating is applied to increase driving safety and secure perfect driving conditions.  An ultra thin heat film coating technology is applied to all window and exterior mirrors to remove frost quickly andensure good visibility and safety.  A glass-heating system also removes window frosting in cold weather in the shortest time possible while maintaining an optimal internal temperature and ideal driving environment.

This car is the realisation of SsangYong’s long pursued ‘Multi Interface Vehicle’ architecture, designed to enrich the lives of people by offering a new concept of a ‘venue for communication on the move’ by converging a car with new technologies and IT.

Emotional connection with technology manifests itself in the Mobile Auto System which allows mobile communication devices such as smart phones and tablets to be automatically recognised on the car’s control screen to operate GPS or music players, while vehicle control is also possible at anytime to create the optimised driving environment before entering the car.  The passenger seat can also be synchronised with the same settings as the driver’s seat.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• New design delivers space, comfort and luxury for seven passengers and their luggage
• Practical multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that’s ideal for family, leisure and business travel
• Multilink rear suspension for executive saloon-style ride and handling
• Powered by SsangYong’s proven 2.0 litre turbo charged 155ps e-XDi diesel engine with high end torque

After almost three years and an investment of $165 million US, SsangYong will unveil its new Rodius MPV(see note 1) in Europe.  This car has been developed to combine multi role flexibility and the ride comfort and appointments of a luxury saloon within an all new shape.

With key features such as its innovative and flexible design layout, luxurious interior and competitive position in the market place, the new Rodius offers a dynamically strong and distinctive look.  Sales to European and other export markets will begin later this year. (See note 2).

Design

SsangYong’s designers have gone to great lengths to create a distinctive and innovative look to its new MPV that will please owners and observers alike. The brief was to create a sporting while at the same time luxurious and dignified tone that would blend well with the car’s numerous roles.

Combining strength and fluidity, the front of the car has a robust stance thanks to its hexagonal shaped radiator grille and trapezoidal bumper, and the overall design successfully disguises its large exterior volume.

Interior space

Thanks to its 3,000mm wheelbase, the car provides a huge internal space where seven adults can travel in supreme comfort together with their luggage, and without having to compromise on passenger capacity. There are three rows of seats as well as a large load area which can be further increased by removing the third row completely.  The second row of seats can be folded individually and used as tables, and there is still sufficient room to accommodate airline style seat back folding tables.

Powertrain

The Rodius is powered by SsangYong’s own 2.0 litre turbo charged e-XDi200 diesel engine offering a level of performance and NVH that have already been tested, proven and praised in the marketplace.

The e-XDi200 engine offers maximum power of 155ps/4000rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm/1,500-2,800rpm, and is designed to provide low end torque whatever the conditions on or off road.

There’s a choice of 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed T-Tronic Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, ensuring world-class durability, smooth gear-changing performance and quiet operation.

Ride & handling

The new Rodius utilises double wishbone front suspension and rear independent multi-link suspension for executive saloon style ride quality. This set up offers a quiet and comfortable driving environment yet with firm body motion control, a flat ride and optimum stability regardless of the road conditions. The new Rodius features rear wheel drive as standard and is also available with four wheel drive to give added security in bad weather and off road, while low ratio can be selected on the move for additional grip.

Safety

The car features a comprehensive package of active safety features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Roll over Protection (ARP) and Brake Assist System (BAS). There are dual front and side air bags, while ISO-Fix and tether anchorage points for child seats are fitted on the second row.  Passive safety is further increased thanks to two high strength sub-frames fitted to the front and rear of the car.  These help to disperse any impact shocks from a frontal or off set collision and protect passengers by minimising cabin distortion.

Luxury, comfort and convenience

Noted for its comprehensive levels of standard equipment, SsangYong has ensured that this new Rodius delivers a new level of luxury, comfort and convenience.  Air conditioning and an Air Quality System to detect and prevent the ingress of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons to maintain air quality, Eco Cruise Control, a heated windscreen to prevent the wipers from freezing and rear parking sensors, all make driving easier. Leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity also feature.