Ssangyong has revealed that its new XLV concept is ready and will be unveiled in March at the Geneva International Motor Show. Unlike the first thing that comes to mind (read: eXtra Long Vehicle), the acronym stands for ‘eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle’ and will be a B-segment SUV. Ssangyong claims that this car projects a ‘rhythmical and dynamic exterior design and is aimed at the smart user who is active and seeks individuality and practicality’.
Portraying Ssangyong's new design philosophy, ‘Nature born 3 motion’, the XLV features an aggressive front end with the bumper integrating LED strips. Angular lines flank the thick C-pillar moving on to wrap-around tail lights, which mould into the flared wheel arches. The XLV accommodates seven passengers with a unique 2+2+2+1 seating arrangement with the seventh seat sliding between the second and third rows for optimum flexibility. Measuring 4,430mm lengthwise, the XLV is 290mm longer than the XIV-1 concept (unveiled at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show) which preceded it. The XLV will feature a 1.6-litre diesel engine with an electric motor, powered by a lithium ion battery.
Ssangyong’s compact SUV has been spotted testing around China for a while now and is also expected to be displayed in Geneva. This SUV will be based on the XLV, albeit in a five-seater guise. The first joint product between Ssangyong and Mahindra, the SUV has been codenamed S102 and will go up against the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and the upcoming Hyundai iX25.
