While SsangYong entered the Indian market in a joint association with Mahindra by launching the Rexton, the Chinese automaker had also revealed some interesting concepts earlier. SsangYong has been developing a number of new products and the company is also set to get a complete image overhaul by 2017. Now, the automaker is testing out a new compact SUV which is based on the XIV-2 concept. This SUV concept was first showcased at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show and is expected to hit the markets by 2015.
The SsangYong XIV-2 concept boasted of a very youthful and futuristic styling philosophy, although we must say that it seemed slightly quirky too. The most attention-grabbing fact about the XIV-2 was that the concept shown was a convertible SUV, i.e. it had a canvas roof which would fold down at the touch of a button. The dashboard also carried a very upmarket and modern design. It is expected that the production version of the SUV will carry many design elements from the concept but we doubt whether the soft-top will make its way to the actual model.
The SsangYong XUV-2 has been spotted testing in China under very heavy camouflage. While it is difficult to make out exactly how it looks, we can say that the front bumper, side profile and the door frames carry a very sleek design with sharp and straight lines. The interiors look pretty good and there doesn’t seem much to complain in this department. The dark shades used on the steering wheel, seats, etc. lend the SUV a very premium feel although we’re sure SsangYong will offer some other colour schemes too.
The SsangYong XIV-2 will be powered by 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The XIV-2 has a high possibility of coming to India and Mahindra might position it below the XUV500 to compete with the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano.
Source – Auto.ifeng.com