Geneva show: SsangYong outs new Musso, EV concept

SOUTH Korean manufacturer SsangYong has revealedan all-electric C-segment SUV concept, dubbed the e-SIV and the European-spec version of its Musso pick-up at this year’s Geneva motor show.

The e-SIV is SsangYong’s fifth electric SUV concept since 2010, and it uses a 140kW electric motor with a 61.5kWh battery that can regenerate 80 per cent of charge in 50 minutes through a fast-charging station.

SsangYong estimates the e-SIV has a driving range of between 320 and 450km, while top speed is rated at 150km/h.

The e-SIV – which stands for Electronic Smart Interface Vehicle – is designed to demonstrate the car-maker’s approach to creating a connected mobility solution and autonomous driving.

According to SsangYong, the e-SIV is capable of up to level three autonomy and can provide remote services such as information on battery charge level, car diagnostics and vehicle management as well as controlling the air-conditioning.

The e-SIV is immediately recognisable as an EV by its solid grille, while the manufacturer says the design is intended to appeal to different future lifestyles, mixing a coupe-like silhouette with rugged SUV-like usability.

Inside, the e-SIV has a four-seat layout and features a wide information display spanning the length of the dashboard, as well as a digital instrument cluster and screen on the centre console.

Rear-seat passengers also have access to an information display, while the interior is upholstered with soft materials and light colours.

Meanwhile, the new European-market Musso one-tonne pick-up has also broken cover, based on the same architecture as the recently-revealed Rexton SUV and ready for launch in Europe mid-year.

SsangYong revealed the Korean-market version of the pick-up, dubbed the Rexton Sports, in January this year.

The Musso has been built as a tough workhorse with a body-on-frame construction, one-tonne payload and 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Offered in dual-cab pick-up body style, the Musso employs an in-house 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 133kW/400Nm, driving all four wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

A part-time four-wheel-drive system is used, with high- and low-range available.

Inside, buyers get an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on selected models.

The Korean manufacturer is currently eyeing a return to the Australian marketplace, with senior executive director of export Daniel Rim telling GoAuto in September that SsangYong was aiming to return to Australia “within the next 12 months”.

“We’re trying to start our own operation in Australia,” he said at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show.

“We’re going through the due diligence now, setting up a corporation, setting up a distribution centre. It’s all in the works, and hopefully soon we’ll start retailing again within the next 12 months.”

Models that could launch in Australia when the brand returns to the market include the Rexton large SUV, Tivoli compact SUV and Musso.