Frankfurt

SsangYong XLV-Air and XAV concepts hint at a future off-road

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SsangYong might not carry the immediate name recognition of South Korean compatriots Hyundai or Kia, but the automaker stalwartly shows up to motor shows in Europe and Asia to display its wares. For Frankfurt this year, SsangYong has two concepts with the XAV-Adventure and XLV-Air (pictured above), and both of them are almost certain to spawn future production models.

The XAV-Adventure was also on display at this year's Seoul Motor Show where the chunky compact crossover imagined a future version of the SsangYong Korando. The styling is meant to appeal to a younger audience, and it carries a rugged look similar to a modern upgrade of the classic Toyota Land Cruiser. The roof features a canvas section that moves out of the way for infinite headroom inside. Power is provided by either a 1.6-liter petrol or diesel engine. In addition, there's a 13-horsepower electric motor at the front and two more 40-hp units at the rear to provide some hybrid propulsion from a 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

SsangYong also has the XLV-Air concept on display in Germany. The larger crossover looks more menacing with its combination of matte paint and red lipstick. Underneath the mean look, the model is actually a longer version of the SsangYong Tivoli. In an earlier announcement, the brand said that a production version should hit the road early next year. In concept form, there's a choice between a 1.6-liter diesel or gasoline engine with a six-speed automatic or manual and two- or four-wheel drive.

While SsangYong would like to be in the US someday, that's still likely a long way down the road. Check out the South Korean brand's latest concepts in our gallery from Frankfurt.
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SSANGYONG SHOWCASES ITS XAV-ADVENTURE CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT
15/09/15

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015
Hall 9 - Stand no. B02

Reinterpretation of Korando, with a contemporary twist
Designed for the next generation and those with an active lifestyle
Development concept

XAV-Adventure is the latest compact SUV concept from SsangYong. It offers a glimpse into the future, and illustrates how the current Korando crossover could be reinterpreted as the fourth iteration of this long-lived and highly successful vehicle brand. (See note below).

The XAV-Adventure concept was showcased at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year, and will help redefine the future direction of compact SUVs produced by SsangYong. Together with Tivoli, these new vehicles are being designed to meet the needs of the more active younger generation, who require their cars to crossover between their daily transport needs, and the activities they pursue on vacation and at weekends.

Styling concept

XAV-Adventure is a true SUV. Its chunky proportions and masculine body style draws on the look of those iconic 4x4 'trucks' of yesteryear: strong, robust and with a capacious, square and useable interior space to meet the needs of those who carry large, cumbersome sports equipment.

The design of the interior appears simple, yet is wide and highly practical. The blend of black and natural brown colours creates a contemporary and luxurious ambiance, while the design imaginatively reflects the requirement for practicality. By example, a storage compartment in the rear door enables the loading of all those extra items needed for a leisure activity trip.

The inner element of the carbon roof is a convertible canvas roof, and affords a wide-opening space that draws you closer to the natural surroundings while providing the pleasure of 'open top' motoring.

Performance

The vehicle is offered with the choice of 1.6 litre diesel and 1.6 litre petrol engines and is also equipped with a hybrid electric E-4WD system. The E-4WD system comprises a lithium ion battery and two rear mounted electric motors that give the option of two driving modes: hybrid fuel economy mode and hybrid performance mode. The system also provides for secure off-road and urban driving.

The car features the SsangYong 3S-CUBE system. This includes a special sensing device, which together with a smart motion control system, electric air suspension and 'stereo vision', automatically determines the road conditions and adjusts the suspension for optimised ride comfort. On rough terrain, the suspension adjusts itself to make the ride softer while during high-speed driving, the suspension becomes firmer to increase car control by lowering the vehicle's ride-height to prevent roll and pitch.

The XAV-Adventure is engineered for real off-road adventure. It offers a high ground clearance and good ramp break-over angle, and is capable of water-wading and climbing steep gradients. Run flat tyres are another safety feature on the car, with the tyre pattern suitable for on and off road driving.

Note:

The first Korando - the name is derived from 'Korea can do', was launched in 1984, the second generation in 1996, and the current model in 2010; this was further enhanced in 2013.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Model XAV-Adventure
Dimensions Overall length mm 4,190
Overall width mm 1,880
Overall height mm 1,650
Wheelbase mm 2,600
Motor 10kW front motor & generator /
30kW x 2 dual rear wheel motor
Engine 1,600cc petrol, 1,600cc diesel
Generator 2.1kWh lithium ion battery

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