Ssangyong Sets Lofty Goals for New Kyron Luxury SUV

SEOUL – Ssangyong Motor Co. Ltd. is aiming for a 30% take of South Korea’s midsize SUV market with its new Kyron luxury model unveiled at the auto show here.

“The new Kyron will take a leading position in the midsize SUV market with its top-class engine performance and the latest in sporty SUV design,” Ssangyong President Choi Hyung-tak tells reporters.

Ssangyong is majority owned by China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and has a technical agreement with Mercedes-Benz.

Kyron styling has been updated with the new model, which also features a choice from among one gasoline or two diesel engines.

The gas powerplant is a 3.2L V-6 that develops 217 hp. The 2.7L Xdi diesel delivers 175 hp and the smaller 2L Xdi generates 149 hp.

The new entry features disc brakes up front and drums in the rear in the 2.0L diesel and 3.2L gas versions but gets discs all around with the 2.7L diesel.

The two lower-level models ride on a double-wishbone front and 5-link coil rear suspension, while the 2.7L diesel version gets an 8-link setup in the back.

A Mercedes T-Tronic 5-speed automatic transmission is linked directly to the engine by a lock-up torque converter to minimize energy loss and enhance fuel efficiency.

Three engines available in New Kyron.

Electronic controls remember the driver’s driving habits and automatically set shift points to provide smooth gear changes and maximize fuel efficiency. The T-Tronic also has a winter mode feature permitting the SUV to be launched in second gear to minimize slip on ice or snow.

The Kyron is available with part-time selectable all-wheel drive that under normal conditions sends 40% of power to the front axle and 60% to the rear. It works in tandem with a 4-channel electronic stability control that monitors road conditions and vehicle pitch.

The new Kyron also boasts switch operated hill descent control, active rollover protection and brake-assist system.

Also available is speed-sensitive power steering, a back-up warning device and a headlamp leveling system that’s controlled from a dash-mounted dial.

Seating features include heated seats both front and rear (60/40 split), 8-way powered driver’s seat and 4-way powered front passenger seat.

The new Kyron measures 185.4 ins. (471.0 cm) long, 74.4 ins. (189.0 cm) wide and 68.9 ins. (175.0 cm) high, with the 2.7L diesel version slightly taller at 69.5 ins. (176.5 cm). It has a 017.9-in. (274.0-cm) wheelbase.

The 2.0L diesel version is priced in Korea from 19.8 million won to 26.3 million won ($21,340-$28,242).

Equipped with a 2.7L diesel mill, it sells in Korea for 25.7 million won to 34.8 million won ($27,233-$37,388).

Pricing is not available yet for the 3.2L V-6 gas version.