SsangYong Motors expands its SUV range with the XAVL concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The 7-seat concept could fit in the mid or large SUV segment, which sees it rival the Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
The eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long SUV – SSangYong XAVL Concept is a build up from the smaller XAV concept shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The company says XAVL is Inspired by the classic Korando and combines off-road SUV styling with multi-purpose MPV practicality.
In its concept stage, XAVL is angular and robust, and sharper than the company’s current design front. Of course, production variants generally tone down on many of its concept angles and lines. The inside is spacious, and replete with a digital instrument display behind the steering wheel.
The dashboard houses a 10.15″ colour LCD infotainment screen. With Internet of Things connectivity being big nowadays, the screen and air conditioning controls are smartphone operated. XAVL features automatic emergency braking, lane change and keep assist. There’s also the high beam assist, and blind spot detectors. The vehicle is being shown as a FWD as of now.
Currently, SsangYong uses a monocoque frame for Tivoli and a ladder-frame platform for the bigger Rexton SUV. At Paris Motor Show, a newer Rexton and LIV-2 concept were showcased. Production variant of both XAV and XAVL could be a reality before the decade turns.
SsangYong Motor Company, part of the Mahindra Group, recorded its highest ever annual sales since 2002 in 2016 with 155,844 units sold. At the time, Choi Johng-sik, CEO of SsangYong Motor Company said, “In 2017, we will further strengthen our status as a prestigious global SUV maker by launching a large premium SUV successfully in addition to No.1 compact SUV Tivoli brand.”
In 2016, Tivoli exports grew by 54.7% over 2015 owing to its popularity in Europe, Central and South America, and Iran. SsangYong has expanded its export market to include Southeast Asia, and has resumed shipping to Russia. Iran was SsangYong’s top export market in 2016.
