What's the news?
SsangYong is looking to expand on the decent critical reception given to its Tivoli small crossover with a new and more luxurious mid-size SUV which will be based on this SIV-2 concept. Prepare yourself for some hilarious acronyms and buzzwords...
SIV stands for Smart Interface Vehicle, but basically this will eventually turn into SssangYong's rival to the likes of the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Fe. In this concept form, it's powered by a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine, tied into a 10kW electric motor and a 500Wh battery to form a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. SsangYong says that's enough for extended zero-emissions running in town as well as faster stop-start reactions.
The styling is influenced by, wait for it, SsangYong's Robust Aesthetics design language, but to us it looks overall pretty similar to the Tivoli (no bad thing) but a bit bigger and a bit grander.
Inside, the cabin's styling has been influenced by, honestly, sitars, violins and a Korean gayageum, a multi-stringed musical instrument. Beyond that, the overall look is drawn from luxury yachts and powerboats - check out all that white leather and polished wood.
The seats even have built-in bass speakers for the audio system, sending sound waves through your bum for an extra musical kick.
"By launching the Tivoli B-segment crossover in 2015, SsangYong clearly demonstrated its ability to design, manufacture and sell a contemporary car that absolutely addresses customer demand; it is already our most successful new car launch, and has well exceeded expectations," said SsangYong's CEO Johng-sik Choi
"Based on the experience and confidence we have taken from Tivoli, we are keen to create cars with the style, technology and features motorists will be looking for tomorrow. Projecting that thinking forward is essential, and I am delighted by the glimpse into the future this exciting new SIV-2 concept demonstrates."