2011 SsangYong Concept XIV-1

2011 SsangYong Concept XIV-1 --Review

The fact that some of the world’s lesser known brands have all come out of the woodwork to present their own concept cars speaks volumes on how popular Frankfurt is. We haven’t heard from Ssangyong in a while now, but apparently, all that changed when the South Korean automaker officially introduced a new compact crossover concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show called the Concept XIV-1.

According to SsangYong, the Concept XIV-1 is derived from the the phrase "eXcitinguser Interface Vehicle" and was brought to the biggest auto show in the world to introduce everyone to the company’s new design language, one that is expected to be applied to a lot of its future models.

Not much is being mentioned about the concept’s future other than it’s going to serve as the concept peg for a lot of the company’s future models. But if it does get the green light, expect it to be a player in what is appearing to be a very competitive premium SUV segment.

2011 SsangYong Concept XIV-1 ;Exterior and Interior

The XIV-1 combines the characteristics of a fancy SUV design with affordable running costs meant to maximize the driver’s interaction. Among the details behind the Concept XIV-1 include the extensive use of glass and carefully curved bodywork that add an imposing look without being too aggressive. There’s also a wrap-around windscreen, large C-pillars, a lengthy glass roof, and an advanced interface that offer plenty of high-tech goodies.

The interior set-up of the XIV-1 features a new seating configuration that allows you to choose a 1+1+2 or a 1+3 seating layout. It also allows passengers inside the SUV to move back and forth and also rotate all four seats 360 degrees. The dashboard offers a design that makes use of plenty of aluminum, a new wrinkle as far as SsangYong vehicles designed in the past.

2011 SsangYong Concept XIV-1 ;Performance

Though specific details on the XIV-1’s performance capabilities are still being kept under wraps, SsangYong has nonetheless announced that it will carry a pair of 1.6-liter powertrains - one gas version and one diesel version. Both these engines are mated to a choice between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Likewise, the XIV-1 can be outfitted in either a 2WD or an AWD set-up.

2011 SsangYong Concept XIV-1;Price

There’s no word on pricing yet since the XIV-1 is only a concept. It’s unlikely that this particular concept will be given the go-signal; the XIV-1 is being touted as a concept peg to illustrate SsangYong’s new offering in the B-segment CUV, and in general, its overall design philosophy.

Having said that, SsangYong has yet to close the door on the concept version, so you can still keep your fingers crossed that the green light turns on.