In the News - All Models
Maitland Mercury - 7 March 2008
Korean Upgrades by Ian Crawford
Korean brand SsangYong has re-launched it's Kyron SUV and announced a new flagship version of the bigger Rexton model.
Armed with higher equipment levels and more comfort, the upgraded Kyron's pricing now starts at $32,990 for the two-litre manual turbo-diesel.
Automatic transmission adds $3000 and the 2.7litre turbo-diesel engine with automatic lifts this to $39,990. They have also added a new range-topping SPR version to the line-up.
The new Rexton II will be available in two model variants - the $35,990 RX270 priced at $35,990 with its standard 2.7litre Euro IV turbo-charged common-rail engine, and the new flag-ship RX270 SPR that carries a $49,990 price tag.
SsangYong boss Russell Burling said the Rexton was now one of the best value-for-money SUVs available in Australia, delivering higher levels of safely, equipment and economy than any comparable SUV on the market. "I understand this is a big call, however to gain similar levels of equipment and luxury from rival brands you would have to pay up to $20,000 more than Rexton II," he explained.
"We have underlined the importance of safety making electronic stability program standard on both Rexton II variants, as it is across the SsangYong SUV range, ensuring safer and more predictable handling across all driving conditions."
The SPR model comes standard with every luxury feature available in the SsangYong catalogue as well a variable geometry turbo and all- wheel drive.
ABS brakes, active rollover protection, anti-slip regulation and brake-force assist are also all on the menu as are front-and-side airbags.
The flagship Rexton II SPR's standard-kit inventory makes impressive reading and it comes with climate-control airconditioning, reverse parking sensors, automatic rain-sensing front wipers, automatic headlights, an automatic dimming rear-vision mirror, leather trim with electrically heated front seats, eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with three position memory, an electric sunroof and a body kit.
SsangYong's T-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission with its so-called "thumbs-up" manual shift is standard on SPR and optional on the standard variant.
While the Rexton II SPR uses a permanent all-wheel-drive system, its standard sibling has a " torque-on-demand" all-wheel drive that under normal driving conditions delivers most of the power to the rear wheels.
When, however, the wheels start to slip, the system automatically transfers more torque to the front wheels to settle things down.
The Rexton's 2.7litre XDi diesel engine has a third-generation turbo-charger and it delivers a best-in-class 121kW of peak power. The engine's direct-injection system boosts power and fuel efficiency. With its latest-generation variable-geometry turbo-charger, the XVT 270 diesel engine delivers 137kW or power and a handy 402Nm of torque and SsangYong claims a combined fuel-consumption figure of 9.l litres/100kin.
The good thing about this engine is that maximum torque is delivered over virtually the entire rev range and this means quick engine response and excellent overtaking ability.
The Euro IV Kyron was launched in August last year and the arrival of the upgraded model range was part of a strategy under which all SsangYongs sold in Australia would be turbo- diesel-powered.
Mr Burling said the Kyron upgrade was part of the continuing evolution of SsangYong's models, delivering a better design and styling as well as performance and safety benefits.
NEW GENERATION: The upgraded Rexton comes with an impressive list of standard
equipment.
Shepparton Adviser
SsangYong 100% Diesel Engine Line up
SsangYong Motor Australasia managing director, Russell Burling, has signaled that a majority of all SUVs sold in Australia in the next five years will be powered by high efficiency turbo diesel engines.
The prediction comes as the Korean manufacturer announced that all vehicles in its 2008 Australian line-up will feature 100 percent pure diesel power.
The announcement makes SsangYong the first car company in Australia to market a 100 percent pure diesel engine range - Burling believes SsangYong is at the forefront of a revolution in drive-train trends in Australia and that more than 70 per cent of Australia's new SUVs will be diesel powered by 2012.
The SsangYong Motor Australasia MD says that while diesel uptake in Australia has been slow, the efficiency and environmental friendliness of latest generation turbo diesel engines will win over local SUV buyers in the next few years.
"I believe Australians will embrace diesel technology and that the penetration of clean green diesel power will be at a similar level to Europe within a few years," said Mr Burling.
"Clearly it has been very attractive in Europe because of the tax incentives offered there, however despite the lack of diesel incentives offered by the Australian government the word is spreading that this is the way to go if you want to drive an SUV and maintain a green profile," he said.
"The reality is that an SUV powered by diesel offers better driveability, fuel economy and range as well as being environmentally friendly," said Burling. "Local manufacturers are clamouring to get diesel engines in their large cars and SUVs as they have clearly seen the demand building foresee that if you don't have a diesel engine in five years time you will struggle in the Australian market," said Burling. See Jon Mathieson SsangYong in Numrkah Road Shepparton.
In the News - Sports Dual Cab
Sunday Telegraph - 30 March 2008
Grunt at a Good Price - by Trent Nikolic
For the past few years. SsangYong has been making steady inroads into the Australian market with quality vehicles that offer strong equipment levels per dollar spent. And the new Sports Dual Cab may well be the pick of the bunch.
Sure, the Sports is competent both on and off the bitumen, but its bargain pricing will make it a favourite with the building-site brigade, especially when compared against those old favourites the HiLux and the Rodeo.
That's even more so if the dollar is a strong factor. With such sharp pricing, SsangYong plans on the Sports Dual Cab being a hit with volume buyers.
"It has attracted plenty of attention already, and we believe our revisions of price and equipment levels will put it on the radarfor a lot more buyers, particularly in fleets," SsangYong Australia managing director Russell Burling says.
The ute has also had a name change to highlight its revitalised presence in the market. Its new "Sports" moniker will distinguish it from its Actyon SUV sibling.
More important than the change of name is an impressive new six-speed automatic transmission that delivers greater flexibility and economy on the road and a more useable spread of ratios when the going gets a little tougher.
The Sports Dual Cab is the first vehicle in the world to use this Australian -designed and locally built transmission, an impressive piece of kit that extracts the best from the twolitre, turbo-diesel engine.
Designed and produced by Albury based Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), it gives the Sports Dual Cab more Australian content than any other diesel dual-cab ute on the local market.
The auto has "sport" and "winter" modes that alter the electronically controlled shift points to maximise power or minimise fuel consumption.
Winter mode commands the SsangYong to start in second gear to reduce wheelspin in adverse weather or road conditions, while sports mode sharpens the shift points for a more engaging drive.
As well as the new auto, the Sports Dual Cab now has four-wheel disc brakes and ABS across the range.
Like all 2008 SsangYong vehicles, it's exclusively diesel-powered. Its 1998cc turbocharged engine produces 104kW at 4000rpm and 310Nm at 1800rpm, making it a tough workhorse as well as a smooth everyday drive.
On the road, this quiet, refined engine works well with the new transmission to deliver an effortless 110km/h cruise. In city commuting, the combination is equally efficient.
Never noisy or clattery, the com mon-rail injected oiler gets about its business with the refinement we've come to expect of modern diesel engines, belying its small capacity. Russell Burling reckons the new pricing, transmission and enhanced braking package make the Sports Dual Cab an even better proposition.
"I believe it proves you can have luxury appointments, diesel economy and performance in a very competitively priced package," he says.
Standard features include steering wheel-mounted controls, an engine immobiliser and alarm, remote keyless entry and a protective tub liner.
The tub liner, often an expensive option, is a particularly clever inclusion for buyers planning to use this vehicle as its maker intended.
The Sports Dual Cab now has significantly improved noise and vibration dampening of both engine and powertrain.
In real terms, this means the SsangYong runs much more quietly than most utility vehicles, belying its commercial leanings.
At freeway speeds, you struggle to notice you're driving a diesel.
Even off road, when the going gets bumpy and the dirt becomes rutted, the SsangYong's interior remains solid and well insulated, making for a comfortable ride for occupants.
On the road, the most noticeable enhancement to ride quality and handling is the adoption of rear coil springs. Unique among dual-cab utes, they provide a quieter, smoother ride without significantly compromising load capacity.
Although the SsangYong's payload is lower than that of its direct competitors, we would be happy to trade that for the greater refinement and ability of its all-coil suspension.
The Sports Dual Cab, in line with the rest of the SsangYong range, will now be available in an SPR version.
The SPR is SsangYong's flagship model, offering maximum equipment levels at an affordable price.
Shepparton Advister - 26 March 2008
Aussie Built Six Speed for Ssangyong Sports
SsangYong's Sports Dual Cab Utility is the first vehicle in the world to be fitted with a new Australian designed and built six-speed automatic transmission.
The Aussie developed six speed designed and produced by Albury based company Drivetrain Systems International (DS1) gives the SsangYong dual cab more Australian made content than any other dual cab ute on the market in this country.
DSPs innovation and clever engineering in this locally made driveline solution was several years in development and has resulted in an Engineering Excellence Award for Innovations and Inventions.
According to SsangYong Motors Australasia managing director Russell Burling the DSI sourced six-speed auto is a valuable addition to the Sports Dual Cab further enhancing its performance and driveability.
"This is a really innovative and technically advanced transmission and is a great credit to Australian ingenuity," said Russell Burling.
"SsangYong Sports Dual Cab buyers will not only be able to take advantage of the fact that this is the only six-speed auto equipped dual cab ute but also the fact that it features a terrific piece of Australian innovation," he said.
This transmission provides six close ratio forward gears delivering excellent launch performance while achieving exceptional fuel efficiency.
A state of the art electronic control system monitors and adjusts to driving styles and conditions providing consistent shift performance across a wide range of driving environments.
Test drive your new Dual Cab with Jon or Mike at Mathieson SsangYong in Numurkah Road Shepparton.
Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser - 19 March 2008
SsangYong Revamps its Twin Cab - by Brent Davison
Korean specialist vehicle maker SsangYong is not exactly the biggest importer on the Australian car market but it is one of the most resilient.
Australians first saw SsangYong courtesy of the Musso, a mid-sized luxury SUV powered by Mercedes-Benz petrol and diesel engines built under licence in South Korea.
By 1998 the vehicles were being sold here as Daewoos but when General Motors bought the beleaguered Daewoo outfit a few years and restructured it, SsangYong once again became an independent with its controlling interest owned by a Chinese company.
Late last week though the company announced a major overhaul of its Australian and New Zealand operations with the formation of a new company, SsangYong Motor Australasia, to handle its operations in both countries.
The company brings together the existing distribution group operated by New Zealander Russell Burling and Western Australia's biggest automotive company, the Barbagallo Group, to handle the importation and distribution of the SsangYong range.
Generally, it will be business as usual with the company operating from its existing base at Mascot, near Sydney Airport, but the new arrangement means Burling will relocate to Australia to assume the managing director's position and Vince Barbagallo will join the company as a director.
Burling says the changes can only improve SsangYong's position in the Australian market. "Our new alliance with the Barbagallo Group gives the company a truly national approach as well as tremendous knowledge and expertise in the retail sector. "It will give SsangYong the resources to build the brand across the country," Burling said.
He said the company is working towards steady growth in its market segment with the goal to claim 4 per cent of the segment.
As part of its planned restructure SMA will drop all petrol engines from its model range and run a complete diesel engine program, making SsangYong the first car company in Australia to have a diesel-only engine range.
Burling says SsangYong is at the forefront of a revolution in drivetrain trends and believes more than 70 per cent of the new SUV market will be diesel by 2012.
But, he says, it will be buyer initiative and not government incentives that will drive the change.
"The word is spreading that [diesel] is the way to go if you want to drive an SUV and maintain a green profile. I cannot see the Australian Government offering tax breaks for diesel in the near future but I still believe more people will choose turbo-diesel power in the coming years."
Among its other new policies SMA has revised its model range, dropping the Actyon name from its twin-cab utility and simply calling it the Sports, allowing Actyon to continue as a fivedoor station wagon.
The Sports will be available with an Australian-made six-speed automatic transmission that is likely to filter into the range.
As well, the Kyron is back and now comes standard with electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, 18-inch wheels and dual front and side airbags. It will be joined by the Rexton II at the top of the family tree in two model levels, the $35,990 RX270 and the all-singing, all-dancing, RX270 SPR at $49,990.
SsangYong Motors Australasia says it will have a top-spec SPR trim package for each model.
North Shore Times - 7 March 2008
In The Carpool - SsangYong Sports SPR by Peter Barnwell
SsangYong's shark-faced dual cab ute has been revamped to provide more features and sharper pricing to go with the new name.
It's called the Sports and is available with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains and two grades including the feature-laden SPR.
All variants have the same 2.0-litre, turbo diesel fourcylinder engine rated at 104kW/310Nm. The engine is a lift from SsangYong's Kyron sport utility vehicle.
But the really big news is the availability of a locally made sixspeed auto with sequential change mode.
We got our hands on the Sports SPR 4x4 with all the fruit that sells for $39,990. It includes the six-speed automatic, stablity control, multiple airbags, leather upholstery, airconditioning, power everything and and a host of other goodies. There's even an iPod jack in the dash.
The Sports SPR offers a surprisingly comfortable ride for a light commercial, possibly due to the all-coil spring suspension lifted from SsangYong Actyon. The roomy cabin is capable of taking five adults and the load tray, though not long, is wider than most and can take a lot of stuff.
A tray liner makes it all the more practical. Tray load height could be an issue but it is a genuine 4x4 with a two-speed transfer case selected from a dash-mounted dial.
Off-road capability is prodigious, even when loaded. The diesel engine plonks away and gives Sports a smooth ride on the roughest terrain. We found the turning circle to be a little large.
Engine performance is brisk and the large Sports will easily cruise at 110km/h with plenty in reserve for hauling uphill. But there is little point in taking engine revs beyond about 3500rpm, at which point power tails off rapidly.
The six-speed transmission is excellent and we wonder why our local manufacturers haven't embraced it. Sequential mode is activated by a fore/aft switch on the gear knob. We particularly liked the auto-on wipers and headlights. SsangYong sources components for its vehicles from around the world. The engine block for example comes out of the Benz factory is South Africa, the transmission from Australia, pistons from Germany and so on.
It feels strong and well made and with the recent price adjustment, represets impressive value for money.
In the News - Kyron
Albert & Logan News - 14 March 2008
Revision Scores Highly by Peter Barnwell
As part of the SsangYong model revamp, the Kyron compact sport utility vehicle scored a revised, more attractive look and another engine option.
The base model 2.0-litre turbo diesel is an OK thing but add the 121kW/340Nm 2.7-litre five cylinder turbo diesel and it is a whole different ball-game.
- It is much better looking than the first model, particularly around the rear tail-light area and the front.
- 2.7-litre five pot has impressive power and throttle response coupled with good fuel economy. Sounds decent too.
- Engine comes from Mercedes-Benz design, drives through a slick, sequential five speed auto.
- Stability control is standard as are multiple air bags. SPR ($39,990) version scores all the fruit.
- Hill descent control is handy off road.
- Select on the fly 4WD useful, especially as it is activated by a button on the dash.
- Spare is a space saver - big cross.
- Rear parking sensors is a safety feature and huge help for parking.
- Interior offers comfortable seating for five with a large load space.
- Multi function wheel has numerous controls for audio and gearchange.
- Built on a ladder chassis and has impressive ground clearance, especially with 18-inch wheels (alloy).
- Passes stringent Euro 4 emissions regs.
- Impressive build quality even underneath.
Verdict: Big improvement on first model, good looking, well built, goes well, priced right and handy off road. Light on fuel.
Revised look ... SsangYong's Kyron has undergone a revamp.
Melbourne Age - 26 January 2008
Review of SsangYong Kyron M200 XDi by Cameron McGavin
HOW MUCH? $32,990 (man) or $35,990 (auto).
ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. 104 k W/310 N m.
WHAT'S IT GOT? Twin front airbags (side/curtain airbags optional), anti-lock brakes, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, power windows and heated mirrors, cruise control, remote locking, CD player, leather-shod multi-function steering wheel, 12-volt outlet, four cup holders, 18-inch alloy wheels, engine immobi liser and alarm, 3 years/100,000 km warranty.
FOR: Sharp price, diesel engine is strong and efficient, real off-road ability.
Sound Telegraph - 2 January 2008
Review of SsangYong Kyron by Ewan Kennedy
SsangYong's Kyron is unusual in its class in being a true off-road 4WD, with a ladder-frame chassis and a two-speed transfer case.
There's the choice of two-high, four-high and four-low ranges, but no neutral position. Shifts between ranges are controlled from a turnknob on the dash.
For the 2008 season, SsangYong has backed off a bit on the shape of its controversial 4WD, now taking a more global view as to design rather than the distinctly South Korean one of the original model.
To achieve this, the Kyron has a new bonnet, headlights, radiator grille and under-bumper air intake. The intake now features a sporting mesh look. At the rear there's a smoother look based around a bigger back window.
The new-look interior's improvements include a more stylish dash that houses a redesigned instrument cluster, better night-time illumination, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and revised cloth seat trim.
The steering wheel now carries tiptronic-type controls to let the driver make pseudo manual gear changes on the automatic transmission.
The best news is that the price of the Kyron has been reduced in price by $2000 to $3000 depending on model.
With a price list beginning at just $32,990 it offers exceptional value for money because it's bigger than many of its competitors so you get a lot of 4WD for your money.
Power on our test car came from a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It's adequate rather than exciting in the way it goes and can struggle on long hills.
There's more turbo lag than we like, but anticipate this and the characteristics can be lived with. Those desiring a bit more grunt can go for the optional fivecylinder 2.7-litre turbo-diesel. Note that SsangYong no longer imports petrol Kyrons to Australia.
There's good interior space for four adults and a fifth can be carried without being unpleasantly cramped. Noise levels in the Kyron are about average when accelerating, but it becomes very quiet when cruising. Indeed, at a steady 100km/h this is one of the quietest vehicles of all and makes an excellent country tourer.
We like the general handling of the Kyron. Its steering has reasonable feel, though some will find it on the soft side. There's good road grip even at above average cornering speeds for a full-chassis 4WD. The damping from the shock absorbers was a little slow at times and caused some mild hassles over hard bumps.
Kyron has an electronically controlled part-time four-wheeldrive system that, unlike most of its competitors, runs the rear wheels, not the front, in normal conditions. With the excellent part-time 4WD system, high and low range four-wheel-drive can be selected from the driver's seat and on-the-fly switching to high range 4WD is possible up to 70km/h.
Kyron comes with airconditioning, power windows and mirrors with power folding and heating. Entertainment is provided by a six-speaker CD/AM/FM audio system and there are steering-wheel controls for improved safety.
In the safety department, the Kyron boasts four-channel ABS brakes, dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.
Price is going to be the biggest attraction of the new SsangYong Kyron range, but there's more to it than simply a low tag. This is a genuine off-road 4WD that's finished to a good standard, offers plenty of interior space and has a high level of standard equipment.
The full SsangYong Kyron range, with prices (excluding on-road costs) is - Kyron M200 XDi 2.0-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon $32,990 (manual), $35,990 (automatic); Kyron M270 XDi 2.7-litre turbo diesel five-door wagon $36,990 (automatic).
Ballarat Courier - 28 December 2007
A Stylish New Look for Kyron by Ewan Kennedy
SsangYong's Kyron is unusual in its class in being a true off-road 4WD, with a ladder frame chassis and a two-speed transfer case. There's the choice of two-high, four-high and four-low ranges, but no neutral position. Sifts between ranges are controlled from a turn-knob on the dash
In the News - Stavic
Cranbourne Leader - 19 December 2007
SSANGYONG has launched a facelift version of its Stavic peoplemover featuring cleaner styling, revised engine mapping for better driveability and lower fuel consumption. As well, there's a switch to diesel power across the range.
The new Euro IV SsangYong Stavic uses some of the design cues from the redesign of the Kyron and Rexton to produce a cleaner, simpler, more sophisticated look and sees adoption of a similar chrome grille that extends the SsangYong styling theme across the range.
The Stavic model line-up and specifications have been re-vised and simplified.
In the News - Dealers
Albany Advertiser - 1 April 2008
Amity Takes Over City's Ssangyong Franchise
PAUL and Russell Williams at Amity Motors have taken over Albany's only Ssangyong franchise.
The dealership has expanded its current range to include Ssangyong vehicles which specialise in fourwheel drives and people movers.
Dealer principal Paul Williams said the vehicles, which were exclusively diesel-run, were a popular lifestyle choice.
"Ssangyong have focused on the offroad type vehicles because they can see that is where the market in Australia is headed," Mr Williams said.
"A lot of people in WA, and especially along the coast, want to have the off-road ability because of the lifestyle benefits they offer," he said.
"But the market trends across the board in the car industry are showing that people are also looking more and more at fuel economy so diesel sales are increasingly popular."
The Ssangyong range comprises four basic models with up to 10 different model variants.
While the make is relatively new for the Australian market, Mr Williams said people were becoming increasingly familiar with the brand.
"I think people are becoming a lot more accepting of new type brands from Korea or anywhere else in the world, as compared to even five years ago there are now a lot more brands on the market," Mr Williams said.
"The company has plans to expand their infrastructure in Australia, which will make the brand better and stronger, and will further contribute to brand recognition and market share," he said. The franchise is one of 43 nationally.
Russell and Paul Williams from Amity Motors Ssangyong.