In the News - All Models
Her Car - 13/05/08
SsangYong has just announced that all vehicles in its 2008 Australian line-up will feature 100 percent pure diesel power. This means that they will be the first car company in Australia to offer diesel only vehicles.
SsangYong offer 5 models in Australia that all share the genetics of being rugged, tough, functional vehicles all powered by an economical turbo diesel engine. The models include the Sports Dual Cab, Kyron, Rexton 11, Stavic and Actyon. Although their names may suggest that they’re from an Eastern European country, they are in fact from Korea.
Whilst the cars aren’t the prettiest looking vehicles on the road, they all offer a high seating position, good visibility out of the front and side windows and plenty of space. The vehicles are good value for money with most of the models priced under $40,000. They also have a 3 year 100,000km warranty and 3 years roadside assistance. Here’s a brief run down on each model.
Sport Dual Cab Offers the versatility of a ute with seating for 5 people. 5 models to choose, priced from $28,990*
Kyron A 5 seater SUV with a choice of engines, the 2.0 litre or the 2.7 litre 3 models to choose, priced from $32,990*
Rexton 11 An SUV offering the choice of 5 or 7 seats. It’s similar in size to the Kyron but offering greater overall height. 5 models to choose, priced from $35,990*
Stavic A 7 seater people mover with plenty of space for your passengers and luggage and is the largest vehicle in the SsangYong range. 3 models to choose, priced from $32,990*
Actyon This is the sportiest looking of the SUVs offering 2 models, a manual and automatic. Whilst the Actyon is also the smallest in the SsangYong range, it still offers plenty of space. Priced from $29,990*
*All prices exclude dealer delivery and government statutory charges. Article Date: 30 April 2008
Aussie touch to add some starch
Albert & Logan News Friday 2/5/2008
IT is probably fair enough to suggest Korean maker SsangYong has hung around Australia like an annoying little brother. Not doing much. Just being there. That might be about to change following a new direction, both at importer level in Australia and New Zealand and at company level where it is now owned 51 per cent by the Chinese controlled Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.
In Australia, long-time New Zealand importer Russell Burling and the large car retailing interests, the Barbagallo family of Western Australia, have formed an alliance to take the brand to the next level. The results are already starting to show with new SsangYong models hitting the roads with an Aussie designed six-speed auto transmission replacing a tardy four speed. With SsangYong pursuing a European-like strategy of smaller turbo-diesel engines in medium to larger people movers and SUVs, the combination of a six-speed auto/high performance/economical power plant is sure to pay dividends.
Managing director Russell Burling said the company's immediate goal was 3000 units a year and at least match, if not surpass sales of French makers Renault and Peugeot. It's a conservative ask in a market that had for the past two years averaged a million new car sales.
The Australian-made transmission is a huge step in the right direction. It is a smooth, almost seamless shifter, well suited to getting the most out of small diesel engines, including fuel economy.
SsangYong's current stable includes the 2.7 litre engined, five and sevenseat Rexton all-wheel drives, 2.0 litre and 2.7 litre, Kyron AWD, 2.0 litre Sports Dual Cabs in 4x2 and 4x4 and the 2.7 litre Stavic people mover. Also under consideration is a new mid-size sedan.
Mr Burling said in the next two years SsangYong would introduce a new turbo diesel range - a six cylinder 3.2 litre, and four cylinder 2.0 litre and a 2.2 litre variant.
Clever Korea move for Chinese carmaker
Daily Telegraph by Kevin Hepworth Friday 2/5/2008
There is a buzz around the Australian automotive industry overthe imminent arrival of Chinese-manufactured vehicles, yet there is one Chinese owned brand already gaining a foothold. Shanghai Automotive Industries, the largest of China's burgeoning number of car companies, has quietly acquired a controlling interest in Korean manufacturer SsangYong.
'SsangYong is owned by the SAIC with a 59.1 per cent share,'' SsangYong Australia managing director Russell Burling says. They arejoint venture partners with General Motors and Volkswagen and are in the process of introducing their own brand in China."
Burling says that while SAIC is growing within China the company also provides a stable base for research and development for SsangYong and a freedom from the financial strains many other car companies labour under.
"They are one of the wealthiest of the of problems with financing in the future," car companies and Beijing is the owner so I don't think we are going to have a lot Burling says.
He believes the acquisition of the Korean manufacturer was an export strategy that brought SAIC unexpected benefits.
"SAIC bought Ssangyong for that purpose; to do all the exporting," Burling says. "People don't understand export out of China is not a given. All of SAIC's planned exports will be built in Korea.
"There is no capacity in China to export. This is the great fallacy; everybody says China is going to rush and pollinate the world with their cars.
''I believe their home market, if their product is good, can take every car they build so why would they need to go through the drama of exporting.
"Within a few years China will be the world's top car market. It's already well on the way."
Burling says that apart from the export strategy, SsangYong has provided SAIC with some unexpected benefits.
''I think SsangYong was a surprise package for SAIC. From what I have been told they bought it thinking they would get a nice little brand but have been very surprised with the technology, the sharing with the Europeans, the quality they can build and the technology and designers they have within SsangYong, particularly with currently sells diesel-engined cars across its range in Australia including the Actyon SUV, Sports Ute and the Rexton 4WD. That acquired knowledge gels well with SAIC's internal new-car model plans which revolve around the design and technology they inherited as part of the purchase of British brand Rover. Burling says the Rover influence is not a retrograde step.
"Some of these cars were already on the drawing board at Rover when SAIC bought the design centre but they are notjust variants on the old Rover models," he says.
"They are on all-new platforms with a range of east-west engines and six-speed gearbox.
"If we decide to take the cars there is still a question over whether we will be able to get them. While our cars will be made in Korea they will only be made available to us after the home market demand is satisfied."
Burling says SAIC plans to have a model in every segment but SsangYong Australia would be much more selective.
Ssangyong's Sports star
Herald Sun Friday 2/5/2008
The South Koreans are going 100 per cent diesel,
writes PAUL GOVER
SOARING fuel prices are changing the driving habits of a nation and motorists will drive 20 per cent less during the next 12 months, Ssangyong boss Russell Burling says.
"It's only a matter of time before a pint of beer is cheaper than a pint of fuel - I reckon in the next 12 months people will drive 20 per cent less to save fuel," Burling says.
"It is going to be a huge change in lifestyle. Fuel relates to food, to transport, to goods ... to everything we do and need. It's going to be a huge change and I don't think people have begun to realise that yet."
Burling says the prospect of continually rising fuel prices played a large part in Ssangyong's decision to offer a full diesel range.
"We reacted by going 100 per cent diesel. Diesels are our most efficient cars and we believe diesel is the answer," he says.
"I don't think we have seen anything like this before. It's almost the perfect storm with interest rates going up, fuel going up - only the 100 per cent employment in Australia is going to save us."
Though Ssangyong is still a small niche player here - selling 200 cars last month and aiming for a 3000 sale total this year Burling remains confident the diesel strategy will carry them into the future.
A drive of the current range this week illustrated that, though Ssangyong is unlikely to challenge established segment stars, there has been improvement. The star is the Dual Sports Cab Utility, which benefits immeasurably from the addition of the six-speed automatic gearbox from Albury makers DSI. Sitting atop the Ssangyong range at least for the moment is the giant Stavic people mover with seven-seat and nine-seat capacity.
In its home environment there is also an 11-seat option but it has wisely been ignored for Australia.
If cars were rated on space for your dollar the Stavic would be at the top. The car is huge - and it drives accordingly. The 2.7-litre diesel produces a handy 121kW and 340Nm but the chassis and suspension can't disguise the car's bulk.
SsangYong in the city
Geelong Advertiser Saturday 3/5/2008
BLOOD SsangYong has been appointed as the new SsangYong dealer in Geelong. The new facility at 491-499 Moorabool St will sell and service the full SsangYong range of SUVs and people movers.
Blood SsangYong will bring the expertise and backing of Brian Blood and his team, headed by dealer principal Peter Leach, to the SsangYong marque as the company expands the sales and awareness of its range of vehicles.
Mr Leach said the SsangYong franchise offered a tremendous opportunity and would give motorists in the region an affordable, well specified and fuel efficient alternative in the new car market.
"We were attracted to SsangYong because of its great value, well-priced vehicles with fuel economy that makes them a very attractive proposition, particularly for commuters heading to Melbourne every day and also for rural buyers," Mr Leach said.
"We have a number of key franchises in Geelong and SsangYong perfectly complements our current line-up, enabling us to service every motoring need," he said.
SsangYong Motors Australasia managing director Russell Burling said the appointment of Blood SsangYong was part of a concerted effort to ensure its dealer network in Australia was strong, offered top level service and the best possible coverage across the country.
Blood SsangYong is located at 491-499 Moorabool St, Geelong and the phone number is 03 5226 2822.
SsangYong chief tips SUV diesel revolution
North Coast Times Community Tuesday 6/5/2008
MOST of the SUVs sold in Australia in the next five years will be powered by high efficiency turbo diesel engines.
That's the prediction of SsangYong Motor Australasia managing director Russell Burling, who has taken the lead in presenting Australia's first all-diesel range of vehicles.
"I believe the penetration of clean green diesel power in Australia will be at a similar level to Europe within a few years," Burling said.
"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 Distinctive: The retro-styled SsangYong Sports Dual Cab is a capable and versatile machine to drive an SUV and maintain a green profile.
"I cannot see the Government offering tax breaks for diesel in the near future but I still believe more people will choose turbo-diesel power here and that is why we have made the decision to switch to 100 per cent pure diesel power.
"The reality is that a SUV powered by diesel offers better driveability, fuel economy and range as well as being environmentally friendly.
"If you don't have a diesel engine in five years you will struggle in the Australian market."
In the News - Sports Dual Cab:
Ute bobs up on radar
SsangYong goes with a name change, writes GRAHAM SMITH
Herald Sun Monday 5/5/2008
HE dual-cab ute from SsangYong has flown under the radar since its launch last year, and often doesn't make the shopping list of ute buyers.
It's an attractive, roomy ute with a diesel engine and a good payload. It appears to be well built and is certainly well priced.
For 2008 the Korean earmaker has given it a new name and a new Aussie-inade auto transmission. The rest is the same familiar fare seen when it entered the market to replace the tough old Musso ute last year. Then it was called the Actyon Sports, a spinoff of the Actyon SUV. Now it's called the Sports Dual-Cab ute and stands alone. It's available only as a dual-cab body style, but to make it more usable as a worker, SsangYong will replace the pickup bed with a steel or aluminium drop-side tray. There are several tray options, including ladder racks and tool boxes.
Inside, it has plenty of room for extra hands in the rear or kids at weekend. It's powered by SsangYong's 2.0-litre XDi turbo diesel, putting out 104kW at 4000 revs and 310Nm at 1800 revs. There's a choice of a manual five-speed gearbox or a new sixspeed automatic made in Albury by DSI. It's the first time the gearbox has been fitted to a vehicle anywhere in the world. And, going by its performance on a recent drive, SsangYong could be on to a winner.
It's got six close-ratio gears and gets off the line nicely with good progress through the ratios. Fuel economy is claimed to be improved over the old five-speed automatic.
The 2008 model also has disc brakes on all corners with ABS anti-skid electronics across all models.
On the road it's comfortable with a good ride and balanced handling.
With sharpened prices, the Sports Dual Cab 4x2 starts the range at $28,990, with the 4x4 opening at $34,990. The new six-speed auto is available in both the 4x2 and 4x4 models for an extra $3000.
Good gear: the automatic transmission in the SsangYong Sports Dual-Cab ute is built in Albury.
Ssangyong renowned for quality vehicles
Hunter Valley News Wednesday 30/4/2008
STEADY INROADS: The Ssangyong range is available at Muswellbrook City Ssangyong.
FOR the past few years, Ssangyong has been making steady inroads into the Australian market with a number of the quality vehicles that offer strong equipment level per dollar spent. However, the updated Sports dual cab might just be the pick of the bunch.
Sure the Sports is competent both on and offroad, but its bargain pricing will make it a favourite when compared against old favourites like Hilux, Navara and Rodeo.
"With such sharp pricing the Sports Dual Cab has attracted plenty of attention already and I believe the revisions of price and equipment will put it on the radar of a lot more buyers,"
Muswellbrook City Ssangyong dealer principal Greg Robinson said. The Sports Dual Cab is the first vehicle in the world to be fitted with the new Australian designed and built six speed automatic that manages to extract the best out of the two litre intercooled Turbo Diesel engine.
In addition to the new transmission, the Sports dual cab now delivers four wheel disc brakes with ABS across the range.
Like the entire Ssangyong range, the Sports dual cab is diesel powered with the 2 litre Turbocharged engine generating 104 kw of power and 310 Nm at 1800 RPM.
Onroad the most noticeable enhancement to ride quality and handling is the use of rear coil springs, which are unique amongst dual cabs and deliver a quieter smoother ride with out significantly compromising load capacity or its braked towing capacity of 2300 kg.
According to Mr Robinson, the new pricing structure, transmission and enhanced braking package makes the Sports Dual Cab an even better proposition
"I believe the Sports proves you can have luxury appointments, diesel economy and performance in a very competitively priced package."
For more information to arrange a test drive phone Muswellbrook City Ssangyong on 6543 3066 or visit them on Maitland Road, Muswellbrook.
In the News - Kyron:
Value for money Diesel is way of the future
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
Geraldton Guardian Friday 2/5/2008
KOREAN car-maker SsangYong has released an upgraded version of its Kyron SUV and at the same time has indicated the company's future direction by announcing that all future vehicles sold in Australia will be powered exclusively by turbo-diesel engines. The company has also added a new SPR flagship model, with a higher specification level, to each of its models.
Kyron is the smallest vehicle in SsangYong's SUV range and has been on the Australian market since mid-2006. It was given an engine upgrade in 2007 to meet the required Euro IV emission standards and, in February 2008, was given extra equipment to further increase its already excellent value for money.
Two common rail turbo-diesel engines are offered, with capacities of 2.0 and 2.7 litres. We've driven the smaller engine on a recent test and, while it's obviously a diesel from the outside, it's surprisingly quiet from the inside when you're on the road.
Maximum power from the 2.0-litre engine is 104 kW at 4000 rpm while there's an impressive 310 Nm of torque from 1800 rpm.
The 2.7-litre generates 121 kW at 4000 and peak torque of 340 Nm from the same low 1800 rpm as the smaller engine.
Interior space is about average for an SUV of this size with good space for four adults while a fifth can be carried without too much of a squeeze.
Kyron is an old-school 4WD, built on an ultra rigid steel frame 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 tum-knob on the dash and indicated by lights within the tacho dial.
Transmission options are five-speed manual or five-speed automatic with tiptronic-type overrides either from steering wheel buttons or switches on the gear selector knob.
Automatic transmission is standard on the Kyron 2.7-litre SPR.
On the road Kyron handles impressively. Its steering has a nice feel and there's good road grip even at above average cornering speeds. The damping from the shock absorbers was a little slow at times and caused some mild hassles over hard bumps. Other than that this 4WD is pleasant to sit in and to drive.
Standard equipment on all Kyron models now includes dual front airbags, ABS brakes with brake force assistance, stability and traction control, hill descent control, anti rollover protection and 18-inch alloy wheels. Cruise control is also standard with automatic transmission.
The 2.7-litre Kyron SPR also gets power-adjustable leather front seats, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors and automatic transmission.
The 2.0-litre Kyron sells for $32,990 with manual transmission, $35,990 as an auto plus on-road costs.