Ssangyong C200 Eco Concept

Ssangyong will be showing an almost production-ready example of its new C200 crossover utility car at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea, opening on April 2.

The company says that the C200 unveiled at the show will closely resemble the production C200 scheduled to be launched later this year. SsangYong will also show a new diesel hybrid version of the Kyron.

SsangYong's diesel hybrid technology applies an e-motor to an advanced direct injection diesel engine, with a high-voltage battery supplying electric power to the e-motor. The Torque Split Device (TSD), independently developed by SsangYong, is also applied to combine or cut off the power of the e-motor, thereby enabling hybrid driving.

The C200 concept was first unveiled at the Paris show last October and is the first new model in the broadening of the SsangYong range. The C200 is a modern, contemporary urban passenger car with styling by Giugiaro's ItalDesign in Italy. It is similar in size to a Toyota RAV4, a Honda CRV and a Nissan Qashqai and with a 2,640mm wheelbase, is slightly longer than a VW Tiguan.

The C200 differs from current SsangYong models in that it uses monocoque construction to ensure a passenger car look, feel and comfort. The platform is adaptable, and the chassis can be used for front wheel drive and four wheel drive passenger cars.

The drivetrain is completely new. An advanced 2.0 litre diesel engine has been designed for lower noise levels and reduced vibration. The engine produces 175 hp and complies with Euro V exhaust emissions requirements as well as producing lower CO2 levels. Manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be available, with the show car having a six-speed auto.

Extensive use of aluminium suspension components reduces weight and together with a low centre of gravity, ensures a comfortable and compliant ride with the kind of sharp and agile handling demanded by European drivers.