Ssangyong C200 crossover concept debuts in Paris

Ssangyong showed the first fruits of its relationship with Shanghai Automotive Industries Group (SAIC) at the Paris Motor Show today, signalling the start of a major product offensive set to take place over the next five years. The new concept vehicle is a compact crossover called the C200 and it is just the first of 20 new models from the South Korean manufacturer currently in the works.

It is the first monocoque-bodied car ever produced by the South Korean company, and the first with front-wheel drive. Ssangyong plans to use this architecture for new sedan models as well as hatchbacks. Its current range consists mostly of SUV and commercial vehicles.

The C200 has been styled by Giugiaro, whose ItalDesign styling house is working closely with Ssangyong on new models. The concept vehicle features an AWD layout and a 2.0L petrol engine. Ssangyong is yet to announce when the production version of the C200 will go on sale and in which markets.

Rated at 175hp (130kW) it won't be a barnstormer, but it should provide for more than adequate city driving. Being designed as an urban crossover, that's about all it needs. The six-speed automatic transmission reportedly sends power from the four-pot mill to all four wheels, but in what percentage isn't yet announced.

There is likely to be some degree of Rover content in some of the new cars. Ssangyong’s parent company SAIC is now producing cars based on old Rover platforms and engines. Some of the new models planned for Ssangyong will be built on these older Rover platforms – effectively making them Giugiaro-styled Rovers.