MotorAuthority

Ssangyong C200 crossover concept debuts in Paris

Posted Fri Oct 3 2008 6:45 AM by Nelson Ireson

Ssangyong’s C200 is the first of 20 new models due over the course of the next five years

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.

story Tags:

• 2008 Paris Motor Show
• C200
• Concept cars
• Crossovers
• SsangYong
• SsangYong C200

Reader Comments

• Fri Sep 12 2008 9:34 AM

  mlevere1992 says

  Umm, this looks almost identical to a Saab.

• Fri Sep 12 2008 6:30 PM

  Cat says

  That's qhat I said... and the Motor Authority web site is not posing my message....

• Fri Sep 12 2008 6:31 PM

  Cat says

  Watch out!!
  
  SAAB KNOCK-OFF is on the way!!
  
  KNOCK-OFF

• Fri Sep 12 2008 8:41 PM

  NaBUru38 says

  In Europe, a compact car with a 175hp engine is called "warm hatch". They provide for certainly a lot more than adequate city driving.

• Fri Oct 3 2008 8:36 AM

  vanhoivanbinh says

  Look like a Land rover

• Fri Oct 3 2008 10:19 PM

  azlan says

  WHHHHAAARRRRT???? ssang yong actually made a car that doesnt look like they moulded it out of poo