SsangYong reveals SIV-2 concept at Geneva

SsangYong Motor Company unveiled a possible future midsize SUV to the international media at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

“By launching the Tivoli B-segment crossover in 2015, SsangYong clearly demonstrated its ability to design, manufacture and sell a contemporary car that absolutely addresses customer demand; it is already our most successful new car launch, and has well exceeded expectations,” said Ssangyong CEO Johng-sik Choi.

“Based on the experience and confidence we have taken from Tivoli, we are keen to create cars with the style, technology and features motorists will be looking for tomorrow.

“Projecting that thinking forward is essential, and I am delighted by the glimpse into the future this exciting new SIV-2 concept demonstrates.”

The SsangYong SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) is a midsize premium SUV development concept.  It is the next iteration on from the SIV-1 showcased at Geneva two years ago, and takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

Styling

The essence of the SIV-2 design is the association with the power and dynamism found in nature, and represented by SsangYong’s design philosophy of ‘Nature Born 3 Motion’, which has been at the heart of SsangYong’s vehicle design language since it was first articulated in the XIV concept series.

Design characteristics: Exterior

The styling of the SIV-2 has been inspired from the evolution of mountains and canyons and encapsulates the strength nature required to form them over time.  The sleek flowing shape of the car is harmonious throughout its silhouette and derived from the ordered forming of weathered rock.

Powerful character lines flow from front to rear and the L-shaped ‘up-kick’ treatment ahead of the rear wheels creates a distinctive contrast to the those strong lines to give added character.

At the front, the shoulder wing design seen on a number of previous SsangYong concept cars and first in production with the Tivoli, embraces the slim, broad radiator grill and stretches out to include the headlights.

By way of a contrast to the sleek bonnet and simple grill, the lower bumper creates a more robust and purposeful look informed by SsangYong’s Robust Aesthetics design theme, while the intense character lines to the side and the voluminous rear bumper represent dynamic motion.

The wide C pillar is separated from the floating roof line by a glasshouse style moulding, hinting at the car’s sporting traits.

Interior design

The interior of the SIV-2 is designed to be as dynamic and contemporary as the car’s exterior, so the designers have created a look of understated simplicity that blends well with the delicate yet strong elements of the vehicle to engender a new level of user satisfaction.

The overall look is informed by elegant lines that flow from the doors and around through the centre fascia, and is inspired by stringed musical instruments such as the violin, sitar or Korean gayageum, a multi-stringed musical instrument.

Materials and tones are taken from the world of high-end interiors, and include a woodgrain floor to give a sense of the elegance experienced from being on-board a luxury yacht, soft texture materials and an overwhelming sense of refreshing space.  The tone of luxury is furthered by Alcantara, premium Italian suede to the headlining and pillars, while subtle interior lighting is emitted to accentuate the wood, steel and seating for a feel of enhanced refinement.

With the experience inspired from being in a modern opera house, passengers can savour an emotional connection to the car through music and shimmering light.  Speakers mounted within the bucket seats deliver sound and vibration directly to the passengers, giving a surround-sound experience to enjoy ones favourite music to the full, while lighting graphics responding to musical beat are emitted from the door panels and side consoles.

The car’s youthful, sporty and contemporary ambiance is furthered through the metallic centre fascia, the dynamic graphics of the instrument cluster, and cutting-edge IT devices connecting with the latest technology available.

SIV-2 features a spacious passenger-friendly interior that challenges the rules of normal driving experience, and features a bilateral symmetrical instrument panel and four independent bucket seats to give the dynamic yet cossetting and safe driving spirit expected of a sports coupé.

Technology

The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid car, powered by 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery.  This creates a 48V mild hybrid system which offers quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO₂ emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds.

This eco-friendly concept features a lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high efficiency powertrains such as HEV, PHEV and EV to future proof the SsangYong brand.