07 Oct 08 11:04
Ssangyong's C200 crossover is the Korean company's first 4x4 to have a monocoque (unibody) construction, rather than a body-on-frame chassis. It has full-time four-wheel-drive, though the platform can also be set up for front-wheel-drive only.
The C200 is a compact city-oriented model, with a 2.0-litre, 175bhp/272lb-ft diesel engine and six-speed automatic gearbox. It has lightweight aluminium suspension and a low centre of gravity, to give car-like handling despite a high driving position.
Ssangyong intends it to rival the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and suchlike; its wheelbase is longer than that of competitors including the Volkswagen Tiguan. The C200 is being prepared for European sale, and it will be the first model in an all-new line-up Ssangyong is to introduce in 2010. It'll have to take a different name for production, however.
Check out the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage.
