Ssangyong reveals XLV concept

Ssangyong has released a first look at its new XLV concept ahead of a global debut at Geneva motor show in March, and even in the stylised images the vehicle looks close to a production model.

The XLV points to a new compact crossover expected to arrive in 2015, offering seating for up to seven -- although it may not feature the concept's novel arrangement in which the seventh seat slides back and forth between the second and third rows.

Ssangyong's product hasn't been known for its beauty. But the XLV -- following on from the XIV-1 concept unveiled at Frankfurt in 2011 and the XIV-2 at Geneva in 2012 -- is making an effort to change that.

Further developing their 'Nature born 3 motion' design language, the XLV looks to be a handsome vehicle. The images don't reveal whether, like the XIV-1, it's done away with B-pillar but we can see well-judged character lines and a visually sharp rake that streamlines the flow of the wide C-pillar.

It's grown in length from the previous concept, now measuring 4430mm tip to tail, 1845mm wide and 1600mm high on a 2600mm wheelbase. If those dimensions survive to production, it will have the XLV face off against the likes of the Nissan Dualis and likely undercut its starting price of $25,990.

The show car is powered by a hybrid system, comprised of a 1.6-litre diesel engine and a small electric motor with lithium-ion battery pack, but no outputs or performance figures have been revealed.

However the production version is likely to at least offer choices of conventional petrol and diesel engines similar to the 111kW/191Nm 2.0-litre petrol and 129kW/360Nm 2.0-litre diesel in the current Korando.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott