SsangYong Motor Company is gaining a reputation in Europe for creative, futuristic and advanced designs, and at this year’s Geneva Motor Show the 4x4 specialist will unveil its next groundbreaking concept.

Making its world debut in Geneva, the XIV-2 is a premium convertible CUV (crossover utility vehicle), and follows in the tracks of SsangYong’s XIV-1 show car, first shown at the IAA in Frankfurt, September 2011.

Evolving the idea behind the first generation concept, XIV-2 (eXciting User Interface Vehicle 2) has been developed into a vehicle that offers ‘a special experience with fun’. Central to that fun element is an advanced convertible roof to give driver and passengers a rich ‘wind in the hair’ experience whether travelling on or off road.

XIV-2 is SsangYong’s strategic global model, and has harnessed every element of the company’s design and engineering expertise from its inception. B segment in size, this CUV retains at its core a dynamic, robust SUV and has been tailored through global design clinics to appeal to young drivers in their twenties.

Environmental considerations are also at the heart of XIV-2’s design, and the car will be equipped with various highly fuel efficient, low CO2 technologies including:

Representing a strategic milestone for SsangYong, XIV-2 will be launched in various body styles including 5 door, 3 door, coupé and an extended body version.

Styling Concept

Embodying SsangYong’s design philosophy of ‘Robust Aesthetics Realisation’, XIV-2 moves forward from the previous XIV-1 design with progressive styling cues. Showing how drivers can enjoy the aesthetics of an SUV along with the benefits of a B segment car, XIV-2’s design combines the appeal of an active, urban model with the dynamic shape of a coupé.

In profile, the body blends fast, confident lines with strong themes creating a dynamic silhouette. Carbon fibre trim gives a sense of the SsangYong’s nimble, lightweight feel while the aerodynamic shape will appeal to active young drivers.

XIV-2 features a fabric roof with a one-touch automatic operating system to provide open air driving enjoyment with ease.

Inside, the concept’s design continues the dynamic design with refined simplicity carried over from the XIV-1. Red colour highlights on the dials emphasise the SsangYong’s dynamics, with every part of the cabin styled to enhance driving pleasure.

XIV-2’s cabin controls are integrated into one central system and managed using a centre console mounted screen. Smart and mobile devices use an Auto User Interface to provide passengers with a moving communication space. Maximum space is assured for occupants thanks to four independent bucket seats creating a comfortable and luxurious environment, and the car’s colour palette works in harmony with specialist materials and finishes including aluminium and carbon fibre.

SsangYong’s design philosophy focuses on conveying ‘driving fun’ through its experimental and progressive design spirit. Just as XIV-2 reflects SsangYong’s design principle now, the same ethos will be displayed in all future concept vehicles.