The vehicles that defined Ssangyong

In case you missed it, Ssangyong is officially dead and gone as South Korea's SUV specialist is now renamed KG MOBILITY. The renaming was made following the car company's takeover by the KG Group late last year. It's been a long time coming for those who are expressing stigma over the Ssangyong name in the world of motoring.

Launched in the summer of 2022, the Torres
is the last vehicle to bear the Ssangyong banner.

With the days of Ssangyong as a car company well and truly over as it now evolved into KG MOBILITY, it's time to jot down the cars that defined Ssangyong since it was renamed from Dong-A motor in the late 80s.

Korando Family (1988-1996) - The Korando Family is an SUV that is the first to don the Ssangyong banner ever since Dong-A Motor was taken over by the now-defunct Ssangyong group of companies. It's essentially a rebadged Isuzu Bighorn and it's powered by a wide range of diesel engines from 2.2L to 2.6L. It was given a minor change in 1992 and 1994 before it was discontinued in 1996.

Musso (1993-2005) - Launched in the summer of 1993, the Musso served as Korea's answer to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and Toyota Land Cruiser. Styled by a Brit, powered by a Mercedes-Benz engine, and the only Korean SUV to conquer the Dakar Rally when it won the diesel class in 1996, it was known to be the offroading legend in Ssangyong's own right. Because of its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, some countries like the Philippines sold the Musso as a Mercedes-Benz. Production of the Musso ended in 2005.

New Korando (KJ, 1996-2005) - Launched in the summer of 1996, the KJ Korando features styling inspired by its KH-7 predecessor, and like its Musso big brother, it's powered by a choice of petrol and diesel engines sourced from Mercedes-Benz.

Istana (1995-2004) - The Istana is Ssangyong's answer to the Kia Pregio and the Hyundai Grace when it was launched in 1995 until production ended in 2004. Powering the Istana is a 2.9L 662 diesel 5-cylinder engine that produces a weeny 95PS of power and 19.6kg-m of torque.

Chairman / Chairman H (1997-2014) - Made in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, the Chairman is the first and only sedan offered by Ssangyong and it runs on the same mechanicals as the W124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In 2003, the Chairman was given a big minor change under the New Chairman moniker, later renamed Chairman H in 2008 to differentiate it from the modern Chairman W. The final facelift was in 2011 under the name Chairman H New Classic until production ended in 2014.

Rexton (2001-2017) - Launched in 2001, the Ssangyong Rexton is a midsize crossover SUV that competes against the Hyundai Santa Fe. Meant to be the successor to the aging Musso, the Rexton runs on a body-on-frame structure, which is rather unheard of for a crossover of its size. During its 16-year lifespan, the Rexton has gone through multiple minor changes with the last one being the Rexton W in 2012.

Musso Sports (2002-2006) - Based on the aging Musso SUV, the Musso Sports (later renamed Musso SUT in 2003) is the first pickup truck made in South Korea.

Rodius (2004-2013) - Launched in the Spring of 2004, the Rodius took over the Istana's role as a people carrier although it's basically a minivan made to compete against the Kia Carnival and the Hyundai Starex. Powering the Rodius is a 2.7L XDi diesel engine mated to a Mercedes-Benz-derived T-Tronic gearbox. It was offered in rear-wheel-drive and 4WD with torque-on-demand, a first for a Korean-made minivan. Although renowned for fitting up to eleven people, the Rodius was heavily criticized for its awkward-looking styling that can embarrass the Pontiac Aztek by a long shot.

Kyron (2005-2011) - Launched in June 2005, the Kyron is dubbed by commercials as "silky driving" due to its sedan riding comfort, which suits rather well for a high-riding crossover running on a body-on-frame structure.

Actyon (2005-2011) - Launched in October 2005, the Actyon is basically a sports utility coupe equivalent of the Kyron. Offered in rear-wheel-drive and 4WD, the Actyon is powered by a 2.0L diesel engine that produces 145PS of power and 31.6kg-m of torque. A year later, a pickup version known as the Actyon Sports was offered, filling up the place left by the Musso SUT.

Chairman W (2008-2017) - Launched in 2008, the Chairman W is the modern take on Ssangyong's flagship premium sedan and it's the direct rival to the Hyundai Genesis sedan. It's the only Ssangyong vehicle that is powered by a V8 engine in the form of a 5.0L. It was given a minor change in 2011 until production ended in 2017, making this the last sedan Ssangyong ever made.

Korando C (2011-2019) - At the start of the 2010s, when Mahindra took control of the ailing Ssangyong Motor Company, the Korando C signaled the car company's renaissance. The Korando C is the first for Ssangyong to run on a front-wheel-drive platform, which behaves in a rather un-Ssangyong-y kind of way, although a 4WD variant was offered. It was powered by an e-XDI200 engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed E-Tronic. The Korando C was given two facelifts in 2013 and 2017.

Korando Sports (2012-2018) - The Korando Sports served as the evolution of Korea's first pickup truck since the Musso Sports in 2001 and the Actyon Sports in 2006. It's basically the production version of the SUT-1 concept car but despite the naming, the Korando Sports has no direct relation to the Korando C crossover SUV. It's basically an improved version of the Actyon Sports.

Korando Turismo (2013-2019) - The Korando Turismo is the successor to the already cheesy Rodius minivan that behaves just like it. It was offered in either a nine-seater or an 11-seater and it was powered by the e-XDi200 diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or an E-Tronic 5-speed AT. A Chateau variant was offered and it comes with a high roof, curtains, a refrigerator, a rear entertainment system, and other luxurious features that can give the Alphard Executive Lounge and the Grand Starex Limousine a run for their money.

Tivoli (2015-onwards) - The Tivoli is Ssangyong's compact crossover that slots below the Korando. Available only in front-wheel-drive, the Tivoli is powered by an e-XGi160 1.6L engine that develops 126PS of power and 16kg-m of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic sourced from AISIN. A year later, a longer wheelbase version called the Tivoli Air was offered.

G4 Rexton (2017-onwards)  - Launched in 2017, this is the first full model change for the Rexton in 15 years and the most capable Rexton to date. Apart from its modern styling and luxurious interior, the G4 Rexton is powered by a 2.2L diesel engine mated to a 7-speed AT sourced from Mercedes-Benz. The G4 Rexton is packed with ADAS for added safety on the road. A facelift was offered in 2020 by the time Mahindra abandoned Ssangyong for good and apart from its upscaled looks, it features a new 8-speed automatic built by Hyundai.

Rexton Sports (2018-onwards) - Based on the G4 Rexton, the Rexton Sports is a midsize sport utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001. It features a rear bed possessing the biggest space than any of the Ssangyong sport trucks of yesteryears, capable of 1,011 liters of boot space. A year after the Rexton Sports was launched, a longer Khan variant was offered.

Korando (2019-onwards) - The Korando crossover has been given a full model change and it's essentially the big brother of the Tivoli. It's available only with a 1.6L e-XDi160 LET diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed MT or an AISIN 6-speed AT with paddle shifters. A fully-electric E-Motion was offered in 2022 and it features a 61.5kWh Li-ion battery pack and an electric motor at the front generating 190PS of power and 360Nm of torque, making this FF-only crossover good for 307km in one full charge.

Torres (2022-onwards) - Launched in July 2022, the Torres is the last hope for the troubled Ssangyong Motor Company and the last vehicle to don the Ssangyong banner. It is a rugged crossover Ssangyong claims it should return to its roots that traced back from the original Korando jeep to the legendary Musso SUV of the 1990s. Powering the Torres is a 1.5L T-GDi engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed AT. This engine produces 170PS of power and 28.6kg-m of torque. It even comes with an ISG system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the red light and then restarts when set off. In FF configurations, it has a combined fuel economy of 112kmpl while AWD variants get 10.2kmpl.

The Torres EVX will be the first vehicle
to don the KG Mobility banner

With the Ssangyong banner now dead and gone, its role as South Korea's SUV specialist will live on under its new KG MOBILITY banner. 

New name, new goals, same formula. South Korea's SUV specialist has been powered up and ready to take on the new normal.

Welcome aboard, KG MOBILITY!

Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong Motor Company is still in financial trouble. Edison Motors, which would have been Ssangyong's new owner, backed out, and now, the Korean SUV specialist's looking for its new master again. However, all hope is not lost for Ssangyong and with a potential new owner in the spotlight, they've launched a brand new crossover SUV that promises Ssangyong's return to roots.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Ssangyong's brand new crossover SUV is called the Torres and it sounds manly for a crossover SUV built to tackle tarmac, gravel, and snow like a proper SUV. Priced below the 28 million won mark, the Torres is a rugged-looking crossover that Ssangyong claims it should return to its roots that traced back from the original Korando jeep to the legendary Musso SUV of the 1990s. 

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Starting with the design, the Torres looks like a combination of modern-day SUVs and crossovers we are familiar with. In other words, it's like a mashup between a Chevrolet Trailblazer, a Jeep Cherokee, a Ford Explorer, and the previous-generation Range Rover. Overall, this bizarre mashup is what made the Torres as macho as a Bollywood action star showboating in British telly. Believe it or not, there's also a storage box located on the passenger side just like the one from the new Land Rover Defender, although the hood handles look odd on the Torres.

2023 Ssangyong Torres interior

Macho the exterior design is, the Torres' interior boasts a buttonless minimalist approach. It's got two touch screens with the top for InfoConn purposes and the lower for controlling the room temperature and drive modes, which is a bit of a tricky attempt for speedo boys behind the wheel. Guess this is why speedo boys are afraid of touchscreens these days. 

Anyway, in terms of room comfort, the Torres can accommodate up to five people and can be folded down to deliver up to 1,662 liters of boot space, which is ideal to place the optional air mattresses while spending the night out in the woods. Believe it or not, the Torres can be specified to have an optional emergency escape tool that is handy in an event of a disaster. There are other useful features available such as the smart tailgate, built-in air purifier, optional side steps, and an optional roof basket.

2023 Ssangyong Torres

Under the hood, the Torres is powered by a 1.5L T-GDi engine mated to an Aisin 6-speed AT. This engine produces 170PS of power and 28.6kg-m of torque. It even comes with an ISG system that shuts the engine off when stopped at the red light and then restarts when set off. In FF configurations, it has a combined fuel economy of 11.2kmpl while AWD variants get 10.2kmpl.

The Torres, being a crossover SUV, behaves like a normal midsize car thanks to its front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension. In its FF guise, it feels rather basic but in its 4WD configuration, the Torres is starting to take shape and with the AWD LOCK mode on, it's almost good to drive on the tarmac, gravel, and snow, although it feels questionable while spending weekends at Hannibal's.

Sturdy bodywork and eight airbags aside, the Torres features a wide array of ADAS such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection warning, Blind Spot Detection Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist, and Safety Exit Warning.

Questionable but rugged looks, minimalist interior, a 1.5L T-GDi, a nearly-capable AWD system, and a heap of ADAS, this is what the Torres is all about. For a crossover with a manly name, it's hard to question the first-ever Ssangyong Torres but could this be the glimmer of hope Ssangyong needs as it tries to return to its roots? It's hard to say for the time being but for now, feel free to look around the Ssangyong Torres and if you're ready, be it.

Available colors: Grand White, Iron Metal, Platinum Gray, Forest Green, Cherry Red, Dandy Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Korando E-Motion

It's the dawn of the new era for Ssangyong Motor under the new management of a certain Korean firm promising to transition the company in the age of electrification. With such rebirth comes the arrival of the first electric vehicle from Ssangyong; the Korando E-Motion. Let's find out what's it all about Ssangyong's first electric crossover that sparks the beginning of the new age of South Korea's SUV specialists.

2022 Ssangyong Korando E-Motion

2022 Ssangyong Korando E-Motion

The first-ever Ssangyong Korando E-Motion, priced at 38.8 Million Korean Won plus additional costs, showcased that for the revived Ssangyong under new ownership by a start-up Edison Motors, it's better late than never to join the electrification arms race, although none of the established Korean carmakers created electrified crossovers based on theirs, which makes the Korando E-Motion pretty much unrivaled at its own right.

2022 Ssangyong Korando E-Motion interior

While it looks nearly identical to the normal third-generation Korando crossover, the E-Motion features a grille-less front view for a sensible approach compared to electric cars sporting gargantuan faux grilles that spoil their credentials. It even comes with secret touch panels lurking through the side doors for gimmick purposes. Inside, it features blue accents to differentiate it from the normal Korando. Thanks to its clever handling with the electric powertrain, the E-Motion is still as roomy as the normal Korando and the boot space is nearly identical to the normal one as well, making it capable of all situations, be it for work or for leisure.

2022 Ssangyong Korando E-Motion

The Korando E-Motion's electric powertrain features a 61.5kWh Li-ion battery pack and an electric motor at the front generating 190PS of power and 360Nm of torque, making this FF-only crossover good for 307km in one full charge. As for charging times, it will take about 11 hours to charge at home or 80% in 33 minutes while charging at a 100kw charging station.

Because being front-wheel-drive only without some C3 Aircross-style trickery that gets you through dirty situations, the Korando E-Motion feels like it only works on the tarmac. Speaking of tarmac, the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension made the Korando E-Motion behave like a European crossover rather than a Korean crossover, which is a good thing. Not exciting but it feels good to drive on a normal basis.

Boasting high-quality levels of safety, the Korando E-Motion features highly-advanced driving aids offered on a Ssangyong, including the highly intriguing but game-changing Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, giving this electric crossover a semi-autonomous approach that will make drivers noticed while driving on a freeway. It's a shocker but it's worth checking out.

Ssangyong Motor is now under new ownership with big electrified ambitions and this Korando E-Motion is the start of a new era. Although it lacks the attention of the established ones, it has the potential to impress Gen Z customers with its value for money. This is a budget-conscious electric crossover that meets the challenges of the new normal and it truly is a start for the new Ssangyong Motor. The joys of being Korean-owned.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton Sports (2021 minor change)

Ssangyong's Rexton Sports is a midsize sport-utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport-utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001 and with the advent of its 2021 minor change, the only pickup truck made in Korea gets even more bravado than when it was first unveiled three years ago.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports Khan

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

The Rexton Sports, like the pre-facelifted version, is offered in two body styles to choose from such as the normal one, which is priced at 24,590,000 Korean Won, and the longer Khan variant, which is priced at 28,760,000 Korean Won.

For the facelifted versions, both the Rexton Sports and the Rexton Sports Khan now gained a monstrously huge front grille, which is as big as Big Bertha's mouth. It's scary and it will make your feet crawl. The rear view, meanwhile, draws some inspiration from today's Ford F-150 and that's not a bad thing for this facelift, of course.

2021 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

What about the interior? Unlike the SUV it was based on, the Rexton Sports' interior remains almost unchanged. Yes, you still have the same 7-inch instrumental cluster, heated and ventilated seats, and 9.2-inch AVN, among many others, and it still fits up to five people. It still comes with smartphone connectivity that works with both iPhones and Android phones alike of course. However, the facelift features two new interior colors such as black and brown.

The Rexton Sports still uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its SUV equivalent but it's capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque, which is pretty much less than its SUV equivalent. For the normal Rexton Sports, it can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AT built by AISIN. The KHAN, meanwhile, is offered only in a 6-speed AT. In terms of fuel economy, the Rexton Sports is good for a combined 11.3kmpl while the KHAN is good for 10.3kmpl.

Both of these variants are good on and off the road because of their part-time 4WD system and five-link dynamic suspension but the KHAN is the better one because of its available power lift suspension that allows this truck to carry as much as 700kg of bed space. That's more than what the Toyota Hilux is capable of.

As always, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

Think you are up for these updated Korean-made pickup trucks despite their monstrous Big Bertha-esque grilles that will make your skin crawl? Looking forward to seeing you try.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton (2021 minor change)

Launched in 2017, the reborn Ssangyong Rexton promised to be the most technologically advanced and the most capable Rexton to date and despite its hopes, it's somewhat failed to attract some attention from SUV buyers who are tempted to go for the established ones like the Kia Sorento or the Hyundai Santa Fe. In response, a 2021 minor change was implemented and looks like the Rexton's getting a whole new lease on life.

With pricing starting at almost 38 million won plus additional costs, the latest minor change gives life to the reborn crossover in times of dire situation Ssangyong's facing right now.

Starting with the design, the latest minor change saw the Rexton gain a monstrous front grille because, in today's automotive trends, big grilles are king, and at the back, apart from the revised rear lamps, you will notice some faux exhaust tips below the bumper because car designers like to fool around in today's trends. Although it's a bit of nonsense to some, the revised exterior design really made a bold statement that it may be down but it's not out of the running. Of course, there's a lot of stuff to do with the reborn Rexton.

The interior's slightly revised with the new steering wheel design, new 12.3-inch digital cluster, INFOCONN connected service, and they've repositioned the shift lever near to the driver. Those slight improvements really made an impact on the updated model and despite changes, it is still offered in five-seater and seven-seater configurations, making the new Rexton the ideal vehicle for all walks of life, be it for work or for weekend trips.

Like the previous model, the Rexton still comes with a 4TRONIC four-wheel-drive system that has been proven from Ssangyong's years of 4WD experience as Korea's SUV specialist. It features part-time 4WD with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels while the drive to the front wheels can be selected electronically with either a high or a low ratio, depending on road conditions.

The 2021MY Rexton is still powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine producing 202PS of power and 45kg-m of torque but the previous model's Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a new 8-speed FR-type AT built by Hyundai. The new gearbox is smoother and more advanced compared to the previous model and fuel economy is a combined 11.6km/L for rear-wheel-drive variants and 11.1km/L for 4WD variants.

Apart from the high-strength body-on-frame construction it possesses, the 2021MY Rexton features a wide array of safety features that will make the trip home even safer than ever.

With the latest improvements, will the updated Rexton be enough to woo the crowd by buying the underdog that does all things that the established competition can't do?

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Viewtiful Korando

Since 2011, Ssangyong revived the Korando as a crossover and marked a fresh new chapter for Korea's SUV specialist, under the rule of its current owner Mahindra. Although underperforming compared to the competition, the Korando crossover shows just how up-and-coming it may be and now, for 2019, the underclassman of the midsize crossover class has been regenerated while picking up where its predecessor left off.

2020 Ssangyong Korando

The new generation Ssangyong Korando is a fresh new take on the crossover that brought Ssangyong back to the spotlight under Mahindra ownership while staying true to its up-and-coming personality that charms customers who are not interested in established ones like Kia and Hyundai.

2020 Ssangyong Korando

On the design department, the new Korando borrows styling from its little brother, the Tivoli, while it's now surprisingly longer, wider, and lower than the previous model. Although it looks above regular for a crossover of that size, it truly blends through the daily commute like what a normal car should be.

2020 Ssangyong Korando interior

Thanks to its increased dimensions on the outside, the new Korando is now more roomier than the competition, meaning there's more room for your legs to breathe without having complaints about the extra load behind you, which is not bad for the Korando because of its luggage capacity which ranges from 551 litres with all seats, to 1,248 litres with the rear seats folded. Handy in the event of going out on the estate sale, road trip with your mates, moving day, and so on.

In more expensive variants, you will be greeted not by the optional sat-nav with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility but also the 10.25-inch high-tech instrumental panel that looks like it came from the pages of science fiction. This futuristic instrumental panel displays like the Audi Virtual Cockpit in so many ways and it's hard to differentiate it from the real thing but let's not get too jumpy on the high-tech stuff the Korando delivers because what's under the hood really matters.

2020 Ssangyong Korando

The new Korando is only available with the 1.6L e-XDi160 LET diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed MT or an AISIN 6-speed AT with paddle shifters which lets drivers in control with the gear change, which isn't half bad but somewhat regular when you toy around with it. The engine produces about 133PS of power and 33kg-m of torque. For front-wheel drive ones, combined fuel economy is around 15.2km/L with the manual gearbox while the 4WD variants get about 13.3km/L.

The 4WD system on the new Korando comes with a Drive Mode system which allows the Korando to be driven in different modes as well as setting the crossover to its 4WDLOCK feature for some off-road capability when needed. Although it wasn't as sophisticated as its more established ones, the new Korando sure knows how to keep up with the times ahead, whatever it takes, for good times and bad times.

While the new Korando is now more rigid than the previous model it replaces as well as having seven airbags all over, such wasn't enough because to be road-ready, you need to have safety features, and looks like the new model is prepared with a wide range of passive and active driving aids to ensure that it can get home unscathed.

The new Korando starts from 22,160,000 to 28,130,000 Korean Won, making it one of the most reasonably priced medium-sized crossovers you can buy. So, should you buy it or not? Although this is basically the underclassman of the medium-sized crossover class that makes it difficult to keep up with the established ones, the pricing, and the packaging makes the Korando a smart buy for first-time buyers as long as they don't have any regrets buying one.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Ssangyong Motor Company rings out the new year with a brand new model and this one is, you guessed it, a midsize sport utility truck that is the evolution of South Korea's first sport utility truck since the Musso Sports of 2001. Meet the Rexton Sports, the pickup derivative of last year's G4 Rexton.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Let's have a quick history lesson first before getting to know more about Ssangyong's latest SUT. Back in 2001, Ssangyong brought us South Korea's first pickup, the Musso Sports (later called Musso SUT) and while the pickup body is new, it's actually a decade-old Musso underneath and it feels as refined as a PUJ that was still smoking the roads for a lifetime. In 2006 and 2012, there were the Actyon Sports and the Korando Sports and while they're known to be the modern-day equivalent of the banger truck it replaces, the bed seems a bit shorter than its predecessor and annoyingly not the best truck to live with.

Now, come 2018, Ssangyong finally called it quits on the Korando Sports and in return, uses the new and improved G4 Rexton, which was launched on Korean roads last year, for the basis of their best pickup yet, and here it is, it's their best-ever take on South Korea's first pickup truck or ute or bakkie, whatever you may call it.

Like I said, it was actually based on the G4 Rexton except that now, Ssangyong converted it into a pickup truck and the result is the one that used to be a crossover now comes with a rear bed possessing a biggest space than any of the Ssangyong sport trucks of yesteryears, capable of 1,011-litres of boot space, which is great for all work and all play, making it a not-so-dull pickup truck you can use every day. However, there's a big catch; it's not really a one-tonner because it can carry up to 400kg of payload, a hundred less than the Toyota Hilux's 500kg payload limit. Bad mark for Ssangyong there.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports

Under the hood, the Rexton Sports uses the same LET 2.2L turbo diesel engine from its G4 derivative, capable of producing 181PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque. But unlike the G4, it comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or an AISIN 6-speed AT. In 2WD models, a 6MT variant can return combined fuel consumption of around 11km/L and that puts it awfully close to the Toyota Hilux.

If you go for the 4WD variant, the Rexton Sports comes with a 4TRONIC part-time 4WD system with three driving modes that can be picked at the flick of a switch. Those going for a muddy Sunday drive can go for the low-range 4WD because this is where it can unleash its offroad potential, which is great when you're taking shortcuts. Thanks to its high-tensile steel plates on the bodywork and ultra-high-tension quad frame, it's as tough as a kid who keeps on playing soccer even when his knees are covered in boo-boos. Brave stuff.

If you're on normal mode, you can switch it to 2WD and have a cozy driving on your point of interest, which is kind of average for a pickup truck of this magnitude. Not good but not bad either so it's a so-so, even for a truck that comes with double wishbones at the front and multilink suspension at the back. While navigating through traffic, the Rexton Sports comes ready with some safety tech such as Brake Assist System, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, and many others, standard and optional alike. When opting for some Smart Driving Package, your Rexton Sports can have Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Detection.

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

2018 Ssangyong Rexton Sports interior

Unlike any other pickup truck, the Rexton Sports boast a very luxurious interior with very decent legroom at the back. It even has some fancy instrumental panel and an available sat-nav that comes with smartphone connectivity that works with iPhones (via CarPlay) and Android (via mirroring), giving you plenty of reasons to toy around with the interior but because the seats are leathery, if you take it for a leisurely drive around Pyeongchang in time for the games, your butt crack will fall victim to the icy menace when the leather seats are as freezing as snowballs. Better pull your pants up before seating on those, folks.

The Rexton Sports starts at 23,200,000 Korean Won and it comes with four trim levels and two drivetrains. So, thoughts on the new Rexton Sports? Well, it's basically an improvement compared to past Ssangyong pickups of yesteryears since the ancient Musso Sports, it's luxurious on the inside, surprisingly spacious, and surprisingly tough. Downside? The bed is not as tough as the Hilux's, less efficient than the Hilux, and the driving feel is average. With the advent of Rexton Sports, Ssangyong has positioned itself as the recreational vehicle specialist selling only vehicles bearing the Rexton, Korando, and Tivoli banners. The Chairman is now dead and in return, Ssangyong's lineup now only bears a truck, a minivan, and four crossovers. Looks like Ssangyong's going mainstream now and they only focus on recreational vehicles to win back profits.

Available colors: Grand White, Fine Silver, Marble Grey, Indian Red, Maroon Brown, Atlantic Blue, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company 

Ssangyong Tivoli Armour

Ssangyong's compact SUV, the Tivoli, is now on its 2018 model year and this time, it's been given a fresh minor change and a new name. Meet the new Tivoli Armour, an updated version of Ssangyong's compact SUV made for individuality.

2018 Ssangyong Tivoli

Of course, the new Tivoli Armour is designed for individuality for new owners looking for something that will suit their style and apart from that redesigned front bumper and some new alloys, customers can personalize their Tivoli Armour just they way they like. In the new GEAR EDITION variant, customers can personalize their Tivoli by the exterior paint, roof paint, outside mirror, hood decals, roof decals, emblems, and a choice of 17 and 18-inch alloys.

2018 Ssangyong Tivoli interior

2018 Ssangyong Tivoli interior

Nothing's new about the interior of the Tivoli, except that it now offers two interior colors such as brown and black. The instrumental panel can be change to up to six different colors while the room temperature can be cool or warm thanks to its climate control, the multimedia system serves more than just music and navigation, the rear seats can be folded for more cargo space, there's so much you can do with it.

It still comes with the same e-XGi160 1.6L petrol engine that develops 126PS of power and 16kg-m of torque but now a 1.6L XDi diesel engine is added but it produces 11ps less than the petrol model, 115PS compared to the previous model's 126PS but torque's 30.6kg-m of torque. The choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic remains but the diesel model comes only with an automatic gearbox.

Amazingly, a Smart 4WD System is added on the Tivoli, which can adapt on any road conditions at ease and that's a good thing in case of summer storms.

For safety, the Tivoli Armour now comes with autonomous emergency brake that can brake by itself in an event of a near-collision scenario and apart from this, it also comes with Daytime Running Lamps, Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and seven airbags.

The facelifted Tivoli starts at 16,510,000 KRW for the petrol and 20,600,000 for the diesel.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong G4 Rexton

After 15 years, the Ssangyong Rexton has been given a much-needed full-model change to keep this medium-sized crossover competitive in today's trends. Now called the G4 Rexton, the newest model promises to be the most technologically advanced and most capable Rexton to date. Let's check out the newest incarnation of South Korea's unsung crossover.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

As you might be saying, is this new model going to be another blatant minor change just like what happened to other iterations like the Chairman-faced Rexton II of 2006 and the start-over-again Rexton W of 2012? The answer is a hopeful NO because, unlike all the past Rextons in its 15-year decay, this is an entirely new model inside and out. This is no longer your dad's Rexton anymore and as you can see from its questionable hexagonal-shaped grille, new headlamps, Tivoli-styled sides, and the headlamps conspicuously similar to the Lexus RX, you know that this is an all-new Rexton and not another minor change or so they said.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton interior

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton interior

Not only the exterior of the G4 Rexton is all-new to us but also the interior as well and would you look at that, as a major overhaul compared to the stale look of the previous model's interior. Because it's longer and wider compared to the previous model, the new Rexton is now roomier compared to Hyundai's Santa Fe/Maxcruz and the Kia Sorento, so that's a big plus for the newly rejuvenated crossover that promises real change for the customers. This is the only crossover in the class that can carry rear-seat passengers and four golf bags in the boot and that sounds like a great thing for a crossover fit enough to take it on the weekends or even the holidays.

Because this is the most technologically advanced Rexton to date, it's been given smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Auto Closing, Easy Access, high-performing, dual-zone fully automated air-conditioning, a smart tailgate feature, and many more, all the more reasons to like about the new and improved Rexton.

2018 Ssangyong G4 Rexton

One thing to like about this brand new G4 Rexton is the performance it delivers, which is not bad for a family car fit for weekend road trips, and in this new model, it's been powered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine and Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission at launch. It produces 181HP of power and 42.8kg-m of torque and that's pretty much about it for now. Oh and this car has a very clever 4MATIC system, which is just like it came from Mercedes-Benz too. At default, it behaves like a rear-wheel-drive saloon under normal conditions but it can engage all four wheels in ever-changing road conditions, and couple that with the double-wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, it can be a solid all-rounder for everyday use.

Back to the technologically advanced stuff, the new G4 Rexton promises to be the safest of its class. Apart from having nine airbags as well as having a more rigid body structure, it features driver aids such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Front Vehicle Start Alarm, and the first-ever 3D Around View Monitoring system for a Korean car, which monitors all sides around the car for the better observance.

Ssangyong's new G4 Rexton starts at 33,350,000 Korean Won, which makes it more competitively priced in its class, and with all of the major improvements implemented on this new model, it's good to have Ssangyong, run by Mahindra, going on the right track with the new Rexton after 15 years of having stuck with the same old thing. The aged Korean crossover has been reborn for a new era and this can get very promising for South Korea's SUV specialist.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Korando C (2017 minor change)

The Ssangyong Korando C crossover has been around the block for half a decade since its 2011 launch and followed by a minor change in 2013. For the second time, in this 2017 model year, Ssangyong's midsize crossover has been facelifted again to ensure its freshness while ringing the new year for the small South Korean car company that currently runs deep under Indian ownership.

2017 Ssangyong Korando C

2017 Ssangyong Korando C interior

For its latest minor change, the 2017 Korando C now features a redesigned front face that looks vaguely similar to the VW Tiguan for numerous reasons this crossover never understands why the rear view has been slightly revised. On the inside, it's been mildly revised with a brand new instrumental cluster that displays the car's information in real-time as well as the new steering wheel design, 7-inch color display, and Infinity Premium Surround Sound system for a clearer sound quality equivalent to what luxury cars had.

The new Korando C is now powered by the e-XDi220 diesel engine, which produces 178PS of power and 40.8kg-m of torque, while mated with a 6-speed gearbox, either manual or automatic. Apart from that, it's the first in class to offer a 180-degree safety camera while its combined use of the front and rear sensors and the rear camera has greatly improved to sense blind spots during parking or low-speed driving. Sounds handy for the unsung crossover that has been improved to keep it fresh for the new year.

The facelifted 2017 Korando C now starts at 22,430,000 Korean won for the entry-level KX model up to 28,770,000 for the range-topping DX variant. The Extreme Edition, meanwhile, starts at 26,490,000 Won, and it comes with special HID headlights, a blackened front grille, 18-inch wheels, and an LED lighting package.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Tivoli Air

Look who came back from last year, it's Ssangyong's little crossover called the Tivoli but the Tivoli we're seeing it now looks somewhat different from the one we saw last year because the Ssangyong Tivoli you saw now is the longer version, the Air. Tivoli Air.

2017 Ssangyong Tivoli Air

The Air, which is the longer wheelbase version of last year's Tivoli, made a premiere at the recent Geneva International Motor Show, and following its Geneva premiere, Ssangyong quickly made the extended version for sale on the South Korean motoring public. Surprising, eh? But don't get too surprised about the newest Tivoli variant made for those who are in need of more boot space.

2017 Ssangyong Tivoli Air

2017 Ssangyong Tivoli Air

To avoid further confusion between the Air and the regular Tivoli, the new model features a 238mm increase over the base Tivoli, reaching a load capacity of 720 cubic liters of space. It also comes with a different exterior cue that will help differentiate it from the normal Tivoli as well, so you can get a clear idea of which Tivoli is which, although the seating for five people still remains for the newer and longer version of the Tivoli, so you won't feel any difference when you get inside. What's clever about the Air is that the side pockets are big enough to fit a 1.5 liter of your favorite soft drink you bought from your nearest sari-sari store. Seems legit for your next barkada trip but in terms of fun, expect some spoils on this one.

2017 Ssangyong Tivoli Air

The e-XGi160 1.6L engine from the normal Tivoli was carried over to the Air, this time it produces 11PS less than the basic Tivoli, resulting in 115PS of power output and 30.6kg-m of torque, while mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Be it front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, even with a multilink suspension setup and three different driving modes, the Tivoli Air feels as cheap as the cheap Korean cars of the last century. It's going to be a tough slob to drive and doesn't feel as refined as its European rivals on the road. It's going to act like that old-school service you've been in since your childhood, clattering from the moment it arrived from your doorstep and still clattering on your way back home after exhausting hours of schoolwork.

Should you buy one? The Tivoli Air starts at 19,490,000 to 24,490,000 Korean Won, making it more pricey to own than the normal Tivoli but with all that price comes a car that sacrifices a few power output for more space at the back and nothing else to be excited about. On the scale of MISS to PERFECT, I believe it should be placed in the BAD position because when you look at it, the new and longer Air model doesn't cut the mustard against the competition and I think this car should do better than that.

That's okay though because with the Tivoli Air, Ssangyong knows how to step their game up after being taken over by the Indians five years ago and they're coming back fighting to the crossover games.

Available colors: Grand White/Black, Silent Silver/Black, Flaming Red/Black, Jazz Brown/Black, Techno Grey/Black, Dandy Blue/White, and Space Black/White.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Tivoli

2015 Ssangyong Tivoli

This is Ssangyong's first all-new vehicle since its takeover by India's Mahindra & Mahindra four years ago and it's called the Tivoli. A crossover that took its name from a confectionary we remember when we were kids. Sounds sweet but is Ssangyong's compact SUV as sweeter as the confection where its name took it from? Uh...not quite as you imagine it.

The Tivoli is essentially a production version of two XIV concepts and it's built on the X100 platform. Although a concept turned reality, the design of the Tivoli looks questionable. On the front, it looks like an MG3 but on the back, the rear lamps are kinda like they took from the Jaguar XJ. Ssangyong wanted to be somewhat as European as the European compact crossovers but even if you get too far away, you will have fewer chances to know that it is a Ssangyong on the road and not an MG, unless you're wearing specs.

2015 Ssangyong Tivoli interior

2015 Ssangyong Tivoli interior

The interior of the Tivoli is not half bad considering everything that you expect from an everyday car is in order. There's seating for five, there's climate control, there's a steering wheel, and everything that a car should have is right here. There is a dial that can change into different colors at the touch of a button and that looks cool. It's like a miniature nightclub from your childhood toybox. And there's more because depending on the variant, the seats are heated and if you're on the chilly Seoul afternoon, you can turn the heated seats on so you can keep yourselves warmer.

The rear seats can be folded down for luggage purposes but sadly, being a compact car, the things you won't fit in are a king-sized mattress or a horizontally-shaped cabinet you bought from the thrift store. Still, it's good enough to store heaps of shopping bags on the go, though.

There was one downside on the inside and this sat-nav system feels more Made In China as those cheap gadgets made by companies you never heard of before. It kinda feels cheap, isn't it?

2015 Ssangyong Tivoli

The Tivoli is powered by an e-XGi160 1.6L engine that develops 126PS of power and 16kg-m of torque. That's a lot more than what you get from the Nissan Juke's 1.5L engine and there's more because while the Juke is available with the rather shoddy CVT gearbox, the Tivoli is mated with either a 6-speed manual gearbox (which is quite good) and a 6-speed automatic sourced from AISIN, a Japanese transmission company. Sadly, though, unlike the Juke, the Tivoli has a smaller fuel tank because while the Juke's tank carries 52 liters, the Tivoli carries 47 liters so...that's a downside for Ssangyong there.

In terms of driving experience, the Tivoli is beyond average. Not too good but not too bad. It even has three driving modes such as Comfort which make it softer, Normal for average, and Sport which makes the suspension firmed up to handle with precision. Sadly though, even in Sport mode, the Tivoli doesn't feel its sporty character at all. And there's another downside as well because despite being an SUV, the Tivoli is available only in front-wheel drive so you might be thinking why would Ssangyong make an SUV that is cheaper than the Korando C but offered only with a commoner drivetrain that we can't take it on a day to day use and only limited to urban driving? The whole story is still shrouded in mystery for the Tivoli though.

Should you buy one? The Tivoli is priced at 16,350,000 up to 23,470,000 Korean Won (around $15,000 to $21,500) so that's more reasonably priced than the Nissan Juke so it's somewhat of a bargain for first-time buyers.

Available Colors: Grand White, Silent Silver, Flaming Red, Dandy Blue, Space Grey, Ice Cap Blue, and Techno Grey.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong New Korando C

With the arrival of the Chevrolet Trax crossover, and with the facelifts of the Kia Sportage R and Hyundai Tucson ix, it seems that the Ssangyong Korando C's getting through the times as the Mahindra-owned Korean car company introduces its minor change version of the crossover that pushed Ssangyong back again and keep on fighting.

2014 Ssangyong Korando C

So, ready for some 47 second science? Let's begin. New for the 2014 model year, the Korando C gained a brand new front view in which the head lamps look somewhat identical to the Korando Turismo (Rodius/Stavic) MPV. Well, nearly similar. Also, Ssangyong managed to revise the rear view and then, 18-inch alloy wheels are revamped to give the new facelift some taste in today's crossover trends. That sounds fine but I'm not quite happy about it, yet.

2014 Ssangyong Korando C interior

2014 Ssangyong Korando C interior

Also, the interior's now revised and what you can expect here is a new wooden trim, soft material at the top of the dashboard and depending on the grade, red leather seats. What's more is that the 2014 Korando C is overloaded with tech features made for the tech geeks such as a new multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen, navigation system, Infinity audio system, keyless entry, and tire pressure monitoring system. Quite a crafty here for the new model though...

2014 Ssangyong Korando C

Of course, you can still expect a diesel-powered e-XDi200 LET engine on it, which develops about 155PS of power and 36.7kg-m of torque but what Ssangyong said that the new model is now more fuel-efficient than ever when set to its ECO MODE function, making it 12.8km/L of fuel economy for the FF model with the 6-speed automatic. With 6-speed MT standard, that makes it 17.2km/L of fuel economy.

For its pricing, the 2014 Korando C starts at 20,710,000 Korean Won for the CVS model with a manual gearbox up to 28,720,000 Korean Won for the top of the line CVX model with a 6-speed auto gearbox.

Scientific ideal is that while the 2014 Korando C adopts the slogan "Urban Adventure", it's made even more economical and more techie than ever but still, this is a crossover and it only behaves as a soft-roader like the others.

Available colors: Grand White, Pearl White Lily, Silent Silver, Sunrise Red, Cosmic Blue, Carbonic Grey, and Space Black.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company

Ssangyong Korando Turismo Chateau

Back in February, Ssangyong launched the Korando Turismo MPV which served as the replacement to the world's ugliest van of all time, the Rodius, and last time, I said that that it was too horrid in the driver's eyes and even horrid for those who owned one. Despite its terrible ugliness to this new model, it was the mix of interior space, practicality, and versatility that tempt buyers to buy one and ignore its horrid styling because the only reason why they bought one in the first place is that they need some people carriers to carry the whole family.

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo Chateau

Now, Ssangyong launched a luxurious variant of the Korando Turismo called the Chateau and what it is, which is a limousine version of the said model. Now, I know what you're thinking the word "limo" is applied only on stretched versions of 4-door saloons but this word applies to almost anything and the Chateau grade of the Korando Turismo fits the category. At first glance, it looks the same as the Korando Turismo, retaining the same horrid look that some say it's less horrid than the Rodius it replaces, except now has a high roof that looks like it's made for camping stuff. However, this car isn't made for camping, and what to expect from the high roof on it that looks like a THULE?

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo Chateau interior

Well, the reason why the Chateau has a high roof on the top is that it was accommodated by a well-tailored interior fit for a politician, even for Park Geun-Hye herself. This luxurious interior layout was accompanied by curtains, a refrigerator where to store your refreshments, a rear entertainment system (accompanied by a 20-inch monitor and JBL audio system) for the selfies who want to watch some movies on the go, stuff where you'll hang your clothes, and so much more concessions of comfort, fit for a Korean politician or a celeb alike. For the first time, this is the kind of Ssangyong built for those who want to be chauffeured but the Chairman W is not enough for them.

The Chateau, like the standard Korando Turismo, comes with the e-XDi200 diesel engine which produces 155PS of power while mated with a 5-speed auto and POWER 4WD. Fuel economy combined is 10.5km/L and it's available only in Fine Silver exterior color.

With prices starting at 46,900,000 Korean Won, that is somewhat much cheaper to buy than ultra-expensive Japanese MPVs such as the Toyota Alphard and the Nissan Elgrand and it's funny you should ask because the Ssangyong Korando Turismo Chateau is somewhat targeted against the Hyundai Grand Starex Limousine, which is a special vehicle model available by request.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company 

Ssangyong Korando Turismo

Back in 2004, Ssangyong launched a multipurpose vehicle that some say, would be the take against other popular people carriers made by top Korean carmakers. When the Rodius first launched, this was the first MPV from Ssangyong that some say captures the essence of a luxury car and the practicality of the multipurpose passenger vehicle. Sadly though when one man caught the attention of the Rodius, one comment spurred onto his mind...IT'S UGLY.

Yes, the Rodius is one ugly specimen built by the Koreans despite the fact that it was designed by a Brit. So ugly, it was named "the ugliest car ever made" according to CarData. Too many criticisms spurred about its hideous looks so in 2011, the Rodius was axed...but in the summer of 2012, it came back (oh no) and it comes with the e-XDi200 diesel engine that produces 155PS of power and is available in either a 6-speed MT or an E-Tronic Benz 5-speed AT.

After being on the block for 9 years, it seems that the Rodius finally gets a replacement and what could that be? Something that is better looking than the Rodius? Well, ladies and gents, Ssangyong's new MPV, the Korando Turismo, is the answer and...

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo

...just as I thought. For a minivan that once "that looks like it got bottled in a pub brawl and stitched back together by a blind man", seems that the design flaw's getting worse than I expected. I mean look at the front view, that's not quite very nice. Another thing that is not nice is when someone's in a Speedo and middle-aged people started to scream and the police warned him of gross indecency. The new Korando Turismo though is just another gross indecency on the road ahead. Despite calling this a much-improved version of the Rodius it replaces, I wouldn't mind calling it another candidate for being "the worst car in the history of the world".

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo interior

2014 Ssangyong Korando Turismo interior

On the inside, heh, same old Rodius interior with the same old 11-seater capacity. Seems that there's nothing special about the new Korando Turismo's interior here but still, 11-seaters on a minivan is quite a rare feast for those who love people carriers. Imagine that, you can bring the whole family on a vacation trip to Jeju Island, take a ski trip to Pyeongchang, or cruise in style at Gangnam or whatever you want but in the Korando Turismo, I'm sorry to say that these don't work because it's still even uglier than the Rodius it replaces.

Powering the Korando Turismo is the same old e-XDi200 diesel engine as the old Rodius. You still expect the same 155HP of power output and the same transmission choices of either a 6-speed manual or an E-Tronic Benz 5-speed AT. In terms of driving feel, this is worse than I thought. Even though you are in a standard FR layout or with the 4WD layout, the feeling of driving a Korando Turismo is like something's bothering your ear. Feels like your ear's going to clog with some watery stuff and no matter how many times you're trying to unclog it with either your finger or a cotton swab, it clogs again. It's as difficult as pinching your pimples from your face until that yellowy stuff from your pimples is blown away.

So what we have here is a new MPV that looks even worse than the Rodius it replaces while retaining the same Rodius interior and the same engine that powers it but sadly though, this is not recommended for those who need clever sophistication. Besides, I wouldn't want one of these in my whole life unless someone's gonna use it for target practice in a remote province. The Korando Turismo from Ssangyong is horrid in the driver's eyes and even horrid for those who owned one. End of discussion.

AVAILABLE COLORS: Grand White, Space Black, Fine Silver, Cyber Gray, and Wine Black.

PRICE LIST:

코란도 투리스모 GT 2WD A/T - 29,480,000 Won
코란도 투리스모 GT 4WD A/T - 31,180,000  Won
코란도 투리스모 LT 2WD A/T - 26,770,000  Won
코란도 투리스모 LT 4WD A/T - 28,540,000  Won
코란도 투리스모 RT 2WD A/T - 33,940,000  Won
코란도 투리스모 RT 4WD A/T - 35,640,000 Won
코란도 투리스모 LT 2WD M/T - 24,800,000 Won

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company