Geneva show news: SsangYong unveils XIV-2 ‘convertible’ concept

The Mahindra & Mahindra-owned Korean carmaker SsangYong has showcased its new ‘convertible’ concept, named the SsangYong XIV-2, at the Geneva motor show.

The SsangYong XIV-2 – which stands for eXciting User Interface Vehicle 2 – is a successor to the similar concept that was on display at the Frankfurt show late last year.

The XIV-2 is a crossover SUV-convertible and features a one-touch automatic opening soft-top, pram-style roof. It has been designed for a global audience and targeted at the younger generation.

The concept is 4166 long, 1820mm wide, 1566mm high and has a 2600mm wheelbase. Planned power options include frugal 1.6-litre diesel and petrol engines.

Chief technical officer Jae Wan Lee said: "It previews the new design language for our new entry level compact SUV. It's in a new segment and has bags of character. It's designed to appeal to new, younger customers."

The concept's hi-tech cabin gets big iPad-style screen in centre console. There is also extensive use of carbonfibre and aluminium trim.

Although SsangYong hasn’t revealed any details of the new car’s interior, the XIV-1 featured an unconventional seating layout that could be configured as either 1+1+2 or 1+3. Dashboard functions on that car were controlled via mobile devices and smart instruments.

Ssangyong wants to boost sales to 300,000 units by 2016. It sold 113,000 in 2011 which was an increase of 40 per cent on 2010.