SSANGYONG is reportedly planning to release a new ute, and next-generation versions of the Rexton and Korando in the next three years.
According to Autocar, Ssangyong will preview the next-generation Rexton SUV via a concept car, which will make its debut at the 2016 Paris motor show that takes place at the beginning of October. The new Rexton will go on sale next year, and will reportedly be targeted at the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Following on in 2018 will be a new double-cab ute based on the Rexton’s architecture. The ute will be pitched into the fray against the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and Holden Colorado.
The British magazine believes that the Rexton-based ute will be offered with the choice of two wheelbases and two tray bed lengths.
In 2019, the Korean brand will introduce a new generation of the Qashqai-class Korando crossover. The current Giugiaro-designed car will reportedly be replaced by a vehicle based on a stretched version of the platform unpinning the Tivoli.
For many other brands, launching three new cars in the same number of years would be considered a lean period, but for Ssangyong, which went into receivership in 2009 after period under the ownership of SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), it represents something of a turn around.
That said, with the Australian launch timing of the Tivoli still yet to be confirmed, it’s not clear how many of these vehicles will come down under. — Agencies
