Cars: Mahindra SsangYong XIV-1

Taking centre stage at the Mahindra Pavilion is the innovative new compact crossover concept from Mahindra SsangYong – the XIV-1 Concept. SsangYong’s vision of the next generation crossover model, the XIV-1 Concept merges the robust attributes of a B-segment SUV with the affordable running costs of a small family car. The XIV-1 concept is a showcase for SsangYong’s design and engineering talents with the name itself having been derived from the phrase ‘eXciting user Interface Vehicle’, highlighting the show car’s focus on interaction with the driver and passengers. The very objective of the XIV-1 Concept is to maximise the enjoyment of movement while also providing passengers with a moving communication space.




The other unique aspect is the user interface, which embraces the concept of an extended living space rather than providing just a means of transport. Control of many of XIV-1 functions is via the interaction of Smart mobile devices and the vehicle itself. Using the kind of devices that a driver and passenger are likely to carry at all times, they can control everything from the audio system, the display of information on the dashboard and online communication.

The XIV-1 boasts a full-length glass roof separate from pillars, and its flank design, inspired by the design lines of a yacht, highlights agility, speed and driving pleasure. Its front design has reinterpreted the robust image of the Korando and embodies Ssangyong’s design philosophy, “Robust Aesthetic Realization.”

The headlights, resembling the humorous smile of Korean traditional masks, are made with LED bulbs and the rear lights have three bars, highlighting simplicity and ensuring clarity of the driver’s intention. To enhance driver convenience, the XIV-1 uses an open tailgate with an upper part that can be pushed up, and a lower part that can be pushed down.

Its instrument panel is simple and easy to manipulate, possessing a bilateral symmetry that gives the driver a strong sense of stability. The center fascia is made of aluminum to add visual and tactile comfort and a sense of luxury. Pillarless doors make the car look more spacious and mood lighting that covers the whole interior of the car creates a unique interior atmosphere.

To satisfy diverse customer needs in the global market, Ssangyong Motor has held concept and design clinics, reflecting ideas generated from these clinics in vehicle design and development.

Building on the XIV-1, Ssangyong will develop an extensive product lineup, including the new concept Range Extended EV, and build up the company’s distinctive design capabilities through development of new concepts and research on the future-oriented infotainment system.

Ssangyong has a 750 square meter booth at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, which is being held from Sept. 13 to 25 in Germany. Along with the XIV-1 Concept, seven mass-produced brands including the Korando C and Rexton will be exhibited throughout the duration of the show. The SUT-1 Concept, which received favorable responses at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is also being displayed at the German motor show with its form much closer to the mass-produced model, as is the gasoline-powered Korando C, which is drawing much attention from the media and members of the global car industry...