In an era of increasingly streamlined forms both for aesthetics and efficiency, there’s admittedly still a market for vehicles that showcase muscle and brawn, at least just by looking at them. To this effect, Korean automaker SsangYong is eagerly showing off the latest sketches from its drawing boards.
For anyone who's ever complained that SsangYong's designs were too quirky, meet the X200
These are from the company’s upcoming X200 for the 2022 model year, anchored by SsangYong’s ‘Powered by Toughness’ design language. It’s as if the carmaker is willing to spite its financial troubles and show the industry that it’s not going down without a fight.
If the general aesthetic looks familiar, you’re not alone. SsangYong says that the X200 takes cues from its own history, especially when it earned the license to assemble the Jeep CJ-5 from 1974 to 1981 as a joint venture of Shinjin Motors and American Motor Corporation. These units eventually evolved into the Korando SUV during the early 80s.
Call us old-school, but a rear-mounted spare tire would complete the X200's aggressive look
With the codename designation KR10, the concept vehicle sports a pair of retro-looking LED headlamps embedded with a signature X design element, surrounding the five diamond-shaped vertical running lamps that adorn the black grille. The front bumper incorporates a massive bash plate, bordered on both ends by hexagonal air intakes.
Strong lines along the profile’s frameless doors comprise the prominent body cladding and bulges on top of the fenders. The rear seemingly mirrors the fascia’s appearance, with an oversized rear bumper and a tailgate that looks like it has a provision for mounting the spare tire. A pair of roof racks flank a folding roof option, although it remains to be seen if this particular feature will make it to the final render.
The concept looks like a more rugged version of the J100 electric SUV
The X200 is also expected to carry a spacious cabin, featuring automatic climate control and a touchscreen console offering the latest in connectivity. An array of airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and a rear-view camera could be among standard safety equipment.
Despite the X200’s rather brutish stance, SsangYong says that the vehicle will host eco-friendly powertrains beneath the sheet metal, which will likely involve some sort of electric power. For now, this might make the approaching SUV relatively future-proof by the time it makes its global debut in the coming months.
Take a peek at the newest models the industry and other SUVs cars for sale offered at Philkotse.com.