SsangYong Kyron. Bold decision

SsangYong has never been afraid to experiment with design. Moreover, the Korean automaker's production models often rival concept cars in boldness. Sales of the new unusual SUV Kyron are starting in Russia.

2005 SsangYong Kyron
© Photo: Evgeny Razdobarin, 5 Koleso

Until recently, few remembered SsangYong, but the Rexton project brought popularity to the brand. Now the Koreans have a new topic for discussion — the Kyron model, which stands out from competitors with its unconventional appearance. The rear lights, styled as shields, deserve special attention. The design clearly shows an orientation towards the European school. True, it wasn't without the signature Asian flamboyance.

The interior leaves a pleasant impression. The light upholstery visually expands the space. When you get behind the wheel, an unusual feeling arises: due to the forward-tilted instrument panel and the descending central tunnel, it seems the car is tilted forward, and you are sitting too high and are about to slide down. There are no particular complaints about ergonomics. The only thing that annoys is the seat heating buttons, which you constantly hit with your knee. Also, the footrest for the left foot is located too far away, negating the whole purpose of its existence.

2005 SsangYong Kyron
© Photo: Evgeny Razdobarin, 5 Koleso

Like other SsangYong cars, the Kyron's interior is full of unconventional solutions. The two-tier cup holder was especially pleasing. You press the insert — it separates, rises, and frees up space for a second cup. The driver's visor has a slot for plastic cards, and the lid of the box between the seats has a recess for documents.

The driver's seat with leather upholstery and Kyron monograms does not impress with lateral support, and the cushion is a bit short. However, there are plenty of electric adjustments, and there are even three memory buttons on the door. The rear bench is designed for three, but in reality, only two will be comfortable — the third will be cramped in the shoulders. It's better to fold down the wide, comfortable armrest. There is enough legroom, and the small transmission tunnel is almost unnoticeable.

The Kyron's main trump card is hidden under the hood. It's a fresh 2-liter turbodiesel with the latest generation common rail system and a variable geometry turbocharger. The engine produces 140 hp and 310 Nm of torque, which is available from 1800 to 2750 rpm. No other engines are offered for this model.

The figures are confirmed in practice. Acceleration cannot be called brisk, but there is enough thrust to easily tackle steep climbs and drive with a full load. The engine clearly loves low revs — the red zone on the tachometer starts after 4000 rpm.

The gearbox is the 5-speed automatic from the Mercedes W140, familiar from other models of the brand. It is tuned for smooth and leisurely driving: shifts are soft and almost imperceptible. Even with a sharp press on the gas, the automatic shifts without haste. The manual mode doesn't add briskness either: after moving the lever, the gear engages with a delay of about half a second.

The transmission modes — rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and low range — are selected with a wheel on the central console. There is also a hill descent assist system.

The suspension turned out to be unexpectedly stiff. The absence of body roll in corners and decent handling are a plus, but the fact that every small bump is transmitted to the cabin is clearly not pleasing. Such behavior is forgivable for a passenger car with a sporty character, but from an SUV, you expect more smoothness.

The Kyron occupies a step below the Rexton, although their prices are comparable — from $32,990 to $37,990. The base version includes a manual gearbox, ABS, climate control, two airbags, power windows, and power mirrors. For an extra charge, a leather interior, power front seats, stability control, hill descent assist, and a rollover prevention system are available.

Specifications of SsangYong Kyron

Body – wagon
Number of seats – 5
Curb weight, kg – 1956
Gross weight, kg – 2530
Dimensions, mm:
- length – 4660
- width – 1880
- height – 1755
Wheelbase, mm – 2740
Trunk volume, l – 625–1222
Maximum speed, km/h – 166
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s – n/a
Fuel consumption, l/100 km:
- city cycle – 10.6
- highway – 7.1
- combined – 8.4
Fuel tank volume, l – 75
Engine:
- type – diesel
- displacement, cm3 – 1998
- power, hp at rpm – 141/4000
- torque, Nm at rpm – 310/1800–2750
Transmission – automatic, 5-speed
Suspension:
- front – double wishbone
- rear – solid axle on coil springs
Brakes:
- front – disc, ventilated
- rear – disc
Steering – rack and pinion, with power steering
Price, $ – 32,990–37,990.

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