But no one switches to Kyron from such cars, so an ordinary buyer will not have as many reasons for reflection as a journalist who constantly drives top models. Yes, engines of this size are usually installed on lighter crossovers today, but you can't live on dynamics alone.


Forgot the sword
So what has changed in the updated Kyron and how much? It still remains a classic SUV with a frame, a solid rear axle, and a low-range gear in the transfer case — this cannot but please those who appreciate true off-roaders. There are few such traditional designs left in the world, and they are living out their days. The fashion for crossovers is at its peak now.

The exterior has become noticeably more pleasant both at the front and at the rear. The knightly heraldic motifs have disappeared from the rear lights, and the front headlights and radiator grille are clearly inspired by "German comrades." It turned out much more stylish and attractive than before. However, they forgot to remove the sword hilt (handbrake) from the interior.


The interior trim materials do not irritate with neglect of human weaknesses and aesthetic taste, as in some "American." The interior is generally as user-friendly as possible. The rear seats fold easily, literally with one hand movement, though you don't get a flat floor in the trunk.

At the driver's seat, you are greeted by an unusually close and heavily inclined windshield line. However, some classmates of the "Korean," you know, have the ceiling sticking to your head — and nothing, they buy it, and at a price much higher than SsangYong asks. You quickly get used to the exterior and interior of the "Korean," and you stop noticing the shortcomings.


Hello, convertible!
Fat questions arise on the move. Diving into a corner that is only slightly steeper than a straight line, you want to stop, then start and drive twice as slow. Over time, you get used to these American (in spirit) body rolls and they scare less, but don't we have many fearless drivers? Someone who switched here from a Hyundai Santa Fe, from any used American "suitcase," or even from a Nissan Murano won't feel the difference.

The rolls are compensated by exemplary directional stability. The SsangYong Kyron stands on a straight line as if glued, just don't play with the steering wheel. 120–140–160–180 km/h (the last value already downhill). Asphalt waves hit the wheels, and this SUV doesn't even bat an eye. At such moments, you begin to admire the design. No lane changes or wiggling typical of SUVs with a rigid rear axle. Only significant vibrations on the body, transmitted from cracks and bumps, interfere. I never thought the "New Riga" was so uneven. No matter how many times I've driven here, for the first time I feel like a needle on a gramophone record. As with the SsangYong Actyon Sports pickup, the culprit is insufficient rigidity of the load-bearing structure. This is usually characteristic of convertibles — after each bump, waves spread through the body for a long time.


No longer a hindrance
Everything that hindered on asphalt pleases in the field, on dirt roads, and bumps. Soft body? Great. Without strain or seasickness, the Kyron parades toward the quarry. Slowly, so as not to provoke a hit of the frame crossmember on the ground, although you can push it — it's strong enough. The "automatic" is almost manual; you can shift from first to third gear yourself. For off-road, this is ideal. And since there is also a low range, the Kyron goes quite effortlessly in the sandy quarry.

The test car costs $35,000. For the same money, you can buy a crossover that is not as sturdy as a frame SUV, but lighter and less voracious. For example, a Nissan X-Trail. But what is an X-Trail? A cartoon! And the Kyron is a big black "jeep." It's respected on the road, and in general. Everyone should have the right to buy such a car.