SsangYong UK has introduced the new Kyron, a distinctive and muscular sports utility vehicle that combines the best of European styling with proven Korean build quality and technology.
 
Designed by Ken Greenley, SsangYong Motor Company’s British creative director, the five-seater Kyron features a new four-cylinder 2.0L Xdi diesel engine with best-in-class power output of 141bhp.
 
The top of the range Kyron SX features Mercedes-Benz five-speed T-Tronic transmission which offers a manual mode with the responsiveness of a stick shift, plus two reverse gears to give better traction in ice or snow. A five-speed manual transmission is supplied with the Kyron S and Kyron SE models.
 
Ken Forbes, managing director of SsangYong UK, said: “The Kyron is the SUV all other soft-roaders want to be when they grow up. It joins the Rexton and the Rodius in a line-up that puts us at the forefront of 4WD technology. Our motto is ‘Experts in 4x4’ and the new Kyron not only demonstrates that expertise but sets a new standard for its sector. SsangYong UK is a company with a clear belief we can become the best niche franchise in the UK.” The SE and SX models are fitted with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and HDC (Hill Descent Control). ESP is a safety monitoring system designed to control engine output and braking when it senses marginal conditions. Hill Descent Control, as also used by Landrover and on the BMW X5, allows the Kyron to descend steep gradients with independent braking to each wheel.
 
Other active safety features include Active Rollover Protection (ARP), a system that detects excessive lateral force to minimise rollover risk; Brake Assist System (BAS) that senses and applies any need for additional braking power; and ABS with limited slip differential. All models have ventilated front disc brakes.
 
The ultra-rigid steel frame of the Kyron, with triple-layer construction, offers superior security to sector competitors with monocoque bodies and is built with door impact beams, while the roof, cowl side members, floor and pillars all embody high-tensile steel to increase rigidity on impact. Curtain airbags are installed at window level on both sides of the front and rear seats. Other safety refinements include a rear obstacle warning system, rain sensing headlamps and wiper system, and large outside mirrors to minimise blind spots. Safety windows will stop when they encounter resistance (such as a child’s hand). All seats are equipped with three-point safety belts; front seats are further protected by a safety belt pretensioner and load limiter. Automatic door locks, Clear lens headlamps and LED stop lights are also standard.
 
The third generation common rail diesel power plant provides optimum performance, low noise and top-in-class fuel efficiency with either automatic or manual transmission. Complete combustion is ensured by a Controller Area Network bus data exchange, an exhaust gas recirculation system and a diesel oxidation catalyst.
 
The 5-speed T-Tronic automatic transmission, built by Mercedes-Benz, is controlled by an intelligent system that adjusts shifting points to accommodate driver habits and provide optimal smoothness and economy. A lock-up torque converter links the transmission directly to the engine (rather than via a fluid coupling), thus eliminating a potential loss of efficiency due to slippage. This maximises output transfer, reduces energy loss and improves fuel efficiency and performance.
 
The five-speed manual transmission has been optimally tuned to the high-output Xdi engine for exceptional responsiveness; a dual mass flywheel dampens noise and vibration for a smoother, quieter ride.
 
Saloon quality ride, enhanced traction and extended durability are delivered by double-wishbone front suspension and a five link system in the rear, working in conjunction with dual-action shock absorbers, stabiliser and coil springs.
 
Interior design features include a centre fascia oriented towards the driver, with controls easy to find and use. The heated front seats adjust automatically in eight ways, while seat and door mirror positions can be preset for three different drivers. Total cargo volume is 1,222l, while volume under the luggage cover is 625l.
 
The Kyron is available in the UK in six versions, all powered by the 2.0 litre diesel engine: the Kyron 2WD with S-level trim; S and SE manual gearbox models with four-wheel drive; and S, SE and SX versions of the 4WD model with Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission.
 
Automatic models deliver fuel consumption of 10.6 l/100km on the urban cycle; the Kyron with manual gearbox returns consumption figures of 9.9 l/100km (urban), 6.3 l/100km (extra urban) and 7.7 l/100km (combined). ends
 
For further information, contact Barry Salmon Telephone: 0845 456 4056 or 07802 478 780 e-mail: barry@mdmltd.com