SsangYong XIV-1 Concept shows brand still has a CUV pulse

13 years, 1 month ago - 15 September 2011

SsangYong has had a hard time of it of late, and its production vehicles tend to be more indifferent than inspired, but it can still rock a cool concept when it wishes.

While the XIV-1 concept certainly isn't the final word in madcap crossovers, to our eyes, it features a nice combination of lines and forms in two boxes.

The concept-car necessities of leather-lined clamshells for seats, intricate headlights derived from Korean masks and an "advanced user interface" make their appearances, certain to be bland-ified for production. But this design is the template for the rest of SsangYong's coming lineup, so the wraparound glass, clean bodysides and wheels spread-eagled at the corners might have a fighting chance.