Though SsangYong has been in South Africa since 1995 it has had little effect on the motoring market, unlike fellow Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia.

But SsangYong has vowed not to give up and in the past three years or so the brand has become increasingly visible on our roads.

Hennie Bekker, SsangYong's general manager in South Africa, says his team is ready to steal a piece of the local pie. The Korean manufacturer has added yet another sport utility vehicle to its range.

The new SsangYong Kyron was recently(Feb 24) unveiled to the motoring media in the Waterberg area of Limpopo late last month.

The Kyron is an SUV with genuine off-road capabilities. It joins the likes of the Rexton and the Starvic from the same stable.

Judged by its exterior the Kyron looks small but the interior is relatively large and spacious. This is a better-looking car than its sister, the Starvic.

The most powerful and efficient car in the Kyron range is the 2litre diesel model. The new Xdi 2,0 third-generation diesel power plant runs quietly and economically, generates a maximum output of 104kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310Nm. All this translates into improved acceleration. particularly when starting or overtaking.

This 3rd-generation common rail diesel engine runs quietly and economically.

The Kyron is at the cutting edge of SUV styling.

The front design, inspired by a knight's helmet, includes a distinctive assembly of clear headlamps with amber directional indicators and Ssang- Yong's trademark triple-line radiator grille.

The side view is dynamic and the rear, which has a balanced, well-proportioned and distinctive appearance, is adorned with a sporty-looking spoiler that includes an LED stop lamp. Privacy glass is also available. has a balanced, well proportioned and distinctive appearance.

The Kyron is at the cutting edge of SUV styling. The front design, inspired by the look of a knight's helmet, includes a unique assembly of clear headlamps with amber directional indicators while the rear is adorned with a sporty-looking spoiler with LED stop lamp. Privacy glass is also available.
 
- Source from Sunday World(Mar 8, 2006)