Ssangyong e-SIV concept previews electric Qashqai rival

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2 mins read

20 February 2018

The Ssangyong e-SIV concept revealed at the Geneva motor show is a precursor to its Nissan Qashqai-rivalling Korando.

2020 Ssangyong Korando EV to be a 'proper 4x4'

The e-SIV - standing for electronic smart interface vehicle - shows Ssangyong’s future styling direction, with slim headlights up front and a rear light bar (a growing trend among car makers in the past 12 months). This styling direction can already be seen in the Rexton, as well as the Tivoli EVR EV concept that Ssangyong took to Geneva in 2015. The e-SIV will sit above the Tivoli in the brand’s range of SUVs but below the Ssangyong Rexton.

The Korando, which was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and entered production in 2010, will likely be replaced by the production e-SIV, which will take a different name when it hits the road.

Under the bonnet is a 185bhp electric motor, which powers the car to a top speed of 93mph. Range is claimed to be 279 miles, putting the e-SIV 13 miles down on the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV, which is also making its debut at the Geneva motor show. An 80% fast charge is achieved in 50 minutes.

The concept will showcase Ssangyong’s latest connectivity technology and autonomous systems, although the brand stops short of detailing which systems the car features in concept form.

The SIV-2 concept was originally reported to preview the brand’s offering in the crowded segment of the Nissan Qashqai, so it’s expected that the e-SIV will show a closer-to-production version of the car. The Korando is due for replacement in 2019, so the e-SIV is expected to replace that model, with an electric variant arriving later.

Ssangyong’s first EV will rival the Kona EV and be based on the Tivoli. It is due to arrive before 2020.