New SsangYong X200 SUV previewed in teaser sketches
New X200 SUV concept signifies radical new design direction for SsangYong
SsangYong has confirmed a new next-generation SUV codenamed X200, teased in these new sketches which serve another look at the Korean firm’s new styling direction.
Like the similarly teased J100, the X200 concept uses a new design philosophy called ‘Powered by Toughness’, which appears to be a radical departure from the brand’s current design language.
The front end features round headlights and vertical grille slats that bring certain Jeep models to mind, with a deeply sculpted bumper and extensive body cladding.
Muscular box arches accommodate beefy all-terrain tyres and give the X200 a wide-set, aggressive stance. The windscreen is flat and meets with a squared-off roofline, reminiscent of off-road icons like the Mercedes G-Class.
There’s more body cladding along the sills, and the utilitarian theme continues with a set of heavy-duty roof bars. The roof itself features a fold-away canvas section, similar to the sliding fabric roof that can be specified with the new Land Rover Defender.
The rear arches end abruptly with a short overhang and integrated tail lights, while the rear bumper features similar cutouts and body cladding as seen at the front. There’s no visible spare wheel, but four holes in the tailgate indicate that one could be fitted.
The overall look is that of a tough, purposeful off-roader with a retro feel, and builds upon the design theme showcased by the SsangYong J100 EV concept released earlier this year.
For its future models, SsangYong is promising to use “eco-friendly powertrains”, and the J100 has already been confirmed as fully electric. However, Auto Express understands that the production version of the X200 is set to use the 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine found in the Tivoli SUV, which puts out 126bhp.
It is likely that the X200 will receive an electrified powertrain alongside the conventional petrol unit. SsangYong is eager to switch to full-electric, and a PHEV model isn’t on the cards, so the X200 could use the marque’s upcoming bespoke EV platform.
In 2018, SsangYong revealed plans for a new pure-electric platform for mid-size and large SUVs. The first car on the new platform will hit showrooms in 2024, which could line up with an eventual production version of the X200 concept.
However, there is potential that the X200 could utilise an adapted combustion-engine platform similar to the tech that underpins the brand’s Korando e-Motion.
The Korando e-Motion is SsangYong’s first full EV and uses a single 187bhp electric motor, which is powered by a 61.5kWh battery. On the NEDC testing cycle, this gives more than 260 miles of range.
