Alongside SsangYong’s production-ready Tivoli XLV, the Korean brand has also showcased its SIV-2 concept for the first time at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The prototype SUV debuts a new turbo petrol and electric powertrain.
Dubbed ‘Smart Interface Vehicle’, the development concept is said to “provide a glimpse into the future” for Ssangyong. It takes a step on from the current Tivoli in terms of exterior design, with a sleeker shape and more prominent body lines. Inside it’s even more dramatic, with four Alcantara and suede lounge-style seats and a woodgrain floor to “give a sense of the elegance experienced from being on-board a luxury yacht”.
New infotainment tech debuts in the form of a dramatic central screen and instrument binnacle combo stretched across the top of the dash, and a further touchscreen below. Speakers mounted in the seats are said to give true surround-sound, while light graphics that respond to music are fitted in the door panels.
More future-proofing is found under the skin, where the SIV-2 demonstrates an all-new mild hybrid powertrain. It’s a 1.5-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine mated to a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. It’s a 48v mild hybrid system rather than a full plug-in, designed to offer improved efficiency and silent running at very low speeds, but at a lower cost than full hybrids.
The concept is said to debut a “lightweight body” and “a low centre of gravity”, but more importantly a modular chassis that allows the installation of different hybrid, full-EV or plug-in options for future models. We’ll bring you more on the SIV-2’s new powertrains when we get it.
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