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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
28 April 2008
Korean car-maker, SsangYong, has released an upgraded version
of its Kyron SUV and at the same time has indicated the company’s
future direction by announcing that all future vehicles sold in
Australia will be powered exclusively by turbo-diesel engines.
The company has also added a new SPR flagship model, with a
higher specification level, to each of its models.
Kyron is the smallest vehicle in SsangYong’s SUV range and
has been on the Australian market since mid-2006. It was given an
engine upgrade in 2007 to meet the required Euro IV emission
standards and, in February 2008, was given extra equipment to
further increase its already excellent value for money.
Two common rail turbo-diesel engines are offered, with
capacities of 2.0 and 2.7 litres. We’ve driven the smaller
engine on a recent test and, while it’s obviously a diesel from
the outside, it’s surprisingly quiet from the inside when you’re
on the road.
Maximum power from the 2.0-litre engine is 104 kW at 4000 rpm
while there’s an impressive 310 Nm of torque from 1800 rpm. The
2.7-litre generates 121 kW at 4000 and peak torque of 340 Nm from
the same low 1800 rpm as the smaller engine.
Interior space is about average for an SUV of this size with
good space for four adults while a fifth can be carried without
too much of a squeeze.
Kyron is an old-school 4WD, built on an ultra-rigid steel frame
with a ladder-frame chassis and a two-speed transfer case. There's
the choice of two-high, four-high and four-low ranges, but no
neutral position. Shifts between ranges are controlled from a
turn-knob on the dash and indicated by lights within the tacho
dial.
Transmission options are five-speed manual or five-speed
automatic with tiptronic-type overrides either from steering wheel
buttons or switches on the gear selector knob. Automatic
transmission is standard on the Kyron 2.7-litre SPR.
On the road Kyron handles impressively. Its steering has a nice
feel and there's good road grip even at above average cornering
speeds. The damping from the shock absorbers was a little slow at
times and caused some mild hassles over hard bumps. Other than
that this 4WD is pleasant to sit in and to drive.
Standard equipment on all Kyron models now includes dual front
airbags, ABS brakes with brake force assistance, stability and
traction control, hill descent control, anti rollover protection
and 18-inch alloy wheels. Cruise control is also standard with
automatic transmission.
The 2.7-litre Kyron SPR also gets power-adjustable leather
front seats, automatic lights, rain-sensing wipers, parking
sensors and automatic transmission.
The 2.0-litre Kyron sells for $32,990 with manual transmission,
$35,990 as an auto while the 2.7-litre SPR is priced at $39,990.
On-road costs have to be added to these prices.
Unlike its Korean counterparts, Hyundai and Kia, who have moved
up to five-year warranties all SsangYong vehicles are only covered
for three years or 100,000 kilometres.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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