SsangYong has unveiled its large premium SUV concept LIV-2 – Limitless Interface Vehicle – (known previously as the development project Y400), at this year’s Paris Motor Show. This is the next iteration from the LIV-1 concept showcased at the Seoul Motor Show in 2013, and is a development of the brand’s ‘Dignified Motion’ design philosophy. The LIV-2 claims to offer a combination of limousine like driving experience and go anywhere capabilities.
While a body-on-frame construction and SsangYong’s four-wheel-drive system takes care of the ‘go anywhere’ claims, a luxuriously appointed, spacious interior promises limousine like comfort. Previewing the next generation flagship model for SsangYong, the LIV-2 is an executive SUV which will eventually take the brand into new areas of the market.
Exterior
Up front, the LIV-2’s front grille resembles the spread wings of a bird, and was first seen on the Tivoli. This front end design will now be shared across all future SsangYong models to create a distinctive identity for the marque. The LIV-2 has a nice, purposeful stance, while the matte white hued bodywork is alive with restrained character lines that are derived from the Tivoli as well. Notable new features include electric side steps fitted to both sides for safety and convenience, hidden lamps that create an illuminated path for passengers approaching or leaving the car at night, and specially developed, off-road tires.
Interior
The LIV-2’s interiors aim to recreate the ambiance of a contemporary executive lounge within a luxury, chauffeur driven limousine. And they’ve done it somewhat, with a sea of white hues, fine leather upholstery, piano-black gloss accent panels, fully adjustable mood lighting and reclining, individual second row seats with massaging function. The rear seat passengers also get a fully connected centre console. An integrated communication system with three displays – a 9.2-inch monitor in the centre fascia and a 10.1-inch monitor in each headrest, wi-fi mirroring for devices, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto enhance connectivity for passengers. This can all be controlled from the second row centre console, which gives access to the infotainment system via a touch control panel for ‘surround sound’, as well as unrestricted smart phone use with headsets and phone recharging.
Engines
The LIV-2 is powered by SsangYong’s own 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine with a common rail direct injection system and a low-speed E-VGT (Electronic-Variable Geometry Turbocharger). The engine, developing 181 PS of power and a maximum torque of 420 Nm within the range of 1,500 – 2,500rpm, is matched to a Mercedes-Benz 7-speed automatic transmission. A newly developed petrol 2.0 litre GDi turbo engine, good for 225 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque is also available.
Safety
As for safety, the LIV-2 features nine airbags: front, front and rear side, curtain and driver’s knee airbag. The car is further equipped with an advanced emergency braking system (AEBS), traffic safety assist (TSA), high beam assistance (HBA), a lane departure warning system, blind spot detection, lane change assist and a rear cross traffic alert system.
Technical data
| Model | LIV-2 | |||||
| Engine | Petrol | Diesel | ||||
| Transmission | 6MT | 6AT | 6MT | 7AT | ||
| Dimensions | Overall length | mm | 4,850 | |||
| Overall width | mm | 1,960 | ||||
| Overall height | mm | 1,800 | ||||
| Wheelbase | mm | 2,865 | ||||
| Engine | Litre | 2.0L GDi Turbo | 2.2L Turbo | |||
| No. of cylinders | 4 in-line | 4 in-line | ||||
| Power | ps | 225 | 181 | |||
| Torque | Nm | 350 | 420 | |||
| Fuel consumption | CO2 (combined) | g/km | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
