SsangYong brings diesel-hybrid Eco C200 CUV to Seoul
Click above for high-res image gallery of the C200
The Seoul Motor Show was the first place for new versions of SsangYong's C200 compact urban vehicle (CUV) to see the light of day. The C200 Eco (above) puts up a green flag with a diesel hybrid powertrain that should reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent. The Aero version (the black model in the gallery below) can be had with either 2.0 diesel (with 175 hp) or turbocharged 1.8 litre petrol engines. "Can be had" means the C200 will go into production later in 2009. We first saw the standard versions of the C200, designed by ItalDesign, in Paris last fall. Both the Eco and Aero versions will be available with manual or automatic transmissions. Elsewhere on its stand, SsangYong displayed a diesel hybrid version of the Kyron. Diesel-electric hybrids are not cheap, but the potential for incredible MPG ratings is unmatched by any vehicle without a plug.
Gallery: SsangYong C200
[Source: SsangYong]
PRESS RELEASE:
SSANGYONG SHOW C200, HYBRID TECHNOLOGY AND NEW ENGINES AT SEOUL MOTOR SHOW
SsangYong's new C200 model has been shown at the Seoul Motor Show in two versions and with three choices of power. The car is scheduled for production later this year and should reach the UK inside 12 months.
The C200 is smaller and lighter than current SsangYong models, promising much improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Dubbed a compact urban vehicle (CUV), the C200 Eco uses diesel hybrid power and the Aero version has a choice of a high torque 2.0 diesel or turbocharged 1.8 litre petrol engines.
SsangYong expects class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions reduced by 50 per cent in the Eco. Show cars have a six-speed auto transmission, but manual versions will also be available.
Styled by Giugiaro's ItalDesign in Italy, the C200 has a 2.65m wheelbase with an overall length of 4.4m. The car will undergo Euro NCAP crash testing before coming to market.
SsangYong also showed a diesel hybrid version of it's Kyron model at the Seoul Show.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike!!ekiM 8:01PM (4/02/2009)
Interesting.
The US again Left in the Dust.
Sheesh, just how bad is the US Auto Industry? Even the auto industry of Korea, can Kick our *SS.
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jharlan 10:31PM (4/02/2009)
It's just sad how the special interests have kept these efficient technologies from being developed in the US. It just makes me weary. I will have to buy a Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, or German vehicle to get good mileage. 50 MPG will soon be the standard.
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Max 12:43AM (4/03/2009)
Some might call us conspiracy theorists, but you're right, there have been special interests involved. G W Bush, America's worst president, had made it financially attractive to sell and buy huge SUVs that get poor gas mileage. This type of vehicle was eligible for huge tax deductions, and its makers under no pressure to improve tehcnology. Coming from the Oil business, it is no secret who these policies favored.
America has missed a great opportunity in the last 8 years. With the right policy, we could be much further than we are now.
harlanx6 9:54AM (4/03/2009)
Max:
Your partisanship is showing. There is plenty of blame to go around. You can't hang this on Bush.
hans_solo 10:42PM (4/02/2009)
Looks like LED headlights - nice. Would be the 2nd series vehicle with that technique after the Audi R8 (optional).
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