By: IOL Motoring Staff
SsangYong has taken its 'smart user interface' series of concepts, which began with the XIV-1 presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, a step further at Geneva with the XLV B-segment hybrid SUV concept - which, it says, "will become one of SsangYong's core strategic models to underpin its future growth."
That reads more like 'pre-production prototype' than 'concept' to us, quite possibly a rival for Ford's Ecosport in the lucrative small-SUV segment .
It's also a runner, combining a 1.6-litre diesel engine with a 10kW, 48-volt electric motor powered by a 500Wh lithium-ion battery.
XLV stands for eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle; that means versatility was a priority and new concept has been stretched 290mm compared to the XIV-1 to make space for seven people in an unusual 2+2+2+1 arrangement.
The seventh seat moves freely along the centre of the cabin between the second and third rows, allowing communication and space between passengers in the second and third rows of seats.
INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION
The double layer glass roof can be adjusted electronically to control the amount of ambient light that reaches the interior. Adjusting the voltage across a very fine particle film sandwiched between the glass layers changes the light-transmission level for maximum comfort. It can also be altered to give the owner a choice of special roof graphic patterns.
The XLV also has a specially-developed interactive communication system called '3S-Cube' (Smart-Link, Safe-Way, Special-Sense).
'Smart-Link' updates various functions and control systems including the car's permanent connection to smart electronic devices, while also monitoring the adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking systems
The 'Safe-Way' system offers a number of features to ensure driving convenience, while 'Special-Sense' enables the driver to customise the instrument-cluster layout and display.