Rejoice you lovers of plug-ugly people-movers, because the second generation SsangYong Stavic will go on-sale in Australia this August.
And while the exterior is actually better looking than its predecessor, far more tempting is the proposition the Mahindra & Mahindra-owned Korean brand’s new importer Ateco Automotive is planning to pitch; entry-level diesel 4x2 auto for a starting price under $30,000.
That’s about $6000 cheaper than the recommended retail price of the base model in the old range.
“We are pretty excited about it actually,” said Ssangong Australia sales and marketing manager Scott Kelly. “I drove it in Korea about four weeks ago and it really surprised me. The styling is much improved and it drives really well.
“The old car was voted on more than one occasion the ugliest car on the planet,” he continued, “but I think they have addressed that to a large degree. I think it is now like most people-movers on the market; it is less polarising than it used to be, but it is still a people-mover.”
Based on a 3.0m wheelbase and all-independent rear-wheel drive chassis, it will only be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. In Australia, the optional 4x4 will not be available. The auto is a five-speed unit sourced from Mercedes-Benz, not a six-speed made in Australia by DSI, as had been speculated.
The Rodius/Stavic (or Korando Turismo in Korea) is available in seven through 11-seat configurations depending on the market. Collapse the seats and as much as 3240 litres of luggage space opens up.
“The volume in the people-mover market isn’t massive, but I think we are setting ourselves up beautifully to get a good chunk of that,” said Mr Kelly.
The Stavic’s compelling price shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Ateco has already chopped the Korando to as low as $23,990 drive-away for the petrol-manual ‘S’ base model, while the Actyon utility range has been simplified and reduced in price.
The only other major product action expected from Ssangyong in 2013 will be the return of the Rexton SUV later in the year. That includes a facelift, a boosted diesel engine and a series of other upgrades before the end of the year.
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