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Car Reviews Ssangyong Kyron 4x4

South Koreas Ssangyong brought out the Kyron, another in the companys line of ordinary-looking sport-utilities. The five-passenger Kyron is a mid-size SUV powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel making 139 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque.

Transmissions consist of a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. The drive system offers a choice of two-wheel drive, four-wheel high, or four-wheel low. The suspension utilizes double wishbones at the front and a multilink design at the rear. Electronic aids include ABS, hill descent control, traction control, brake assist, and active rollover protection.



IN THE CABIN


Equipment

All models come with air-conditioning, four electric windows and alloy wheels, while an extra £2000 will buy an SE car with four-wheel drive, climate control and leather upholstery. Range-topping SX cars cost a further £3000, and come equipped with electrically adjustable heated front seats, satellite-navigation and a Mercedes-sourced automatic gearbox.

Behind the wheel

Kyron drivers have a fine view of the road thanks to its lofty seating, but the flat chairs dont offer much support through corners. Most of the switchgear is chunky and logically placed, although the stereo has too many fiddly buttons. The large centre console can dig into the drivers leg.

Practicality

This is a very practical car. The boot is huge, and comes with a removable luggage cover and net barrier and all models have roof bars. The rear seats split and fold forward easily and although they don’t quite sit flush with the floor the carrying space is impressive. Cabin storage is also pretty good with a centre console box and door bins, although the glove box is small.

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ON THE ROAD

Performance

Theres only one engine and it’s a 2.0-litre diesel with 141bhp and 229lb/ft of torque, making it the most powerful in its class at the time of launch. There is no petrol alternative. Its offered with either a five-speed manual gearbox on the lower spec S and SE models, or with a five-speed automatic. The auto box actually has two reverse gears to help when off-roading which is unusual. On the road the Kyron pulls strongly although the automatic takes a moment or two to respond from standstill. Once off road it has more than enough power to cope with difficult terrain.

Refinement

The Kyrons engine is reasonably quiet once up to cruising speed, although you never forget that its a diesel. Unfortunately, any attempt to pick up the pace means it turns very loud and coarse. Wind, road and mechanical noise are all present, but no worse than youd expect for a big 4x4.

Ride & handling

Both two- and four-wheel drive versions of the Kyron are available, and the latter is excellent in the mud, thanks to its low-ratio gearbox and Land Rover-style Hill Descent Control system. Unfortunately, the on-road performance is far less impressive. Theres too much lean through corners, the ride feels fidgety over pockmarked surfaces and the steering is lifeless.

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Safety

The S spec is fitted with driver and passenger airbags only, while SE and SX trim levels also get curtain airbags for the front and rear. There is no Euro NCAP crash rating (off-roaders are rarely tested as the makers probably dont expect a great score). SE and SX models have an ESP system, which incorporates an Active Rollover Protection to help prevent this 4x4 from toppling over. A Thatcham approved alarm and immobiliser are fitted as standard across the range.

Quality & reliability

If youre expecting cheap, shiny plastics, then think again. Everything in the cabin seems to be well screwed together and made from decent-quality materials. The engine has Mercedes origins and should be capable of racking up the miles, and theres no reason to believe that the other mechanicals wont prove hardy.

Cost

Fuel economy is good for a car of this class (pick the manual box if you need the best economy). This car has a diesel engine which is sought-after and compact off-roaders are popular to, but the Ssangyongs relatively unknown status means it wont keep its value as well as others of its type. Dealer numbers are still quite limited, so you may have a bit of a trip to get there.


Buying Used

A diesel auto is a bit of a rarity in this sector, so may generate interest from buyers who may not otherwise have considered the Kyron. As a result, this is the most sought after model; buyers will be prepared to pay extra over a manual to secure one of these.

Buying New

This is a value for money proposition. If you live close enough to one of the dealers and have need for a tough, genuinely capable off-roader, then this car makes a very strong case for itself.