Crossover concept puts more into less

Wraparound glass is reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque, and is that a bad thing?

Wraparound glass is reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque, and is that a bad thing?

Published Aug 19, 2011

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SsangYong, best known in South Africa for its imposing "Powered by Mercedes-Benz" Musso SUV, has something very different up its corporate sleeve for this year's Frankfurt motor show - a super-versatile crossover concept not much bigger than a family hatchback.

No details yet on the nuts and bolts (and what you see above is the best we could do with the teaser shots) but, according to the maker, the Concept XUV 1 is based on the ideals of a moving communication space - which means you can expect it to be wired to the max.

The designers say they have used extensive glassed areas and carefully curved bodywork to give the concept some presence without looking "aggressive" - and by concealing the A pillars behind the wraparound windscreen they've extended the glass in one sweep all the way back to the C pillars - with a full-length glass roof as well.

The cabin layout is described as "either 1+1+2 or 1+3 seating" which doesn't sound very practical but certainly underlines the flexibility available from SsangYong's current platforms.

Central locking, aircon, sound, satnav, phone and online systems are all controlled by wireless remotes - or from smartphones! - and a sliding door allows easy access even in tight parking situations.

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