SsangYong 4WD range and D22T diesel engine, presentation and test drive in Segovia

SsangYong is, today, one of the brands with the most growth and future potential. Proof of this is its range, which is being renewed at breakneck speed.

The Korean brand has now added new 4×4 versions to its vehicles, also improving their performance with a new diesel engine that we have already had the opportunity to test in the Segovia mountains.

The Korean company, which is the oldest manufacturer in Korea, has been experiencing sustained growth for several years. Since the last quarter of last year, SsangYong has been a profitable business unit in its own right, which speaks well of the great efforts that have been made with this brand.

Currently, SsangYong offers a range of 4 models in our country, all family-oriented and adventurous. They are the Tívoli, Korando, Rexton and Rodius, each one more capable than the last. With the arrival of 2016, the SsangYong team has decided to restructure its range, expanding and improving it with a greater and better number of mechanical and aesthetic options.

The Korando renews its front headlights and alloy wheels, also incorporating an instrument cluster similar to that of the Tívoli. The Rexton also changes its front headlights, instrumentation, steering wheel and headrests, while the Rodius changes its steering wheel, wheels and lower dashboard materials, which are now of higher quality.

A complete range with 4×4 models

SsangYong can boast of being one of the few manufacturers that, at this point, offer a product range in which all models, absolutely all of them, have at least one alternative equipped with all-wheel drive. They have wanted to capitalise on this advantage by multiplying the variants with four-wheel drive.

The latest model to incorporate all-wheel drive is the Tívoli, the small urban-style SUV, which at Highmotor we have already had the opportunity to test thoroughly. The Tívoli inherits the non-permanent all-wheel drive system of its bigger brother, the Korando. Both have front-wheel drive by default, featuring a system using a Haldex clutch, which engages the rear axle when a loss of traction is detected.

Even the small Tívoli responds confidently to slippery terrain

This system is simpler than that of its siblings, the Rodius and Rexton, and also lighter. It offers the possibility of locking the power delivery to all four wheels below 50 km/h. On the Tívoli, this system is only available in combination with the D16T diesel engine, a 1.6-litre with 115 CV. In addition, it replaces the rear suspension with trailing wheels with a multi-link system that further improves the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities.

Both the Rexton and Rodius are more “serious” vehicles when it comes to off-roading. They are built with ladder frames and cross members, focused on off-road driving. These two models come, by default, with rear-wheel drive, and can lock power delivery to all 4 wheels below 70 km/h. Furthermore, it is possible to engage a low-range gear that further improves traction capabilities on difficult terrain. These are therefore vehicles with great capabilities off the asphalt.

The brand prepared two off-road routes where we could test the capabilities of the range. Even from the small Tívoli, it is surprising how easily these cars move over slippery terrain, overcoming muddy surfaces and relatively deep ruts without any problems.

A new diesel engine and renewed gearboxes

Coinciding with the introduction of all-wheel drive on the Tívoli, a new diesel engine has been introduced, restructuring the mechanical offering of the SsangYong range. The previous 2-litre diesel engine with two power levels has disappeared, leaving a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, of SsangYong origin (the Austrian specialist AVL collaborated on the previous engine), with better performance as the only option.

This engine, called D22T, now delivers 178 CV and 400 NM, which means a power increase of between 23 and 29 CV, depending on the model. In addition, it significantly improves its efficiency levels, as it reduces consumption compared to the previous D20T by between 0.3 and 0.9 litres in the combined cycle.

Aisin 6-speed and MB 7-speed transmissions are incorporated

In practice, this engine is more refined in every respect. It is quieter, vibrates less, and delivers power more smoothly, without sudden jerks or dips in the power curve. This new mechanical addition is not the only novelty in the range, as the gearboxes, both manual and automatic, have also been improved.

The manuals have improved in feel and precision, although the major improvements relate to the automatic transmissions. The Tívoli and Korando can be fitted with a new six-speed torque converter gearbox, developed by the specialist Aisin, the world’s largest manufacturer of torque converter gearboxes.

The Rexton and Rodius replace the previous 5-speed gearbox with a new 7-speed unit, also of Mercedes-Benz origin, which uses the T-Tronic designation. Thanks to faster operation and better gear spacing, the possibilities of this new engine are used more efficiently.