The return of boxes is fashionable
SsangYong Motor appears to be able to keep up with the growing popularity of SUVs. The company announced a design concept called X200, which looks very familiar if you look closely. As customers value style and performance, crossovers and SUVs are becoming more popular. Automakers are eager to offer rugged off-roaders and crossovers that look good.
This latest SsangYong creation is not as impressive as other boxes like the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. The SsangYong X200’s details are not available as the concept is only a preview of the SUV’s design. However, it appears to have the aesthetic to match. The front looks dangerously similar to the Jeep’s seven-slotted grille. To give the Jeep a short overhang and excellent approach and departure angles, the wheels are pushed to their corners.
Although you might think that the rectangular rear fender extensions look strange, they work well with the square taillight design. The concept drawings show a retractable soft-top opening between the roof rails. This would allow for open-air motoring but it is not as good as the Bronco or Wrangler. Although the SUV’s offroad capabilities are enhanced by the over-designed wheels, red tow hooks and silver cladding around its bottom, some elements will likely change before production starts.
The SsangYong X200 was designed around the company’s Powered by Toughness design philosophy. This is a new ethos that will guide how the company designs its future vehicles. SsangYong did not elaborate on the potential eco-friendly powertrains for the X200 in its press release. We wouldn’t be surprised if an electrified version of the X200 is offered by the company, which is currently working on the J100 all-electric SUV. It’s expected to go into production in 2022.