.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
.jpg?p=120209_04:31)
.jpg?p=120209_04:54)
.jpg?p=120209_04:35)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
Notorious for producing hideous cars with even worse names, it’s fair to say we’re not exactly Ssangyong’s biggest fans. Winner of WTF Car? Awards’ Minger of the Year 2009 with the truly terrible Rodius, they’re crap to drive and feel about as sturdy as cheap flat-pack wardrobe.
But the C200, just revealed at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea last week is distinctly… OK. Not the best-looking car in the world, but not exactly repulsive either, eh?
Scheduled for production later this year and expected to reach the UK within the next 12 months, it will be available in two versions and three power choices – the Eco diesel hybrid and the actually not-bad-looking Aero 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel or turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol.
Heralding something of a new era for the struggling Korean carmaker, the C200 was designed by Giugiaro’s ItalDesign - the clever Italians behind the Maserati Quattroporte.
Jumping on the already crowded green bandwagon, Ssangyong is calling the the C200 a ‘compact urban vehicle’ and emphasising the Eco’s emissions compliance at every available opportunity, mainly by painting it an arresting shade of bile green.
The C200 is the first major step in Ssangyong’s plans for global awareness as the Korean manufacturer prepares to introduce 20 new models over the next five years. Hell, this could be the start of a brave new Ssangyong dawn. Maybe...
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Mikeado commented on this article
at 02:01 pm on 06 April 2009
If in doubt, rip stuff off. Very Volvo-ish nose, BMW wheels, and a Fiat or something in the rest of that pic. Still, not bad at all for a Ssangyong.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
VieVentar commented on this article
at 04:58 pm on 06 April 2009
Not sure about the NHS spec's for headlights myself, or the front grill that looks like its stuffed with elastic bands. But that said I'm not currently vomiting so its a huge leap forwards for Ssangyong.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Africord commented on this article
at 05:09 pm on 06 April 2009
I expect SIAC influence and relationships are coming to bear on product design. They certainly couldn't make it any worse.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
CaMpErVaN-aLeX commented on this article
at 05:22 pm on 06 April 2009
You know why this looks better than the car which must not be named (THE RODIUS) Its because they crucified the last designer
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
LeBonkers commented on this article
at 05:41 pm on 06 April 2009
Is that melting cheese inside the front grill? Surely its not ItalDesign's doing is it? Nice work on looks though, as expected from ItalDesign. How will it drive? As long as I can remember SSangYongs drive like cardboard boxes...
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.