You would think that at some point in the past five years, the never-ending deluge of Ssangyong concept SUVs would stop and the Korean automaker would finally show a production version of some kind. It shouldn’t be that hard to do, right? Well, guess again because Ssangyong is headed back to the Geneva Motor Show with yet another concept SUV that it’s touting as “a new vision for the brand’s SUV of the future.” We’ve heard that line before.
In any event, the new concept is called the XAVL and from what CEO Johng-sik Choi tells us, it’s an evolved iteration of the XAV that the company unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2015. You read that right. The XAVL Concept is an evolved version of a previous concept. Color me bewildered because that’s exactly how I’m taking this.
To be fair, the XAVL does have some redeeming qualities. It’s a lot better to look at than the rolling monstrosity that was the XAV. The front section has a more balanced look to it, although those massive skid guards are still a sight for sore eyes. There’s a natural masculinity to it too that seemed too forced on its predecessor. The same is true with the rear section. It’s got nicer lines and a more streamlined taillight design, much better than the confused mess on the XAV.
If Ssangyong’s objective for the XAVL is to re-do the XAV and mask it under the premise of automotive design evolution, then consider the job well done. But at some point, these concepts have to stop, at least if the company wants to be taken seriously. We need a mind-blowing production SUV that you can be proud to call your own.
Otherwise, the jokes will keep on coming, as they have been for quite some time now.
Come on, Ssangyong. I’d like to think that you’re better than this.
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from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2lZGiUh
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