Ssangyong e-XIV

After earlier XIV and KEV concepts, it has the e-XIV - for electric exciting user interface vehicle - to show its thinking on a range-extender vehicle, complete with a solar roof panel to power the car's auxiliary electrical systems.

It uses a combined 1.0-litre petrol engine and electric power pack to provide a range of 600 kilometres, similar to the Audi range-extender system also on show in Paris. The e-XIV also shows Ssangyong's latest design direction in a mid-sized SUV, although there is no confirmation yet of any plan to take the vehicle - or its mechanical package - forward for production.

The Korean car brand is being primed for a renewed push in Australia. A new importer is promising big things for a brand which is best known for its blunt-but-effective four-wheel drives and a one-time tie-up with Mercedes-Benz.

Ssangyong is working hard on the home front, including a range-extender hybrid concept unveiled at the Paris motor show, and Neville Crichton says there is plenty of untapped potential in Australia. "I think the product is good. I think it's been badly represented. And I think we've got quite a good future with it," Crichton reveals to Carsguide at the Paris show.

The chief of the giant Ateco import group - which holds local rights to everything from Ferrari to Chery - has just taken on Ssangyong after losing its Fiat-Alfa Romeo and Citroen franchises. "We needed something to take up the loss of Citroen. But it is totally independent of Ateco. I own the company, but it's outside of Ateco," Crichton says.

"At this stage, we're putting a staff together right now." He is sticking with the current Ssangyong lineup - Korando and Actyon SUVs, Actyon ute and Stavic people mover - and believes they can get the job done.

"I think it's got upside. It's not going to be Hyundai or Kia, but it's got upside," Crichton says. "The positioning will be above the Chinese and a little below the Japanese. It will be mainly the old product range. "I don't think it's been done right, and I've thought that for quite some time. I talked to Ssangyong years ago about the UK market.

The official changeover occurs on November 1 but Crichton say things will not get into top gear until February of next year. The brand has already recorded a 22.4 per cent sales improvement through August this year and Crichton has a proven track record with Korean companies after taking Kia from 5000 to 26,000 before selling the rights back to the company.