SsangYong Kyron 2006 review

In this instance it's the SsangYong Kyron, a stylish, mid-sized, part-time 4WD priced from $34,490.

Kyron was launched on February 3.

Motor-vated by a 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel, this all-new addition to SsangYong's growing range will soon also come in a choice of 2.7-litre common rail turbo-diesel and 3.2-litre six cylinder petrol engines.

Kyron's package includes standard 18-inch wheels, multi-link suspension, rear parking sensor with three-stage alarm, four-channel ABS brakes, dual front airbags with seat belt load limiters and pre-tensioners.

There's a choice of an optional five-speed T-Tronic auto transmission (engineered by Mercedes-Benz) or standard five-speed man- ual. Our test car came with the former.

The styling comes from an in-house team led by acclaimed SUV designer, Englishman Ken Greenley.

Kyron's size surprised several motor noters at the launch, the concensus being that something smaller was expected.

At an overall size of 4.66m (length), 1.88m (width) and 1.75m (height) and weighing in at 2.53 tonne, Kyron is no Mr Puniverse.

Regardless, SsangYong claims a combined cycle of 7.7-litres per 100km.

Kyron sits on a ladder frame, triple layer steel chassis with a separate subframe and rigid bodyshell.

The maker says it has a towing capacity of 2300kg (braked trailer).

We put the vehicle to the test, driving backroads and then off road into the mountains.

With a maximum power output of 104kW at 4000rpm and 310Nm of torque between 1800 and 2750rpm, Kyron motored along okay but sounded to be working hard on some of the steeper hills.

The ride, too, was noticeably harder than we have come to expect from the current crop of SUVs.

However, unlike some of its competition, Kyron seemed more at home off road.

In 4WD High-Range setting, Kyron made short shrift of an obstacle course, taking water, rock and log crossings in its stride.

Then, with 4WD Low-Range selected, the convoy of Kyrons traversed a succession of daunting hill climbs and descents without drama.

Ground clearance, understandably, was somewhat limited (at 206cm) , but isn't that true of most SUVs, biased as they are towards road use?

We suspect that not too many Kyrons will get to be put through their paces off road, which is a shame given its capability.

Now that we've seen what the 2.0-litre job will do, roll on big brother - the 2.7-litre common rail turbo-diesel.