First Look at Ssangyong XIV-2 Sport Utility Coupe Concept Car

Hyundai and Kia are household names in most of the world. Another Korean carmaker, Ssangyong, is not quite as well known but is turning out SUVs and light trucks with far more style than most of their big-name counterparts.

The company, which specializes in SUVs and large luxury cars, is out in full force at the Geneva Auto Show, which kicked off on March 8. (Click here to read our write-up of the redesigned Kia Cee’d, also announced at the show.) Ssangyong is announcing its fully revamped lineup at the show, including the small-scale Korando, New Actyon Sports truck and Rexton midsize SUV.

But it isn’t Ssangyong’s road-ready Rambomobiles that are drawing the most attention from show goers and journalists, it’s the more elegantly designed XIV-2 Concept.

This coupe-style SUV (is that a CUV?) features a retractable cloth roof similar to that of the Fiat 500. It sits relatively high compared to other cars of the same size and is designed to appeal to drivers in their twenties. While the car has a definite convex shape overall, it’s curves meet to form sharp lines that give it an aggressive look.

Inside, a central screen takes care of all of the XIV-2’s controls. There’s also smartphone integration for all passengers through the Auto User Interface, but Ssangyong hasn’t provided full details on that feature yet.

Ssangyong was definitely trying to create a people friendly car with the XIV-2, taking this concept even to the name, which stands for eXciting user Interface Vehicle 2. The car is also environmentally friendly, with Euro VI compliant 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel or petrol engines mated to six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes.