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| SsangYong Motor's new Rexton / Courtesy of SsangYong Motor |
By Nam Hyun-woo
SsangYong Motor is hoping for improved sales as consumers increasingly pursue outdoor activities, a trend that has grown as people are seeking less populated locations to spend their time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
To keep up with the trend, SsangYong Motor recently rolled out two new SUV models, which are drawing favorable responses from campers and hikers with their load capacity and outdoor fitness possibilities.
According to a survey by local hypermarket Homeplus, its camping gear sales in October grew 117 percent from a year earlier, and automotive accessories related to camping also showed a sizable increase.
To capitalize on this trend, SsangYong Motor rolled out the Tivoli Air in October and the new Rexton earlier this month. And the market is showing a favorable response to the vehicles, with sales of the new Rexton surpassing the 5,000-vehicle mark shortly after its launch.
SsangYong said the Tivoli Air is targeted at young drivers and newbie campers, with its agile driving performance and space. The Tivoli Air is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine producing 163 horsepower and 26.5 kilogram-force meter torque.
Of notice is its load capacity. The entry-level SUV's trunk can store 720 liters of cargo, which is common in midsize SUVs, and it expands to 1,440 liters when the second-row seats are folded. SsangYong said this comes as a strong advantage for customers considering car camping.
Though packed with a slew of advanced driver assist technologies and active safety functions, the Tivoli Air comes at a reasonable price range starting from 18.98 million won.
The new Rexton is targeted at drivers seeking a family SUV. Sales of the new midsize SUV are picking up momentum, as the vehicle's drastic interior and exterior makeover appeal to customers.
Its 2.2-liter e-XDi220 diesel engine generates 202 horsepower and 45 kilogram-force meter torque, which are up 15 horsepower and 2.2 kilogram-force meter over SsangYong's steady seller, the G4 Rexton. As it is a family-oriented vehicle, the cabin offers plenty of space as well as loading capacity. It can load up to 784 liters which increases to 1,977 liters when the seats in the back are folded down.
The starting price for the vehicle with Luxury trim is 36.95 million won, Prestige trim is 41.75 million won and the highest level ― called The Black ― is 49.75 million won, coming as a strong advantage for customers contemplating between midsize SUVs.
"As car camping and other outdoor activities pick up popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, SUVs having high-tech features, spacious cabins and load capacities are drawing popularity," a SsangYong Motor official said. "SsangYong will continue its efforts to enrich its product lineup to offer SUVs covering every aspect of life."
