Ssangyong's next-gen SUVs will look tough

Ssangyong goes retro for its X200 design concept

To say that Ssangyong Motors has been in dire straits since late last year is an understatement. Not only did the Korean automaker file for bankruptcy, but their CEO also resigned after failing to find a new investor. To make matters worse, Ssangyong still has to pay a huge KRW 301 billion loan (about PHP 13.3 billion) to its parent company Mahindra.

As such, Ssangyong needs to turn things around, and one of the ways they're doing so is by redesigning their next-generation SUVs. Aside from launching 3 new electric vehicles (EVs), the automaker also revealed the X200 concept. Featuring a new design language called 'Powered by Toughness', the concept effectively previews Ssangyong's new styling philosophy.

Borrowing styling cues from past models (and from other brands), the X200 has a bold look. It comes with a huge front grille, circular headlights, chunky fender flares, overly-sized wheels, and rugged bumpers. With the wheels pushed to corners, the X200 has short overhangs, giving it great approach/departure angles. Also worth mentioning on this particular Ssangyong is the retractable soft top. It sits between the roof rails and will provide open-air motoring for the driver and passengers.

“The design of the new X200 is based on SsangYong’s new design philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’, and follows on from our recently announced J100 mid-sized electric car. With this new design, the company is showcasing its new product identity to communicate a powerful and modern SUV while drawing on the inherited values of its authentic heritage,” said a Ssangyong spokesperson.

Despite being a design study for its future SUVs, we cannot help but think the X200 could go up against the likes of the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and even the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The automaker will likely tone down its design if ever they decided to make a production version of the X200. But as it is, the X200 has the aesthetics (and maybe the capability) for a go-anywhere 4x4.

The company may be experiencing hard times, given its current financial status. But if plans for the X200 and EVs go accordingly, they could be on the road to recovery.