SsangYong propose 20 new models by 2014

Best known in the UK for its brave approach to vehicle aesthetics - predominantly in the arena of MPV and 4X4 design – SsangYong currently lavishes the Rexton, Kyron and Rodius on British buyers.

SsangYong has recently re-launched in the UK - again - after signing up to Koelliker UK.

The South Korean manufacturer have released a bold future vision which includes the unveiling of 20 entirely new models. Potential UK distribution networks have got time to get their acts together mind, as not one of them will be available until 2009 at the earliest, and not all of them will make it to British shores anyway. That's because it's envisaged that not all the models will be 'appropriate' for the UK market.

From 2009 to 2014 a £1.5billion plan of investment will be rolled out by SsangYong, resulting in 20 new models with five new engines found on five new platforms, thus enabling SsangYong to compete aggressively in new and emerging market sectors.

All of which means UK buyers will be spoilt for choice, something which SsangYong buyers couldn't be accused of to date.

In recent weeks - in something of a departure and possibly a sign of things to come - the SsangYong Chairman was launched, a luxury saloon to take on Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the South Korean market.

Diesel-hybrid engine

For the past couple of decades SsangYong has been borrowing Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions which it has put together under a licensing agreement. However the diesel-hybrid system – first showcased at Geneva this year – will be preferred as these new models emerge over the next five years.

Mating a 160bhp 2.7-litre, five-cylinder diesel engine with a 34kW electric motor, a Torque Split Device either fuses or ceases the power from the electric unit.

This parallel hybrid system works hand-in-hand with the all-electric reserves to 19mph, optimised for for urban driving.

SsangYong claims it can improve fuel efficiency by up to 30%, and also slash tailpipe CO2 emissions on the back of this, strongly hinting that it will make its first appearance in the 2010 Kyron.

Moreover – and of interest to style-bereft Rodius buyers - it's also being rumoured that fabled Italian automotive design house Italdesign, founded by Giogetto Giugiaro, will have creative input, so impressed were SsangYong with the effort it put into its latest Rexton model.

The current SsangYong range starts at just £14,995 for both the Rodius MPV and Kyron 4X4, representing the sort of stoical value-for-money that the car-maker will seek to continue in any new model ranges.