SsangYong SUT 1 Previews Actyon Sports Successor

SSANGYONG SUT 1

SsangYong has dropped a number of teaser illustrations ahead of next month's Geneva Auto Show, offering a glimpse at its new SUT 1 concept.

The debut of the SUT 1 concept will mark the first of SsangYong's future model plans under new owner Mahindra & Mahindra, hinting at a stylish update for the current Actyon Sports ute. 

On the styling front, the SUT 1 looks to draw more than a few design cues from the Musso SUT, itself superseded by the current Actyon Sports.

SsangYong says the SUT 1 is similar in size to the Actyon Sports, measuring 4985mm long (Toyota Hilux extended cab: 5035mm), 1910mm wide and 1755mm tall, riding on a 3060mm wheelbase.

Power is provided by a new Euro 5 compliant 2.0 litre diesel engine, producing 115kW and 360Nm of torque, with optimum torque delivered between 1500 and 2800rpm.

The SUT 1 concept, when it reaches production, will be offered with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission (number of gears for the auto not confirmed), with two- and four-wheel-drive variants.

SsangYong says its latest trade and recreational vehicle will go on sale in Europe and other markets from early 2011.

Local details have still to be confirmed, however SsangYong Australia GM Jeff Barber is confident the SUT 1 will perform well in the busy ute market when it arrives as the new Actyon Sports.

"Australia is the fourth largest market in the world for utes and it is a very crowded and competitive sector however with the next generation Ssangyong Actyon I believe we will have a vehicle that will become a real force in the dual cab ute category.

"Like the Korando this is another new Ssangyong that can sell on style as well as substance, but the new Actyon Sports' beauty will be much more than skin deep," he said.