Frankfurt: SsangYong XIV-1 Concept

Japan, Europe, the US and Australia may soon have another Korean contender to be wary of, with the debut today of SsangYong's XIV-1 Concept in Frankfurt.

SsangYong has confirmed plans for a production version of the mid-sized XIV-1, and with the backing of the $12billion dollar Mahindra group, the 57 year-old carmaker looks to be on track for a bright future.

The Frankfurt arrival of the XIV-1 follows the launch earlier this year of the Korando SUV, its styling and new diesel powerplant marking a significant step forward for the brand.

For the XIV-1, SsangYong's designers have looked to the sporting Range Rover Evoque for inspiration, giving the concept a rising beltline and a wrap-around glasshouse with 'suicide' or coach doors, and a panoramic glass roof.

Inside, the XIV-1 benefits from the body's pillarless design by allowing passengers to move and rotate all of the seats, enhancing its family-oriented versatility.

Technical details for the new SUV remain under wraps for now, but more information should follow in the coming months.