2023 Ssangyong Torres off-roading SUV teased

UPDATE, May 20, 2022: Ssangyong Torres off-roading SUV teased

Korean manufacturer SsangYong has released official teasers off its upcoming Torres SUV, aimed at the off-roading market.

Previously spied with hints at a revival of the Musso nameplate, SsangYong's design sketches for the Torres show off the SUV's rugged design, with silver lower body cladding and roof-mounted spotlights hinting at its off-road aspirations.

With its name taking inspiration from the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, there are hints of its rivals in the SsangYong design, such as its Jeep-esque grille and side-hinged boot entry.

8

“The SUV market continues to expand and subdivide, and with Torres we are filling the gap between semi-medium-sized SUVs such as Korando and large SUVs like Rexton," SsangYong said.

"This move will create an additional segment in the market and will open up new opportunities for us, especially as we further develop the product offering and continue to add value and originality.”

No details have yet been released about the powertrain driving the Torres, but the Korean manufacturer has confirmed it will go into production this June, with plans to launch an electric variant in the back end of next year.

The announcement of the Torres comes just under two months after Edison Motors's take-over bid for SsangYong reportedly fell through, with the former and its associates allegedly failing to pay the balance of US$226.5 million (AU$300.9 million) by the pre-set date – however it's understood SsangYong pocketed the deposit of around US$25 million (AU$33.2 million).

The story to here

8

February 1, 2022: Ssangyong J100 electric SUV spied undisguised

The 2023 Ssangyong J100 electric crossover has been spied undisguised in South Korea.

An image of the production mid-size SUV was uploaded to Woopa TV on YouTube, showing its rear-end – which will closely follow initial design sketches released in mid-2021.

It is expected to be the first all-new model released by the Korean brand under a new owner, after it filed for bankruptcy almost two years ago.

8

The boxy styling is similar to the likes of the Ford Bronco Sport and Haval Dargo (née Big Dog), with upright tail-lights and rugged body cladding – although the Ssangyong is unique in offering a faux spare-wheel holder on the tailgate.

This example is finished in navy green paint with silver accents on the rear bumper, rear spoiler, C-pillar and roof rails.

8

As with the Ford and Haval (and the Ssangyong Korando), the J100 is expected to be underpinned by a unibody platform – rather than a body-on-frame architecture, like the Rexton and Musso.

Extra details, such as battery capacity and performance figures, are currently unknown.

However, a new report suggests the J100 codename could make way for the Musso nameplate when the electric SUV makes its debut in July.

8

According to local media, a recent study showed Koreans would like to see the badge make a return.

What we know as the Musso ute is called the Rexton Sports Khan in its domestic market, with the nameplate last used in Korea in 2005.

This means the Musso could be forced to undergo a name change for the Australian market.

8

The J100 will be the second all-electric model from Ssangyong, following the Korando E-Motion.

It will go on sale in Korea during the first quarter, with a spokesperson for Ssangyong Australia confirming the brand will “carry out assessment activities” with an evaluation vehicle locally.

The new developments are part of a ‘corporate rehabilitation’ for Ssangyong, after a group of investors led by Edison Motors successfully acquired the marque for US$256 million (AU$362m).