SsangYong Kyron 2007 Review

If the market trend toward turbodiesel engines continues, then the SsangYong Kyron is going to be well placed to take maximum advantage of the surge in popularity of modern diesel technology.

The fact that the Kyron range now lacks a petrol variant altogether could potentially be a problem in the showroom, but with more and more buyers in this segment looking toward diesel to satisfy their needs, it may yet prove to be an inspired move by the honchos at SsangYong.

Much like the predecessor it replaces, the new Euro IV Kyron is somehow trapped between being classified as a compact SUV or a full size wagon. It’s a strange state of affairs but not necessarily a bad thing by any means.

There’s potential there for Kyron to make its mark in two sectors of the burgeoning SUV market. Buyers looking for a smaller vehicle will be attracted by Kyron’s frugal fuel consumption and relatively compact dimensions, while buyers looking for a larger wagon will find its deceptive load space and roomy interior competitive.

Design changes to both the front and rear ends of the Kyron make themselves immediately obvious and the new model is a lot less visually controversial than the ugly duckling it replaces.

The new look is both neater and more modern, and while still not taking the top step as the best looking vehicle in its class, it’s a whole hell of a lot better than it was.

The most pertinent and obvious changes include a revised grille design that transforms the front end and replacement of the extremely weird ‘shield shaped’ taillights that softens up the rear end styling significantly.

It appears that SsangYong has been listening to the feedback of the buying public.

The smaller of the two oil burning engines is more efficient and slightly more frugal than the outgoing model, but does not generate any more power or torque. What it does deliver is an increase in driveability.

The main improvements for both the 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre engines have been in the areas of emissions, which mean that they are now Euro IV compliant. The blocks and cylinder heads are both sourced from the Mercedes Benz parts list; although that’s not something SsangYong will be looking to trade on (to their credit) despite the cache that goes with it.

The larger 2.7-litre motor is a willing performer on and offroad and also delivers a claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.7L/100kms, while delivering 121kW and 340Nm. Importantly, the torque is available from 1800rpm, which means that you’ll notice less of the flat spot under acceleration than we experienced in the previous model, which was both annoying and potentially unsafe. That said the 2.0-litre version still needs some spirited coaxing to get it moving along, but the new technology and tweaking of the engine mapping results in a solid driving experience. We’d definitely opt for the bigger engine though.

Impressively, the Kyron has been built on a triple layer, steel ladder frame chassis that delivers a genuine 2300kg towing capacity, which should satisfy the weekend towing warriors.

Onroad handling is solid thanks to the double wishbone, coil sprung front end and 5-link solid axle coil sprung rear end and 255/60, 18-inch rubber.

The ride does become a little harsh over badly rutted, dirt roads though and the suspension can load up quite significantly when the going gets tough. The steering is responsive and communicative and generally speaking, the nose goes where you point it no matter what the road surface underneath you.

The auto box is a nicely geared system that gets about the job asked of it without any snatchiness or fuss, but you’d be well advised to consider the manual if you’re looking at the 2.0-litre engine.

We’re not big on the new ‘thumbs up’ manual shift option that’s been added to the auto and instead preferred to let the gearbox manage the shifting without input. It must be said though that the ability to manually work through the gears without taking your hands off the wheel is a sensible and safe inclusion.

The 4WD system belies the Kyron’s buy in price and we were surprised with the ease with which it traversed a couple of steep and particularly gnarly gradients that some of its more esteemed competitors would struggle to conquer.

Day to day driving is a RWD affair, which in itself is preferable to FWD, and you can select high and low range 4WD from inside the cabin via a dash mounted switch. On the fly switching to high range is available up to a speed of 70kph.

Interior fit and finish has stepped up another notch from the previous model and is impressive and user friendly. The digital clock is a quirky little device that displays the hour above the minutes, but a minor inconvenience it must be said. The standard audio system is clear and easy to use and all switches and controls fall easily and sensibly to hand. We found the driving position to be comfortable and functional and outward view is impressive on or offroad.

The Kyron’s price is competitive when placed against its direct competitors and its build quality is impressive. Importantly, the controversial styling of the previous model had been comprehensively left behind. On first impressions, we reckon it will be well received, particularly by buyers looking to stretch their dollar to the absolute maximum.

Range & Prices

2.0L Diesel Manual: $32,990

2.0L Diesel Auto: $35,990

2.7L Diesel Manual: $36,990

2.7L Diesel Auto: $39,990