Ssangyong e-SIV concept teased

The Ssangyong electronic Smart Interface Vehicle (e-SIV) concept will be revealed at the Geneva motor show as a precursor to its Nissan Qashqai-rivalling Korando.

The e-SIV shows Ssangyong’s future styling direction, with slim headlights up front and a rear light bar (which has been a growing trend among carmakers in the past 12 months). This styling direction can already be seen in the Rexton, as well as the Tivoli EVR EV concept that Ssangyong took to Geneva in 2015. The e-SIV will sit above the Tivoli in the brand’s range of SUVs but below the Rexton. The concept will also showcase Ssangyong’s latest connectivity technology and autonomous systems – although the Korean automaker stops short of detailing which systems the car features in concept form.

Under the car's bonnet is a 188hp electric motor, which powers it to a top speed of 150kph. The car's range is claimed to be 449km, putting the e-SIV 21km down on the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV, which is also making its debut at the Geneva motor show. It also comes with a 50-minute fast charge that charges the car to 80 percent.

The SIV-2 concept was originally reported to preview the brand’s offering in the crowded segment of the Qashqai, so it’s expected that the e-SIV will show a closer-to-production version of the car. The Korando is due for replacement in 2019, so the e-SIV is expected to replace that model, with an electric variant, arriving later. The Korando, which was designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and entered production in 2010, will likely be replaced by the production e-SIV – which will take a different name when it hits the road.

Ssangyong’s first EV will rival the Kona EV and be based on the Tivoli. It is due to arrive before 2020.