SsangYong is still looking for a buyer to save it from receivership but it is nevertheless continuing its range expansion. The Korean company published a set of sketches previewing its new SUV that will be called the Torres. If the design looks familiar it is because you might have already seen it – the Torres is the production name of the J100 project that was announced last year. The name comes from the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, known for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers. In this way, SsangYong wanted to communicate the adventurous nature of the SUV which is depicted in Jurrasic World-style backgrounds in the official sketches.
The company says that the Torres will be
the first model incorporating its new design identity called “Powered by
Toughness”. The rugged styling cues of the SUV are retained from last year’s
sketches, with thin LEDs, a Jeep-style grille, protective skidplates on the
bumpers, toned-up fenders, and a bump on the tailgate resembling an integrated
spare wheel cover. In the illustrations, the car is fitted with large-diameter
wheels shod in all-terrain tires, and roof-mounted lights.
According to a SsangYong spokesperson, the
Torres will fill the gap between “semi-medium-sized SUVs such as Korando and
large SUVs like Rexton”. The company hopes that by creating an additional
segment it will be able to increase its market share benefiting from the
increasing popularity of rugged-looking SUVs.
SsangYong will start taking pre-orders for
the Torres this June, starting from the Korean market. A fully electric version
of the SUV, codenamed U100, will be introduced in Europe towards the end of
2023.
