The SsangYong brand has not been able to achieve great commercial success, especially in the old continent in recent years. Nevertheless, the Koreans continue to expand their product range, this time placing a new inexpensive SUV that will appeal to European customers, almost all of whom are moving towards the models. Dacia.
If the design sounds familiar, that’s because you may have seen it before, the Torres is the production name of the J100 project, which was announced last year. The name Torres, in reference to a Chilean park ‘Torres del Paine’ in Patagonia, known for its mountains, glaciers, lakes and rivers.
The company says the Torres will be the first model incorporating its new design identity called “Powered by Toughness”. The rugged styling cues of the SUV are shown in sketches that were released last year, with slim LEDs, a Jeep-style grille, scuff plates on the bumpers, toned fenders and a bump on the tailgate resembling an integrated spare tire cover. Also, in these illustrations, the car is equipped with large-diameter wheels shod with all-terrain tires, and roof-mounted headlights.
Will Dacia have a major competitor?
According to a SsangYong spokesperson, the Torres will bridge the gap between “mid-size SUVs like the Korando and large SUVs like the Rexton.” The company hopes that by creating an additional segment, it can increase its market share by taking advantage of the growing popularity of rugged-looking SUVs, especially in the European market, where this segment is dominated mainly by the Roman SUV. Dacia Duster.
Orders for SsangYong Torres will open in June in South Korea. A fully electric version of the SUV, codenamed U100, will be introduced in Europe towards the end of 2023.
