2012 Sangyong SUT-1 review and pictures

Offering all the robust, high value, high quality attributes of SsangYong vehicles in a new pick-up opens up the brand's strengths to a whole new area of the global new vehicle market.

Making its world debut at the IAA International Motor Show, Frankfurt 2011, SsangYong's SUT-1 is ready to enter mass production. Having debuted in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, the truck has now evolved into a showroom ready model.

Applying modern design techniques to the traditional pick-up body has resulted in a stylish Sports Utility Truck that perfectly presents the dynamism and strength of SsangYong Motor. Balancing the needs of load volume with attractive lines, SUT-1 is the ideal vehicle for a wide variety of drivers, whether they enjoy leisure activities such as camping, skiing and cycling or they just need a hard working truck.

Far from being a stripped out commercial model, SUT-1 offers the cabin comfort and luxury of a premium SUV. Equipment includes a sunroof, RDS & Bluetooth audio, rear view camera, hinge sprung tailgate and a trip computer. Safety equipment hasn't been forgotten either, with functions such as ESP and dual airbags fitted to make SUT-1 a genuine alternative to a conventional 4x4.

Efficiency has also been at the forefront of SUT-1's engineering, with the 2.0 Active Diesel Engine complying with Euro 5 emissions standards and offering highly competitive economy. CO2 emissions have been reduced to 186g/km, representing a nine per cent improvement over the engine's previous performance.

This impressive efficiency is achieved without any compromise in performance. Peak torque of 360Nm is maintained across a wide range of 1,500 to 2,800rpm, while 190Nm is delivered at a near-idle 1,000rpm.

Styling

When penning the SUT-1's distinctive lines, designers had in mind SsangYong's corporate product development philosophy, ?Robust, Specialist, Premium'. Expressing the company's latest design language, SUT-1 takes on a dynamic appearance displayed through the bird-wing shaped radiator grille and headlamp silhouette.

The SsangYong's stylish body houses a spacious five-seat cabin, enabling both the driver and passengers to travel in comfort en route to their chosen activity. A large 2m2 deck provides ample space for all types of extreme sports equipment, making SUT-1 the ideal companion for anyone with a growing sense of adventure.

New eco-friendly powertrain

Drivers have the option of either rear wheel drive or on demand four wheel drive in their SUT-1, coupled to six speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 2.0 Active Diesel Engine fitted to all variants is impressively efficient despite its 155ps power output. Buyers of the automatic model also benefit from a sixth cruising gear for maximum comfort and economy at motorway speeds.

Strong safety specifications

The ultra-rigid frame body is equipped with front seat dual airbags and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. Passenger safety is further prioritised through the installation of ISOFIX attachments for a child seat and ESP (Electronic Stability Program), including various functions such as Active Rollover Protection and Brake Assist System (ABS).

Comfort and handling

SsangYong has engineered SUT-1 to offer all the dynamic appeal of a premium SUV. The truck's combination of double wishbone and five-link suspension is more commonly found on full-sized SUV models, while the optimal tuning of engine mounts has minimised vibration in all driving conditions.

EQUIPMENT

Mechanical