SsangYong is back
SsangYong Motor is back in the Philippines under a new distributor: SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines ( SBMP). After the formal distribution signing ceremony last Wednesday, SBMP went straight to work, introducing the brand and its initial product offerings at the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show ( MIAS).
At the helm of SBMP is industry veteran MDave “Mr. Mac” Macasadia, who serves as the company’s Managing Director. Macasadia personally unveiled the company’s offerings: the Tivoli, Korando, and Rodius at the show.
“We are proud to present to the Filipino motoring public SsangYong’s three core global products in the Rodius, the Korando, and the Tivoli,” says Macasadia. “All these models are designed to address Filipino families’ needs for stylish, durable, economic and dynamic modes of transportation,” he adds.
The Tivoli is SsangYong’s entrylevel model powered by a 1.6- liter gasoline engine with 128hp and 160Nm of torque. Mated to either a 6- speed manual or 6- speed dual- clutch automatic, the Tivoli targets the urban warrior who wants a different, yet sporty choice in a subcompact SUV.
Prices for the Tivoli start at P785,000 for the1.6SXM/Tandt hat comes already with 16- inch alloy wheels and a 2- DIN audio system among the list of standard features. Opting forth eA/ T variant at P845,000 adds the automatic along with front fog lamps. Then there’s the mid- range EXG with LED daytime running lights, USB Mirror Link system, leather seats, and a 7- inch touchscreen infotainment system for P945,000 while the Sport ups that with a DVD entertainment system and a sportier exterior appearance package that includes 18- inch alloy wheels at P1,040,000. The range tops out at P1,080,000 for the Sport R.
Next to the Tivoli is the Korando. Short for “Korea Can Do,” the Korando is SsangYong’s compact crossover offering, powered by either a 2.0- liter gasoline or 2.0-liter diesel engine. The gasoline generates 149hp and 197Nm of torque while the diesel does 175hp and 360Nm. The engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
Penned by renowned Italian design house Giogetto Giugiario, the Korando is made available with LED daytime running lights as well as a choice of 16, 17, and 18- inch alloy wheels depending on the variant. The five- seater Korando features aluminum and wood accents inside with copious amounts of head-, leg-, and knee room compared to its rivals. The monocoque chassis promises a car- like driving feel with reduced NVH while the all- wheel drive system with lock mode on the top- of- the- line ELX equates to confident off- roading capabilities.
The Korando comes in four variants: the 2.0L A/ TEX G with its 2.0- liter gasoline engine starts the range at P1,090,000. The entry- level diesel, the 2.0 L M/ TS X Dissimilarly priced at P1,090,000. Up the range, and the 2.0 LA/ TEX Di sat P 1,250,000 while the 2.0 A/ TA W DEL X tops out at P1,390,000. The ELX comes complete with 18- inch alloy wheels, leather seating, a 7- inch touchscreen infotainment system, and more to go with that all- wheel drive system.
Finally, completing the SsangYong range is the Rodius, the brand’s MPV that combines the rugged looks of a full- sized SUV with the interior flexibility of an MPV. Powered by a 2.0- liter diesel motor across the line, the Rodius is perfect for families that require the ultimate in space, versatility, and comfort.
The range starts out at P1,290,000 for the SX 11 with manual transmission, 2- DIN audio system ,11- seat er configuration, and polyurethane seats. At P1,490,000, you get a more comfortable 9- seater configuration called the EX 9 that comes with an automatic gearbox along with a fancier audio system and leather seats. Finally, the flagship is the ELX 7, which has, you guessed it, seven seats with more luxury features for P1,590,000.
Supporting the day-to-day operations of the newly formed business is parent company Berjaya Auto Philippines. This is the same company that distributes and promotes the Mazda brand in the country.
Macasadia adds, “Our aim is to provide the best service as we uplift the SsangYong brand in the consciousness of the Filipino motorist.” Thus, SsangYong Philippines is welcoming owners of earlier released SsangYong models to visit the upcoming showrooms for servicing and parts requirements. According to Macasadia, this is how SsangYong aims to establish a strong connection with its former and future customers. SsangYong Philippines will further expand its network to address the wants and needs of the growing market.
The first S sang Yong Motor dealership will open along Quezon Avenue near Mazda.