Date Published: 17th December 2010
Ssangyong has been close to death over the last few years, but its UK importer is looking forward to a rosier future as the Korean factory gets back on its feet. For that reason, our test vehicle was an 08-plater, but it’s the same truck that’s still on sale now.
Getting into the Kyron after anything else here wasn’t like stepping back a couple of years, though. It was like stepping back a couple of decades. Our testers slated its harsh plastics, clunky controls and cheap-feeling seat leather, as well as commenting on old favourites like the cutlass-handle handbrake lever and vertically stacked digital clock.
There was praise for the simplicity of the dash layout, though, and a seating position that gives you a good view ahead. A decent cubby box and console bin made up for a hopeless glovebox and tiny door pockets, but here again testers commented on the hardness of the plastics.
Much as our testers liked the front seating position, however, they hated it in the rear, commenting on the seats themselves and the way their knees were pressed into a rock-hard front seat-back. At least they fold easily, with a one-shot action which leaves a stepped but adequately long cargo bay. There’s a useful segmented tray under the floor, too.
Next - To Drive Jump: 1. To Live With 2. To Drive 3. Verdict
