Pickup variant of the Rexton 'Ssangyong Q200' to launch in 2018

Will replace the Ssangyong Korando Sports.

The current, third generation Ssangyong Rexton was introduced at the 2012 Busan Motor Show. Now, Ssangyong is readying the fourth generation Ssangyong Rexton in South Korea. According to a report from Auto Express, the South Korean automaker is working on a new 1-tonne pickup truck also alongside, which will replace the Ssangyong Korando Sports.

The new 1-tonne pickup truck (codename: Ssangyong Q200) will be based on the next-gen Ssangyong Rexton, as per the report. The British publication claims to have seen both these models and says that they share common styling from the A-pillar forwards. The common exterior shared by the next-gen Ssangyong Rexton and the pickup truck based on it is inspired by the Ssangyong LIV-1 (Limitless Interface Vehicle) concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

The new pickup truck won't be named Ssangyong Korando Sports, at least not in the UK. It's a larger vehicle than the Ssangyong Korando Sports and will rival with the Mitsubishi L200, the VW Amarok and the Nissan Navara. Like the exterior, the interior will be similar to that of the next-gen Rexton. Around View Monitor and Blind Spot Monitoring systems will be offered in the Ssangyong Q200.

Also See: Next-gen Ssangyong Rexton – Rendering

Getting to the mechanicals, the Ssangyong Q200 will be powered by a 178 bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A Mercedes-Benz-sourced 7- or 8-speed automatic transmission could be offered too. Selectable four-wheel drive system and a locking differential round-up the currently known specifications.

[Source - AutoExpress]