SsangYong, which filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2020, is optimistic about the future: it has shared new images of a promising crossover with an aggressive design, for which the name Torres was chosen (first of all, the car was known under the internal J100 index). It is assumed that the novelty will be able to pull the automaker out of the ongoing crisis, but before that happens, SsangYong needs to find a new investor.

A fresh teaser released by the Korean media shows the same model, the prototype of which was captured by spy cameras earlier this year. It is recognizable by its Jeep-style grille and massive front bumper with chrome trim. In addition, the car has an additional lighting unit on the roof (it was not on the early sketches), and, judging by the location of the handle on the fifth door, it opens to the side.

It is specified that the J100 will have a load-bearing body and, in addition to the electric modification (it bears the designation U100), there will be a version with a traditional internal combustion engine – presumably a 1.5-liter petrol “turbo four”. This goes against earlier rumors that the J100 should be the first SsangYong without a fuel equivalent.

The automaker explained the choice of the name Torres as follows: the car was named after Torres del Paine, a national park in Chile. It is assumed that the novelty will occupy an empty niche between the Korando crossover and the Rexton frame SUV. Premiere SsangYong Torres will take place in the summer – in June or July.

Since 2011, 74.65% of the shares of SsangYong have been owned by the Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra. In the spring of 2021, it became known that against the backdrop of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mahindra took a course to cut costs and refused financial support to SsangYong. The brand was declared bankrupt, and since then it has been under external control.

SsangYong Motor is actively looking for an investor as a preliminary agreement planned for March this year failed: the buyer, startup Edison Motors, was unable to meet its payment obligations on time.

Source: The Korea Herald