New spy shots of the new SsangYong compact SUV. The new SUV will debut late this year to compete with cars such as the Ford Ecosport, Peugeot 2008, Kia Soul, and the upcoming Hyundai ix25. China will be one of the most important markets for the new SUV. Price will range from 110.000 to 160.000 yuan.

The new SUV will be manufactured in South Korea but it won’t be much more expensive than the China-made competition. China and South Korea have a tax-treaty, part of a larger trade deal, that exempts Korean-made cars from most of China’s draconian import taxes.

The new SUV will incorporate design elements of the SsangYong XIV-2 concept car that debuted on the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

First shots of the interior. Not too much too see. Materials seem all right. Power will come from a new 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT. The SUV will be equipped with a start-stop system to save fuel. Diesel engines will be available in other markets but not in China where diesels in passenger cars are forbidden in most cities.

SaangYong badge on the steering wheel.

Korean characters on notebook.