By Nick Syn

WE’VE BEEN HEARING plenty about Hyundai and Kia of late but what of that other notable Korean marque, SsangYong? The local distributor, SsangYong Motors Singapore (SMS), bills itself as a 4×4 specialist, and if you’re looking for an automatic double-cab pick-up truck, you’d agree, as SMS would be the only place to go.

Incorporated in 2002, SMS has been quietly doing a brisk trade in vehicles like the popular Musso pick-up, as well as the Rexton Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the latter having recently been chosen by the Singapore Armed Forces as its “first operational SUV”. Now, the company’s added the Stavic Multi-Purpose Vehicle or MPV to the range.

The Stavic’s strikingly-styled exterior hides seating space for seven people in basic trim but you can opt for accommodation for two more. This makes the Stavic the largest people mover you can buy here, short of acquiring an actual bus. Until now eight-seaters such as Hyundai’s Trajet, Toyota’s Previa and Suzuki’s APV could legally seat the most people.

With the nine seat option, you get four rows of seats. The last two rows can be folded or removed completely depending on how much room you need for people or cargo.

Power is provided by a Mercedes-Benz derived in-line six-cylinder engine. The unit displaces 3.2-litres, and develops 220bhp and 312Nm of torque. It’s mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, with a manual override feature. A four-wheel drive model is also available.

The Stavic also comes with a host of safety options, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist System (BAS) and Active Rollover Protection (ARP). For the launch, the seven-seater Stavic will be priced at $98,888 with COE. SsangYong will also throw in $8,000 worth of early-bird goodies, like a DVD player.

According to SMS’ general manager LTC (NS) Benny Lim, the big MPV’s target customers are families. “Considering the Government’s pro-family policy, the Stavic is definitely ideal for a couple, their three to four kids, parents and possibly a maid,” says LTC Lim.

In addition, LTC Lim is confident that the Stavic will increase his company’s overall sales volume. “We are looking at closing 30 units in the first two months and thereafter about 10 cars per month.”

In celebration of the launch, SMS is also holding a special contest to see how many passengers it can squeeze into a single Stavic. SMS has tied up with Power98FM and will host the contest at its roadshow outside Singtel’s Hello! shop along Orchard Road this weekend.

Participating teams will have had to register via Power98’s website, www.power98.com.sg prior to the contest but there is a limited on-site registration facility. The team that squeezes in the most people stands to win the grand prize of $10,000.

The Stavic will be the first of in a whole new range of SsangYong models, set to be launched next year, including a new SUV, the Actyon. “There are several more to whet even the
biggest appetite!” promises LTC Lim.