SsangYong Stavic MPV
2-March-2005
Source: TheStar

Looking for a well-built, large luxurious up-market MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) with plenty of all round legroom and yet economical to run? SsangYong Stavic SV270Xdi is the answer.

It is economical to run because of a 2.7 litre diesel engine which is pleasantly quiet on the run compared to most other diesel engine cars. Start the car and the familiar diesel sound of "tak tak tack" is so muted that one will easily fooled into believing the Stavic is powered by a petrol engine.

Best of all the -power plant is a proven unit found in the SsangYong Rexton RX270Xdi SUV. It is a 2,696cc DOHC common rail turbo diesel that can generate a potent 168 horse-power at 4,000rpm with an astonishing 340NM torque.

It is this 340NM torque that is responsible for the strong surge whenever the accelerator is touched. It is such that there's no doubting that the Stavic is the most powerful that is currently available in the local market.

Overtaking was a breeze. All it takes is a steady pressure on the accelerator and the Stavic will respond immediately. Watch the speedometer as the strong response means it is very easy to go past 110kph highway speed limit. Before you knew it, we were happily flying at 160kph.

What about the aftersales and spare parts? This is the easy part, for SsangYong has a technical tie-up with Daimler-Chrysler and thust all their models such as the Rexton and now the Stavic use their proven technology and features.

The engine in fact is a carry-over from Mercedez Benz.

Recognize the gated gear-shift lever, the fully automatic climatic dual aircond system, ABS brakes, driver's airbag with seatbelt pretensioners, wood grain trim, leather seats, REKES (remote keyless entry system) and power tilt and sliding sunroof, among other features.

There are two variants available for the Malaysian market; a Standard variant and a LUX variant. The LUX variant has the benefit of Mercedes-Benz ESP (electronic stability programme) which keeps the car in stable conditions. It also comes with more upmarket features such as SsangYong Audio Visual Package (DVD player, PALTV turner, reverse camera and front and rear monitors).

The Stavic is large because it was originally built as an 11-seater for the Korean Domestic market. However, Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor for SsangYong Motor Company is offering seven seats, hence the more-than-ample legroom all round.

It is built on the luxurious SsangYong Chairman Sedan platform, but with special reinforcements incorporated into the moncoque chassis frame to make it suitable for use as an MPV.

The Stavic features fourwheel independent suspension; the front is fitted with a double wishbone setup while the rear suspension is a multi-link arrangement.

Ride comfort is wonderful, thank to the suspension with coil springs all round, giving the Stavic excellent handling and comfortable ride.

The interior is luxuriously appointed, with electrically controlled leather seats, full carpeting, and dual air-conditioning. The centre row of seats can be swiveled to make the rear cabin into a comfortable lounge, and these seats also fold over to make coffee tables.

Wood grain panels ac touch of class to the trim. There are plenty of storage places for travel knick-knacks, and there are enough drink holders for everybody.

An electrical controlled sunroof that tilts as well as slide open is a definite selling point.

The Stavic price starts from RM168,000.