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This is the new SsangYong XLV concept, undoubtedly the centrepiece of the Korean company's Geneva Motor Show stand. The XLV (eXciting smart Lifestyle Vehicle) is a B-segment SUV in the vein of the Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport, only here there are seven seats.

Measuring 4,430 mm long, 1,845 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall, the XLV is slightly longer than the competition, but is still smaller than crossovers from a size above such as the Honda CR-V.

The XLV is the latest in the series of concepts by SsangYong, beginning with the XIV-1 at Frankfurt 2011. The boxy SUV showcases the company's new design philosophy, "Nature born – 3 Motion", with slim adaptive matrix LED headlights, pronounced haunches, wraparound front glass area and a thick C-pillar with a black horizontal split.

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The interior, says SsangYong, supports the XLV's eco-friendly credentials, with soft-touch trim and fabric seat materials. The orange dashboard trim that flows down into the centre console is said to be inspired by a bird in flight and features honeycomb illumination. The undoubted main feature of the interior is the "2+2+2+1" seating layout, with the central seat able to slide up and down the two rear rows.

The SsangYong XLV also features the company's suite of interactive communication systems called the 3S-Cube. The package features the "Smart-Link" which controls the car's connectivity system and driving assists, "Safe-Way" that contains features that "ensure driving convenience" and "Special-Sense" that enables the user to customise the information and presentation of the instrument cluster.

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Under the bonnet, there is a 1.6 litre diesel engine, mated to a 10 kW electric motor. SsangYong says that the hybrid powertrain produces 10% less carbon dioxide than the competition, with emissions quoted at 98 g per km with a manual transmission and 109 g per km with an automatic. A 500Wh lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor.

The XLV is likely to spawn a production small crossover that has already been spotted testing. It is being developed in collaboration with Mahindra and will be introduced in the first half of next year.