- 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine works well with automatic transmission
- Versatile interior
- Under-damped suspension struggles with uneven surfaces
- Poor dynamics
- Slow-geared steering lacks feel
- Steering wheel doesn’t adjust for reach
- Cramped rear seats
Review: Ssangyong D100.I Kyron (2006-07)
Overview
Released in February 2006, the Ssangyong D100 Series I (D100.I) Kyron was a compact SUV with a part-time four-wheel drive system. Manufactured in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, the Kyron range consisted of three variants: the M200, M270 and M320. Furthermore, the Kyron had a part-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case; as such, high- and low-range 4WD modes could be selected via a switch on the dashboard.
Engines
Of the engines,
- The M270 variants were powered by the 2.7-litre OM647 five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which was designed by Mercedes-Benz but produced under license by Ssangyong. As such, the OM647 engine had a cast iron block, common-rail injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 18.0:1;
- For M200 variants, the 2.0-litre diesel engine was a derivative of the OM647 engine albeit with four cylinders and a shorter stroke of 85.6 mm (compared to 92.4 mm); bore was unchanged at 86.2 mm; and,
- For M320 variants, the 3.2-litre M104.99 petrol engine was also designed by Mercedes-Benz and produced under license by Ssangyong; it had a cast iron block, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Dimensions and suspension
Designed by Ken Greenly, the Kyron was 4660 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1755 mm tall and had a 2740 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Kyron had double wishbone front suspension and a five-link live rear axle.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M200 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
104 kW at 4000 rpm | 310 Nm at 1800-2750 rpm |
| M270 | 2.7-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
121 kW at 4000 rpm | 340 Nm at 1800-3250 rpm |
| M320 | 3.2-litre petrol I6 | 5sp auto | 162 kW at 6100 rpm | 312 Nm at 4600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the D100.I Kyron included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The M270 and M320 added full-length curtain airbags, while the M320 was further equipped with brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control and hill descent control.
Features
Standard features for the Kyron M200 included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, power windows and door mirrors, heated and retracting door mirrors, roof rails, tinted windows, 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser; automatic models were also fitted with cruise control.
The Kyron M270 was further equipped with a retractable cargo cover, while the range-topping M320 added leather seats, power adjustable front seats, automatic headlights, an anti-glare rear view mirror and rear spoiler.
Review: Ssangyong D100.II Kyron (2007-12)
Overview
Released in August 2007, the D100 Series II (D100.II) Kyron introduced a revised range (the M320 was discontinued), firmer suspension settings and revised styling. Furthermore, the diesel engines were upgraded for Euro IV emissions compliance, with changes including an electronically-controlled exhaust gas recirculation system and a revised ECU.
Visually, the D100.II Kyron could be identified by its more conservative styling, with a new bonnet, grille, larger front air intake, head- and tail-lights, larger tailgate window and alloy wheels. Inside, there was a new instrument cluster, black cloth seat material, improved instrument backlighting, black dashboard and illuminated vanity mirrors; there was also a new steering wheel with gearshift controls for the five-speed automatic transmission.
The D100.II Kyron range was updated in February 2008 and, in 2009, the M270 was discontinued and the five-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a six-speed unit.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M200 | 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2007-08 | 104 kW at 4000 rpm | 310 Nm at 1800-2750 rpm |
| 2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man., 6sp auto |
2009-12 | 104 kW at 4000 rpm | 310 Nm at 1800-2750 rpm | |
| M270 | 2.7-litre turbo-diesel I5 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2007-09 | 121 kW at 4000 rpm | 340 Nm at 1800-3250 rpm |
Features
Standard features were largely unchanged with the D100.II update, though the Kyron M270 gained a cargo net.
February 2008: Kyron update
In February 2008, safety equipment was improved with the Kyron M200 and M270 fitted with full-length curtain airbags, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill decent control and rollover stability control. Furthermore, SPR editions were released with dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings and a retractable cargo cover.
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