Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 26:

The influx of Korean vehicles in Nepal is changing the contours of the domestic auto market. Luxury cars are expensive and cheap cars are not luxurious. That’s the way it has been. But

the fast-growing Asian manufacturers of low-priced vehicles are breaking this tight compartementalisation around the world and though Nepali auto market is small, it is not an exemption.

The speedy growth of Korean auto giants have also compelled other global manufacturers including Indian vehicle manufacturers to offer new choices to buyers which certainly is an advantage to customers.

Ssangyong Motor Company (SMC), founded in 1954, is a premier manufacturer

of high-end luxury passenger cars and sport utility vehicles and recreational vehicles in Korea.

It does not manufacturers small or commercial vehicles. The carmaker’s lineup in Nepal includes the new Chairman in the luxury car segment, new Rexton and Musso as SUVs and the Musso Sports as a sport utility truck.

Hansaraj Hulaschand is the authorised dealer for the SMC vehicles in Nepal. Sales figures of SMC vehicles in Nepal indicate that these products have been able to build a place for themselves in the cutthroat domestic auto market. SMC parts suppliers are certified by Mercedes-Benz and their parts are subjected to rigorous durability testing. The Mercedes approach to engine producation are followed in Ssangyong Motors.

Rexton

The more efficient and robust features of the new Rexton keep the luxurious image intact. The XDi270 engine of Rexton comes with an intensive R&D of four years by SMC. The Rexton engine with 170 BHP, is of common-rail direct-injection (CRDi) type and boasts of a high level of power. 3G common rail is also adopted in the Rexton. The Rexton engine has maximum combustion efficiency with its fuel injection system, which makes it possible to inject high-pressure fuel into the cylinder head. To ensure safety, the new Rexton features larger brakes to suit the 170 BHP, highly efficient engine, and advanced safety systems such as ESP (electronic stability programme) and BAS (brake assist system). The XDi270 engine complies with EURO III.

Musso

Appealing to the more economy-conscious, the 120 BHP 2.9-litre inline-5 inter-cooled turbo Diesel delivers a superb performance with 25.5 kgm of torque. All engines feature Mercedes Benz’s unique pre-combustion technology that helps extract maximum energy from each fuel droplet while preventing knocking and ensuring quieter operation.

The cockpit of Musso SUV and SUT both has a saloon like comfort. The comfortable drivers space and the first class seating with adjustable height, head-restraints, foldable seats, side and centre armrest with cup holders ensure maximum versatility and optimum passenger comfort. The exterior is built in functionality and flair. Radiator grille gives it a unique style. The deck trim has been designed as a durable covering and also enhances looks. To ensure accurate fuel delivery, the fuel injection timing control system is driven by a double chain that connects with the injection pump, engine crankshaft and overhead camshaft. A hydraulic auto-tensioner adjusts chain tension to prevent any potential error.

Chairman

Chairman looks like an old benz, drives like an old benz and is priced like an old benz. The Chairman comes in four variants, the CM 400S, CM 500S, CM 600S and the stretched CM600L, powered by 2.3l, 2.8l and 3.2l engines, respectively.

Limousines with leather upholstery eight-way adjustment for the powered driver’s seat, seat warmers for all five seats, rear parking assistance and a sophisticated 10-speaker sound system are included. Front and side airbags lead the safety list, backed up by stability and traction control, a swingaway brake pedal and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror. There are no options. Under the long bonnet of Cm400S there’s a 2,295 cc engine with in-line four cylinders that produces a power of 110 BHP @ 5500 RPM.

Suspension is via a damperstrut arran-gement up front and a modular multi-link at the rear, working with an electronic shock absorber control system. Braking is supplied by front ventilated discs and solid discs at the rear.