The SsangYong Kyron 270 SPR, produced from 2007 to 2014, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the original Kyron SUV, launched in 2005. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Kyron lineup, the 270 SPR combined a 2.7-liter diesel engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This variant aimed to provide a balance of capability, comfort, and fuel efficiency for buyers seeking a practical and relatively affordable SUV. The facelift brought styling updates and minor mechanical refinements to the original Kyron, enhancing its appeal in the competitive SUV market, particularly in Europe and emerging markets where SsangYong had a stronger presence.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SsangYong |
| Model | Kyron |
| Generation | Kyron (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 270 SPR (163 Hp) AWD T-Tronic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 11.1 l/100 km (21.2 US mpg, 25.4 UK mpg, 9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 242 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 79 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm, 167.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 345 Nm @ 1800-3250 rpm (254.46 lb.-ft. @ 1800-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | D27DT 665.950 |
| Engine displacement | 2696 cm3 (164.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.2 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.4 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2063-2128 kg (4548.14 – 4691.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2530 kg (5577.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 402-467 kg (886.26 – 1029.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 625 l (22.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2322 l (82 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 45 kg (99.21 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 92 kg (202.83 lbs.) |
| Length | 4660 mm (183.46 in.) |
| Width | 1880 mm (74.02 in.) |
| Height | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2740 mm (107.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 210-232 mm (8.27 – 9.13 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 26° |
| Departure angle | 23° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 21° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission T-Tronic |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/75 R16; 255/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kyron 270 SPR is the D27DT, a 2.7-liter inline five-cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance by forcing more air into the cylinders. The engine produces 163 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 345 Nm (254.46 lb-ft) of torque between 1,800 and 3,250 rpm. The T-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission, sourced from a variety of suppliers depending on the market, was designed to provide smooth shifting and adequate performance for everyday driving. While not known for its sportiness, the transmission was generally reliable. The engine is longitudinally mounted, contributing to a more balanced weight distribution.
Driving Characteristics
The Kyron 270 SPR offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. The automatic transmission, while smooth, resulted in somewhat leisurely acceleration – 0 to 60 mph taking around 12.9 seconds. The torque-rich diesel engine provided adequate pulling power for towing and navigating varied terrain, especially when utilizing the all-wheel-drive system. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic sacrificed some responsiveness, but offered greater convenience. Higher-output Kyron variants, such as those equipped with the more powerful 2.0-liter petrol engine, provided significantly quicker acceleration, but at the expense of fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system, primarily rear-wheel drive biased, offered good stability and traction in adverse conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 270 SPR trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Higher-spec models could be equipped with leather upholstery, sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. Safety features included ABS brakes and, depending on the market, airbags. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The Kyron’s spacious interior offered comfortable seating for five adults, and the rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo capacity.
Chassis & Braking
The Kyron utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing robust durability and off-road capability. The front suspension consisted of a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear employed a semi-dependent beam with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. This configuration aimed to balance ride comfort with handling stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The hydraulic power steering provided reasonable assistance, although it lacked the precision of more modern systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kyron 270 SPR was generally well-received as a value-for-money SUV, particularly in markets where diesel engines were popular. Critics praised its spacious interior, robust construction, and all-wheel-drive capability. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for its lack of responsiveness, and the overall driving experience was considered somewhat unrefined compared to competitors from established brands. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and type, but not class-leading. Compared to the petrol-powered Kyron variants, the 270 SPR offered superior fuel efficiency and torque, making it a more practical choice for those who frequently towed or drove long distances.
Legacy
The SsangYong Kyron, including the 270 SPR variant, has developed a reputation for reasonable reliability, particularly the diesel engine and drivetrain. While not without its quirks, the Kyron’s robust construction and relatively simple mechanicals make it a relatively affordable and maintainable vehicle in the used car market. Parts availability can be a challenge in some regions, but a dedicated community of Kyron owners provides support and resources. The Kyron paved the way for SsangYong’s later SUV models, such as the Rexton and Korando, and helped establish the brand as a provider of capable and affordable off-road vehicles.
