The SsangYong Family 2.2 D, producing 71 horsepower, was a mainstay of the South Korean automaker’s lineup from 1987 to 1998. This variant occupied the entry-level position within the Family range, a rugged, body-on-frame SUV designed primarily for utility and off-road capability. The Family, and this 2.2 D trim specifically, was crucial in establishing SsangYong (then Dong-A Motor) as a significant player in the burgeoning Korean automotive market, offering a domestically produced alternative to imported vehicles. It was based on a traditional SUV formula, prioritizing durability and practicality over outright performance or luxury. The vehicle was largely unknown outside of its home market and limited export destinations.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SsangYong |
| Model | Family |
| Generation | Family |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 D (71 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 23.8 kg/Hp, 42 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11.6 kg/Nm, 86.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 71 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 31.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 146 Nm @ 2200 rpm (107.68 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2238 cm3 (136.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 21:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2240 kg (4938.35 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4510 mm (177.56 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm (103.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1340 mm (52.76 in.) |
| Rear track | 1270 mm (50 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 215/75 R15 S |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the SsangYong Family 2.2 D was a naturally aspirated, 2.2-liter inline-four diesel engine. This engine, internally designated with various codes depending on the specific year of production, utilized a precombustion chamber injection system – a common diesel technology of the era. This system involved injecting fuel into a small pre-chamber within the cylinder head, where it partially combusted before igniting the main charge. This aided in cold-starting and reduced engine noise compared to direct injection systems of the time. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating two valves per cylinder. The 71 horsepower output was relatively modest, but it was considered adequate for the vehicle’s intended purpose. The five-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox option available with this engine, geared towards maximizing torque delivery for off-road use and towing.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2 D-equipped Family was not known for its speed or agility. Acceleration was slow, and the engine required frequent downshifting to maintain momentum, especially when loaded or climbing hills. The gear ratios in the five-speed manual transmission were optimized for low-end torque, making it reasonably capable in off-road situations. Compared to potential future variants with more powerful engines, this version prioritized fuel efficiency and durability over performance. The relatively low horsepower meant that highway cruising was often done at a relaxed pace, and overtaking required careful planning. The vehicle’s weight, exceeding 3700 pounds, further contributed to its sluggish performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2 D trim level represented the base model of the SsangYong Family. Standard equipment was fairly basic, reflecting its utilitarian focus. Interior appointments typically included vinyl or cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout with minimal instrumentation, and manual windows and door locks. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were features like a radio and upgraded interior trim. The exterior typically featured steel wheels, black plastic bumpers, and minimal chrome detailing. The emphasis was on providing a functional and affordable SUV, rather than a luxurious one.
Chassis & Braking
The SsangYong Family utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable chassis. The front suspension employed a double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension utilized coil springs. This configuration aimed to balance ride comfort with off-road capability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was included as standard equipment, a relatively advanced feature for a vehicle of this type and price point in the late 1980s and 1990s. The tires, typically 215/75 R15 size, were chosen for their durability and all-terrain capabilities.
Market Reception & Comparison
The SsangYong Family 2.2 D was well-received in the Korean market as a practical and affordable SUV. Critics praised its ruggedness and off-road capability, but noted its lack of refinement and relatively slow performance. Compared to other trims in the Family lineup, such as those equipped with more powerful gasoline engines, the 2.2 D offered significantly lower running costs but at the expense of performance. It appealed to buyers who prioritized utility and durability over speed and luxury. Fuel economy, at around 24 US mpg combined, was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and type.
Legacy
The SsangYong Family 2.2 D, while not widely known internationally, played a significant role in establishing SsangYong as a viable automotive manufacturer. The powertrain, while simple by modern standards, proved to be relatively reliable and durable. Today, surviving examples are relatively rare and are often sought after by enthusiasts of Korean automotive history. The 2.2-liter diesel engine itself became a mainstay in other SsangYong models for many years. In the used car market, these vehicles are valued for their simplicity, ruggedness, and affordability, though finding parts can be challenging due to the vehicle’s age and limited production numbers outside of Korea.
