A HINT of what's in store from SsangYong was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the shape of the XAV-Adventure concept model.

With the company hitting a new high after its new Tivoli hatchback was shortlisted for the World Car of the Year awards, the concept car is a clue to the next generation of the Korean brand's popular Korando SUV.

Packed with technology, including a hybrid electric four-wheel-drive system, the XAV-Adventure has been conceived as leisure vehicle aimed at action families.

The car features what SsangYong calls its 3S-CUBE system which includes a special sensing device linked to a smart motion control system, electric air suspension and a ‘stereo vision' camera to determine road conditions and adjust the suspension for optimised ride comfort.

On rough terrain, the suspension makes the ride softer while during high-speed driving it becomes firmer to increase car control by lowering the vehicle's ride-height.

Like the Tivoli, the XAV-Adventure is powered either by SsangYong's new 1.6-litre diesel or petrol engines but with added traction from two electric motors mounted at the rear.

It is also fitted with an opening canvas roof and SsangYong says it has full off-road ability with run flat tyres suitable for all conditions.