The Mercedes-Benz sourced power plant is essentially the key feature of the new Kyron XDi 270. With a cylinder block, heads and pistons sourced from the German manufacturer, the engine essentials are sound.
The inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel features third generation common rail injection to produce 121 kW and 340 Nm from 2.7 litres of swept capacity.
Distributing the power is a five-speed tiptronic transmission, which enables shift on the fly functionality between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive high range.
There is also a low-range four-wheel drive mode for more challenging terrain, and cruise control for those long-haul journeys.
Obviously, the Kyron is more an SUV than a trans-African expedition vehicle, and the suspension set-up, with double-wishbones up front endow it with passenger car ride-characteristics.
Special consideration has given to space utilisation within the interior. The rear seats are able to be locked in the flat, fold-down position, ushering in a huge loadbay capacity.
Added to this is the presence of a myriad of storage spaces, even under the floor. Two power outlets are also provided, ergonomically placed in the front passenger seat and rear cargo bay.
At R349 995, the Kyron represents typically South Korean motoring, solid engineering, feature-rich specification and capaciousness all wrapped in a rather odd styling package. Its value coefficient though, is beyond dispute.