Ssangyong news

International Motors Limited offers August car buyers the widest choice of four-wheel drive vehicles in the UK thanks to its three distinctive marques of Subaru, Isuzu and SsangYong.

It means 'S' registration customers seeking 4WD safety and versatility can choose everything from the Subaru Justy GX 1.3 AWD three and five door to the just-launched new-look Isuzu Trooper range of petrol and diesel off-roaders.

In between the two established Japanese manufacturers is the British-designed and Korean-built SsangYong Korando and Musso recreational vehicles boasting Mercedes-Benz-designed power and outstanding value for money.

The majority of International Motors' dealer network sell all three marques and offer customers unrivalled 4x4 expertise, whether it be performing skilled maintenance or giving guidance of towing, off-road driving or choosing accessories.

Startling 'S' Reg Savings From SsangYong

SsangYong buyers can save almost £7,000 as part of a startling new sales initiative for all petrol-engined Musso and Korando sport-utility models.

The campaign - which runs from June 1 until September 30 - includes 0% finance for three years providing a 20% deposit is paid.

For example, interest savings of £5,221.96 are available on the range-topping 3.2 litre Musso GX220 which would normally carry a 16.5% APR credit charge. The total amount payable is now £25,665 on-the-road instead of £30,886.96.

In addition, participating dealers are offering the 118 mph 4x4 flagship with free metallic paint and leather interior trim worth a further 1,729, bringing the total potential saving to £6,950.96.

The smaller Korando - launched last Autumn - also enjoys big savings. The combination of 0% finance over three years plus free metallic paint gives customers an effective £3,893.60 price reduction on the GLS 2.3 Twin Cam. The total amount payable drops from £21,669.60 on-the-road to £18,005, again, providing a 20 per cent deposit is paid.

As with the Subaru and Isuzu ranges, all SsangYongs boast one of the best customer care packages in the industry. This includes a 3 year/60,000 mile vehicle warranty, 6 years' anti-corrosion cover and 3 years' at-home and roadside assistance.

New-Look Isuzu Trooper Bristles With Breakthroughs

Sure to attract showroom traffic from anyone seeking a rugged yet comfortable large off-roader is the recently launched new-look Isuzu Trooper range of long and short-wheelbase models.

A long-time favourite with farmers, construction companies and anyone needing a rugged yet comfortable 4x4, the new-look Trooper features a host of innovations.

Top of an impressive list of breakthroughs is a new twin overhead camshaft 16 valve direct-injection diesel engine.

Coupled with pressurised-rail and electronic unit fuel-injection, the tough new Isuzu gives petrol-like performance, being the most powerful 3.0 litre diesel engine in its class at 159 PS and 245.6 lb.ft of pulling power. Braked towing limit is 3,300 kg.

Meanwhile, the new 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine is the most advanced yet fitted to a 4x4, featuring 24 valves, twin overhead camshafts per bank and an impressive 215 PS and 228.6 lb.ft of torque. Top speed is 112 mph with a 9.2 seconds 0-62 mph time.

The 10-model Trooper range starts at a little over £19,000 on-the-road and includes both long and short-wheelbase models and three trim levels comprising Standard, Duty and Citation.

Other improvements for the new-look Trooper include uprated suspension with a wider track and revised steering which provide sharper handling. In addition, facelifted styling includes a new bonnet, wings, grille, lights and wide wheelarch extensions.

Subaru Goes From Strength To Strength

The award-winning Subaru range appeals to those seeking a car with all-wheel drive traction and security, but without the ultimate off-road ability of a SsangYong or Isuzu.

Apart from the little Justy - which costs under 10,000 on-the-road yet features full-time all-wheel drive, power steering and twin airbags - the exciting range also includes the new Forester sport-utility, medium-sized Impreza saloon and five-door and executive-class Legacy saloon and estate.

Fun to drive yet bristling with common-sense features, the completely new Forester was launched last September to instant applause.

And after only being on sale for three weeks, the Forester won The Caravan Club's Towcar of the Year 1998 award for the All-Terrain Class.

The Forester beat 41 cars for the award thanks, in part, to its full-time all-wheel drive system, standard anti-lock brakes and self-levelling rear suspension which all contribute to making the Subaru a safe and stable caravan-hauler.

Also singled out for praise was the hill-holder clutch fitted to manual models. This prevents the car and trailer from rolling backwards during hill starts. Forester prices start at under 17,000 for the 2.0 litre GLS.

The rally-bred Subaru Impreza has become a cult car - especially in Turbo form - and this year holds 'Top Car' status in the influential J.D. Power and Associates/'Top Gear' UK Customer Satisfaction Study.

Not to be outdone, the larger Legacy range now includes manual transmission versions of the 4Cam 2.5 litre saloon, estate and Outback models.

The Legacy range begins with 2.0 litre models with prices starting at just over £15,000 on-the-road for the 2.0 LX AWD estate.

Just like the Forester and Impreza, the Legacy boasts a 16v horizontally-opposed four cylinder 'boxer' engine which gives a low centre of gravity for exceptional roadholding, stability and handling. All engines are tuned for strong torque at low revs which aids