Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Ssangyong e-XIV EV Concept at Paris 2012

Ssangyong are continuing their concept offensive with the e-XIV EV Concept, a range extender compact SUV. Mahindra seem intent on turning Ssangyong from the Lada of Korea in to another South Korean car maker to be taken seriously. We’ve recently seen a big push for the Korando SX, with Ssangyong pitching it hard against the competition as the cheapest way in to a compact SUV, and at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year we had a concept pointing to the next generation compact SUV from Ssangyong with the convertible Ssangyong XIV-2.

Yet another Kia Compact Crossover Concept heading for Frankfurt 2013

Yet another Kia Compact Crossover Concept (pictured) heading for Frankfurt We do seem to have had something of a run of concepts from Kia lately – particularly Compact SUV/Crossover Concepts – but none seem to be heading for production. Already in 2013 we’ve had the Kia Provo Concept, which looked like a suitably funky urban warrior to take on the market the Nissan Juke made its own, even if the ‘Provo’ name caused publicity-seeking politicians to spit and stomp. Following close on the heels of the Provo came the Kia CUB for the Seoul Motor Show (note the cuddly name – Kia didn’t want to shoot themselves in the foot again) which, although entirely convincing, just looked like yet another urban warrior compact crossover/SUV.

Once there were Singers, and Jowetts and Rileys, then came the Mini--from the AutoWeek archives

Editor's note: As Mini celebrates its 50th birthday, it's the perfect time to revisit Kevin A. Wilson's insightful look at the fall of the British auto industry. This article was first published on March 8, 1993.