Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic

Well, we have to admit it that despite over 14 years of existence since its debut on October 1997, garnered its first minor change on September 2003 as "New Chairman", and offered a flagship spin-off called Chairman W since February 2008, the Ssangyong Chairman H became an aging premium sedan that was once criticized for being a carbon copy of the Mercedes Benz W124 E-Class or even the Cadillac Deville since the Chairman gained a minor change on 2003. It was similar with the Ssangyong Chairman W, which is a clone of Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class. For 14 years of existence, it seems most Korean car enthusiasts are getting to forget about the Chairman H. However, things have changed in 2011 after Ssangyong Motor Company was taken over by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., one of India's first-class car manufacturers, because the aging Chairman H is ready to face its second childhood.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

Under the name, Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic, the aging premium sedan is now made even younger with some styling cues inspired from its flagship spin-off, the Ssangyong Chairman W. Despite its flagship look, it still won't cover its aging weakness because this is the second time the Chairman received another minor change.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H interior

Despite the new exterior won't hide its aging weak spots, the Chairman H New Classic offers an all-new interior that offers first class comfort. Despite the interior is heavily inspired from the Chairman W spin-off, my understanding that the Chairman H New Classic's interior is definitely a clone that combines the interior from the Dodge Journey/JC minor change and the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M37/M56) Y51. Good thing it's better to be Korean than being a Chinese clone car with a clone interior.

2012 Ssangyong Chairman H

The Chairman H New Classic is powered with the XGi3200 in-line 6 DOHC 3.2L engine that releases 222ps/6,600rpm of power while the entry level XGi2800 in-line 6 DOHC 2.8L engine that is capable at releasing 200ps/6,600rpm of power output. The Chairman H New Classic is equipped with the E-tronic Benz 5-speed automatic transmission that can be set to Manual Mode for enhanced driving feel. It is mated with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for enhanced stability amidst different driving conditions.

The Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic is offered in three exterior colors such as Classic Black, Diamond Silver, and Grand White.

My comment:

The Ssangyong Chairman H might be an aged Korean premium sedan that mimics Benz but with the new minor change and a "New Classic" sub-name, the aging sedan from Ssangyong Motor Company is ready for its second childhood and for those who can't afford the luxurious Ssangyong Chairman W should consider the Chairman H New Classic for now. I think this may be not a good car for the Korean politicians and executives but I think this would make a good taxi for the Korean roads. Don't expect the Ssangyong Chairman H New Classic come face-to-face against the Hyundai Genesis sedan because it will hurt more than what you expected.

Photo: Ssangyong Motor Company