| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1995 |
| Production Years: | 1995 - 2003 discontinued in 2003 |
The SsangYong Istana was produced from 1995 to 2003, serving as a reliable and versatile minivan option in the passenger and cargo transport segments. As a vehicle mostly known for its spaciousness and practicality, the Istana features a body style that prioritizes interior space and passenger comfort. Designed primarily for families and commercial use, it fits well into the mid-size minivan category. Its length typically spans around 5 meters (~16.4 feet), width near 1.9 meters (~6.2 feet), and height roughly 2 meters (~6.6 feet), which provides ample headroom and seating capacity for multiple passengers. The vehicle’s design emphasizes utility, making it an ideal choice for shuttle services, group transport, and cargo loading. The SsangYong Istana shares many characteristics with similar vehicles from its era, balancing a compact footprint with generous interior volume. Though not particularly noted for sporty dynamics, its steady performance and robust build have made it a dependable workhorse. Overall, the Istana is recognized for its practical dimensions and functional design, cementing its role as a noteworthy minivan from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Discover the standout features that make the 1995 SsangYong Istana a leader in its class
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The SsangYong Istana minivan from the 1995-2003 generation has a length of approximately 4,755 mm (187.2 inches), a width of around 1,890 mm (74.4 inches), and a height near 1,920 mm (75.6 inches). These dimensions provide the vehicle with a spacious exterior proportional to a typical minivan design of its era, allowing it to accommodate significant passenger capacity and cargo space inside. The broad width ensures enough shoulder room for occupants, while its height contributes to a comfortable upright seating posture, common in multi-passenger vans.
The SsangYong Istana features a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,580 mm (101.6 inches). A longer wheelbase generally translates to more legroom and improved ride comfort for passengers, which is essential for a minivan intended for multi-passenger use. This wheelbase length strikes a practical balance between maneuverability and interior spaciousness, supporting flexible seating arrangements and adequate cargo capacity in the rear of the vehicle. It plays a significant role in delivering the Istana's family-friendly and utility-focused usability.
The curb weight of the SsangYong Istana minivan typically ranges around 1,800 to 1,900 kilograms (approximately 3,968 to 4,189 pounds). This weight reflects the vehicle’s solid build to support multiple passengers and cargo. While a heavier curb weight can impact fuel efficiency by increasing fuel consumption, it also contributes positively to vehicle stability and road grip, which is beneficial for a family or passenger van. Drivers can expect steady handling characteristics suitable for both city driving and longer highway trips.
The SsangYong Istana is designed as a minivan primarily aimed at family or group transport, providing seating for up to 12 passengers depending on configuration. The interior seating arrangement typically includes multiple rows with bench seats or individual seats that can be adjusted or removed to optimize passenger comfort or cargo space. This seating versatility enhances the vehicle's appeal for commercial uses, such as shuttle services, or larger families requiring ample seating without sacrificing interior space.
The SsangYong Istana offers flexible cargo space that adapts to the needs of passengers and goods. When all seats are occupied, cargo capacity is limited but adequate for smaller luggage and personal items. However, by folding or removing rear seats, the Istana provides significantly expanded space for larger cargo loads, making it practical for transporting bulky items or equipment. The overall design focuses on utility and versatility, allowing users to easily switch between passenger and cargo configurations depending on requirement.
With its length of about 4,755 mm (187.2 inches) and width around 1,890 mm (74.4 inches), the SsangYong Istana may be a tight fit for some standard residential garages, which typically measure around 5,500 mm (216 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94 inches) in width. While it generally fits lengthwise, maneuvering space can be limited, and wider garages are preferred for ease of entry and exit. Owners should measure their garage dimensions carefully to ensure comfortable parking, especially if other stored items occupy space.
The SsangYong Istana essentially is a rebadged version of the Mercedes-Benz MB100 van, and it shares similar dimensions and layout. Compared to its predecessor or other minivans in the same class, the Istana offers competitive length, width, and height that support substantial passenger and cargo capacity. When set against other minivans from the mid-90s, the Istana’s sizable dimensions, especially width and height, stand out for maximizing interior passenger space while maintaining a relatively manageable footprint for urban use.
During the production years of 1995 to 2003, the SsangYong Istana was well-regarded for its spacious interior and practical configuration, making it competitive with minivans like the Toyota Hiace or Nissan Vanette. While sometimes heavier, the Istana’s dimensions offered generous roominess for passengers and cargo, coupled with robust build quality. Its size is slightly larger than some competitors, which favored maximum capacity and utility over compactness. Functionality-wise, it appealed especially to commercial users requiring serious seating and cargo flexibility.
The SsangYong Istana from 1995-2003 is ideal for families, shuttle services, and small commercial operators who need a spacious vehicle for multiple passengers or cargo. Its advantages include a roomy and flexible interior, ample seating for up to 12 passengers, and the ability to carry larger cargo loads when seats are folded or removed. The van’s solid construction and practical design make it reliable for everyday use as well as for commercial duties. Furthermore, its relatively straightforward mechanical components can aid in easier maintenance and repair.
The exterior design of the SsangYong Istana is functional and straightforward, with a high roofline, large windows, and sliding side doors that facilitate passenger access and cargo loading. The high roof improves headroom inside for comfort during long trips, while the sizeable glass areas enhance visibility and cabin ambience. The minimalistic styling, with squared edges and practical door placements, prioritizes usability and ease of maintenance over aesthetic flair. These features combine to make the Istana a practical choice for both family and professional use.
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