SsangYong Korando e-Motion

SsangYong has finally brought an electric version of the Korando to the UK. James Batchelor was the first motoring journalist here to take it for a spin – did he think it was worth the wait?

THE KNOWLEDGE

SsangYong Korando e-Motion Ventura

Price (as tested): £34,995 Engine: Single

electric motor

Power:

188bhp

Torque:

360Nm

Max speed:

97mph

O-60mph:

TBC

Range:

210 miles

Emissions: 0g/km CO2

Under the bonnet

The Korando’s single electric motor produces 188bhp and 360Nm of torque.

WHAT IS IT?

The South Korean carmaker has its eyes on the flourishing electric car segment, and the Korando e-Motion is its first EV to go on sale in the UK.

WHAT’S NEW?

The firm has taken its Korando small SUV, added an electric powertrain and smoothed over the styling to make it more aerodynamic.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Power comes from a single electric motor hooked up to the front wheels. With 188bhp, the Korando is more powerful than the MG ZS EV and Mazda MX-30, and just a little shy of the Hyundai Kona 64kWh. The e-Motion tops out at 97mph, and while there’s no claimed figure yet for the 0-60 sprint time, in our test drive it felt to be around eight seconds, which is comparable to the car’s nearest rivals.

The electric motor is powered by a 61.5kWh battery (55.3kWh useable), which gives a claimed 210 miles of range. In our testing on a cold winter’s day, a 100 per cent charge was giving a displayed 200 miles and the range dropped mile for mile.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

SsangYong has added a whole heap of sound deadening within the body panels and behind the dashboard. There’s even a different type of front subframe to reduce vibrations. And it really works – it’s eerily quiet, even on the motorway.

With 188bhp and 360Nm of torque, the e-Motion is the quickest Korando you can buy. Squeeze the throttle hard and acceleration isn’t neck-snapping, but it’s nicely progressive and quick enough. There’s no ‘b-mode’ for extra brake regeneration, instead paddles behind the steering wheel control three settings of regen.

Elsewhere, it’s just like other Korandos, with decent body control, responsive steering and a stiff ride. But the aero-friendly 17-inch alloys do give a slightly more cushioned ride compared with some top-spec petrol and diesel Korandos with 19-inch wheels.

TARGET BUYERS:

Those making the switch to electric. Family buyers.

THE RIVALS:

MG ZS EV Hyundai Kona Electric Skoda Enyaq iV

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Plug-in car grant-eligible 2.Plenty of standard kit 3.Heat pump on top model

DEAL CLINCHER:

Its 210-mile range is on a par with small electric SUVs such as the Peugeot e-2008, but the Korando is larger inside and more practical.

rear bumper. The headlights and rear lights are different too, as is a new boot trim with ‘Korando’ proudly emblazoned across it, and a set of aerodynamic – but rather plainlooking – alloy wheels. Essentially, it’s a subtle makeover. It certainly looks smart but some of the Korando’s rather crisp lines have disappeared though, which is a bit of shame.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Compared with other small electric crossovers-cum-SUVs, the Korando’s interior is well put together with some plush-feeling materials.

The e-Motion gets a new 12.3-inch display in front of the driver, which has super-crisp graphics, and it can even mirror your smartphone’s screen.

The Korando has a real bonus compared with rivals from MG, Kia, Hyundai and Mazda – and that’s space. Headroom is very generous and the rear legroom is positively enormous. At 551 litres, the boot is more than 200 litres larger than the Hyundai Kona Electric’s, and mid-spec models and above get a handy moveable floor that can also act as a boot divider.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

There are three versions of the e-Motion to choose from. The ELX kicks things off with 17inch alloys, the digital driver’s display, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control plus a whole heap of safety equipment, including lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. At £31,995, the ELX just sneaks in under the plug-in car grant threshold and gets the £1,500 subsidy.

Ventura comes in at £34,995 and adds more handy features such as LED headlights, a nine-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, the clever boot floor and, importantly, a charging cable – not always standard equipment on electric cars at the value end of the market.

Ultimate tops the range, and while its £37,995 seems very punchy, it’s loaded with kit such as leather upholstery, electric front seats (which are also ventilated), a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors and a wireless phone charger. Impressively, SsangYong has also thrown in a heat pump – this heating system can significantly extend the driving range of an EV in the winter and is normally a costly optional extra.

WHAT DO WE THINK?

SsangYong first mooted its intention to launch an electric version of the Korando way back in 2019, and it’s certainly taken its time to make good on the promise. Since then, the electric crossover market has mushroomed with the launch of cars such as the MG ZS EV, Kia e-Niro and Peugeot e-2008, but the Korando e-Motion’s arrival is still well timed.

It’s decent enough to drive, super-refined and its 200-odd-mile range is bang on the money. Speaking of money, the Korando could do with being slightly cheaper, but it’s well equipped and considerably more spacious and practical than its rivals. The e-Motion isn’t just the pick of the two-wheel-drive Korandos, but also seriously worthy of consideration for anyone looking at the more value-end of the electric market.

Style

SsangYong has tweaked the design to give the e-Motion a smoothed-off look and a new rear bumper.

Inside

The cabin feels well put together with some quality materials. There’s also a new 12.3-inch display in front of the driver.

It’s decent enough to drive, super-refined and its 200-odd-mile range is bang on the money.