SsangYong Korando Ultimate AWD

What is it?

Now in its fourth generation, the Korando has changed a bit over the years, from the first Jeep licensed CJ-5 which rolled off the production line in 1969 to this, a well styled modern C segment SUV that is built with the modern active family in mind.

If that last paragraph sounds familiar, then it should, as earlier last year I was invited on the new Korando’s launch, and that’s pretty much how I started my review. All it took was a couple of hours driving around roads around Blenheim Palace and I was a tad smitten by it, so I asked if I could borrow one over an extended period.

On the road

With 134bhp emanating from its 1.6 litre turbo diesel you’ll find that it isn’t the sprightliest of SUVs, but that’s fine, it isn’t a sports car, and what it lacks in oomph it makes up for in grunt. There’s 324 Nm torque available at 1500-2500 rpm, and coupled with a 2-tonne towing capacity it will certainly appeal to SsangYong’s loyal, existing customers from the caravanning and towing fraternities. You also have the option of a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine with 161bhp on tap, but it’s only available in front-wheel drive, sadly.

Although Bolton didn’t see any snow over the festive period, we had a fair bit of rain, and the Korando remained sure-footed and offered a lot of confidence, no matter what the journey. It’s quiet too, it did a great job of muting out the world outside, from wind, rain and tyre noise.

The Korando comes with three selectable drive modes. Normal mode balances the need for fuel economy and power. Sport mode delivers extra power and heavier steering, whilst Winter mode starts Korando in 2nd gear to prevent tyre slippage on icy roads. Non-4x4 models come with an auto-stop system to save fuel and lower CO2.

During our fortnight together, which included Christmas and New Year, we put a fair few miles on the clock visiting family and friends, and I genuinely had nothing to complain about. From motorways to cobbled green-lanes, the suspension was forgiving and the AWD system worked wonders whilst being playful along country lanes. Its steering is lovely and sharp, too, without the wallowing around corners that you would imagine. I would prefer it with a bit more bhp, but it doesn’t really need any if I’m being honest.

Off road

I was hoping for plenty of snow this year, as all the papers had headlines telling us that the ‘worst winter ever is looming’. I should know better as every year they say the same thing, and every year we get rain and a bit of sludge.

So with no white stuff, I took the Korando green-laning. Yes I know, it isn’t an ‘off-roader’ in the traditional sense, but there aren’t many 4x4s for sale these days that are, but it performed brilliantly.

The first thing I noticed was how subtle the suspension was, it handled a stone strewn local lane with ease. Its 4-wheel drive system works like most other vehicles of its ilk. SsangYong’s Automatic Drive Control controls the speed of each wheel and individually monitors them in real-time. If wheel slip is detected, torque is automatically redistributed to the wheel where it is needed most, thus maximising traction in slippery conditions.

The Lock Mode Function, unlike Auto-Mode, increases torque delivery to the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. Drive above 25mph and the system automatically switches to Auto Mode and will switch back to Lock Mode when the speed is reduced to 25mph or less.

I suspect you’d have to take your Korando along some serious tracks to ever require Lock Mode as I had it balancing on its two opposing wheels, on slippery mud, and it didn’t hesitate once, and that was in Auto Mode.

I don’t know if it was part of the design or simply a coincidence, but the shape of the curve at the bottom of the front doors is enough to catch mud from the tyres and stop it from being flung up into the door handles, which is a nice touch whether they meant it or not.

Interior

‘Classy and functional’ were my first impression when I test drove it last year, and after a fortnight nothing has changed my view. Whatever the journey, the Korando proved to be a pleasant place to be.

Being the Ultimate it has cracking set of virtual driver’s instruments, heated and cooled powered seats, and I love the 3D-effect mood lighting on both front door panels and in front of the passenger, funky and characterful.

Starting with the dash layout, personally I think it puts anything from the Skoda range to shame. It’s less bland, and retains buttons and switches, which is always a good thing. That said, the Ultimate does have a touch-screen monitor which are always a pain to use when driving.

The front seats are comfortable, though a little short in the base but wide enough for a big lad, with loads of head space too. On the subject of its sizeable interior, SsangYong have put a lot of effort in to give the Korando a rich and quality feel with a softtouch dash and seats with either high quality cloth, a combination of faux leather and cloth or premium leather. Oh, and dependant on trim level they’re also heated, ventilated, powered.

Back seat passengers don’t have to worry about tall people sat in the front as there’s plenty of space, and with the seats down there’s up to 1248ltrs of load space.

The Ultimate has an electronic handbrake, but lower models get a proper hand brake, which I prefer.

Safety stuff

The new Korando has a 5*Euro-NCAP safety rating, obvioulsy, and internally has six airbags on all models and an emergency call system, reversing camera, alarm, immobiliser, tyre pressure monitoring system.

Then there’s rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, automatic speed sensing door locks, electronic parking brake with auto hold, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, parking aids front and rear and ISO FIX.

The vehicle boasts: • Electronic Stability Programme, • Traction Control System • Active Rollover Protection • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution • Forward Collision Warning • Autonomous Emergency Braking System • Lane Departure Warning • Lane keeping Assist, • Front Vehicle Start Alert • Safety Distance Alert • Driver Attention Alert • Emergency Stop Signal

Models

Korando ELX from £19,995

The Korando ELX is powered by the 1.5 GDI-turbo petrol engine with manual transmission, available in 2WD only. Finished in a smart woven cloth trim, it includes 17” alloys with all-weather tyres, electronic cruise control, DAB/RDS/ Bluetooth radio, six airbags, auto lights and wipers and a range of advanced safety equipment and many more features.

Korando Ventura from £22,995

The Korando Ventura, is powered by the 1.5 GDI-turbo petrol engine with manual transmission, available in 2WD only, adds combined Faux leather with deluxe fabric seat upholstery, 18” diamond cut alloy wheels with standard tyres, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, electronic parking brake, 10.25” full LCD cluster, 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Auto Android, and many more features.

Korando Pioneer from £26,495

The Korando Pioneer, is available the 1.6 diesel engine with automatic transmission, in 2WD and 4WD. Aimed at the caravan and towing market, the Pioneer has a 2-tonne towing capacity, combined Faux leather with deluxe fabric seat upholstery, 17” alloy wheels with all-weather tyres, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, full sized spare wheel, 3.5” LCD cluster, 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Auto Android and rear view camera and many more features.

Korando Ultimate from £26,495

The top-spec Korando Ultimate is available in three variants. There is a petrol 2WD derivative available with manual and automatic transmissions or diesel engine and with automatic transmission, in 4WD only. The highest specification model in the Korando range features luxurious soft leather seats throughout (with driver’s lumbar support) a dual-zone air conditioning system and a range of advanced safety equipment. Add to this the premium in-car infotainment with a 9" LCD multimedia display with touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android auto, makes a spirited deluxe crossover vehicle at an affordable price. The Ultimate boasts 19” diamond cut alloy wheels, smart keyless start, rear privacy glass, LED multifocus headlights, 10.25” full digital cluster and mood lighting and a power tailgate.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Korando is a good looking car with a smart and comfortable interior. There might be other SUVs that have more power, brand kudos and so on, but they can’t compete when it comes to the amount of standard kit vs price, not to mention SsangYong’s 7-year, 150,00mile warranty.

As you may have gathered by now, I rather liked it, and if SsangYong had phoned and asked me to keep it for another month or so, I would’ve been quite happy to oblige.