The all new SsangYong Korando

What is it?

Now in its fourth generation, the all-new 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.

On the road

As I’ll get to later, the only vehicle that’s currently available is the 136ps, 1.6ltr turbo diesel, and when mated to the latest AISIN 3rd generation 6-speed automatic transmission it proves to be smooth and hassle free along the twisty country lanes surrounding Blenheim Palace.

It’s quiet too, the Korando does a good job of muting out the world outside, including the typical diesel clatter. Actually, ‘clatter’ is the wrong word to use as the new diesel feels quite sophisticated.

Steering is lovely and sharp and without the wallowing around corners as you might expect. This may have something to do with the high-strength steel construction as the Korando is stiffer than its competitors, featuring 74% high density steel, which not only gives greatly improved body strength but also reduced weight.

It also comes with three selectable drive modes. Normal mode balances the need for fuel economy and power, this default mode is utilised for day-to-day driving and is not indicated on the dashboard. Sport mode delivers extra power, 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.

Overall, dashing along country lanes and dawdling through small villages, the Korando behaved just as well and if not better than some of its more expensive rivals, I actually wanted to drive it the 3.5 hours home instead of the Subaru Forester I’d driven down in.

Off road

Sadly I didn’t get the opportunity to play with it on the launch, but I will soon, I’m hatching a plan.

The 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 monitoring 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.

The new Korando offers approach and departure angles of 18º and 24.5º, not the most aggressive, but I’ll let you know how it

handles green-lanes in a future issue.

Interior

Classy and functional were my first impression. Starting with the dash layout, personally I think it puts anything from the Skoda range to shame. It’s less bland, more characterful 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 soft-touch 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.

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 GDIturbo 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 (early 2020) 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 dualzone 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 multi-focus headlights, 10.25” full digital cluster and mood lighting and a power tailgate.

Safety stuff

With new technologies and features ensuring excellent levels of safety, SsangYong are expecting the Korando to achieve a 5*Euro- NCAP safety rating.

Internally, the Korando includes six airbags on all models and an emergency call system, reversing camera, alarm, immobiliser, tyre pressure monitoring system. Stop and and take a deep breath, 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 (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane keeping Assist (LKA), Front Vehicle Start Alert (FVSA), Safety Distance Alert (SDA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).

Engine ’n’ gearbox

As I’ve mentioned, currently you can only buy a Korando with a 1.6ltr diesel with 136 PS @4000 rpm/ 324 Nm torque @ 1500-2500 rpm. More good news is that it has up to a 2-tonne towing capacity which will appeal to SsangYong’s loyal, existing customers from the caravanning and towing fraternities.

The diesel achieves a CO2 emission level of 144 (NEDC) and fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and achieves 0-62mph in 12.01 seconds.

Later on in the year the Korando will also offer a Euro 6D-T compliant 1.5 GDI-turbo petrol engine which produces 163PS max power with and 280Nm of torque at 1,500-4,500rpm. I’ll get more details to you when I have it.

Conclusion

After almost a day of driving cars with different trim levels, both the manual and automatic, 2 and 4-wheel drives my conclusion is that the new Korando will no doubt be a huge hit for SsangYong, and not forgetting their 7-year, 150,00mile warranty.