By Ian Strachan
The SsangYong Korando probably isn’t the obvious choice for people looking for a versatile four wheel drive SUV. But it deserves to be on choice lists. The latest Korando is versatile, well-equipped and bristling with new technology.
Surprisingly, the Korando has been in production for some 37 years. The first Korando – back in 1983 – was a jeep-like convertible off-roader. But the latest – the fourth generation – is a stylish family SUV and a superb towing vehicle.
The Korando is innovative, easy on the eye, exceptionally well-equipped, handles like a dream, has good off-road ability in four wheel drive set-up, and like most vehicles in the SsangYong range, it remains very competitive. Pitched into one of the most intensely fought sectors, the range starts at below £19,000. Even in the diesel-powered 4×4 Ultimate spec which I tested – which can mix it with the big guys and their well-established SUVs – is less than £26,000.
But despite its price, the Korean-built car has high build quality, good interior trim materials and a high specification, not to mention a very roomy interior with pleasant mood lighting.
The Korando has a quality feel to it inside and out. And it is certainly a good looker. It has a strong side-on presence, with roof rails, a wide rear pillar, a high waist and neatly sculpted side panels. Handsome 19 inch alloys add to its side-on style.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it. My test vehicle had premium leather upholstery of a surprisingly high quality. The dash is simple and attractive, with a central nine-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system which also controls the DAB radio and media system, with USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, with steering wheel mounted controls.
Interior space is very good at 551 litres of cargo space. This can be further improved to a 1,248 litres with the 60/40 folding split rear seat. Interior specification on the Ultimate which I tested includes front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, electronic cruise control, adjustable central armrest with cubby box, powered, heated and ventilated front seats, and that option we never knew we wanted but now can’t do without – the heated steering wheel.
Other standard features include rear spoiler with high-mounted LED stoplight, powered tailgate, all-round airbags, LED front fog lights and projection automatic high-beam headlights, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors with puddle lights, keyless entry and ignition, light and rain sensors and electronic parking brake with hill-hold. You also get a host of driver assistance and safety features including autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist and safety distance alert.
I drove the 1.6 litre turbo-charged diesel-powered version which gives out a more than adequate 136 bhp. Linked to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size.
Fuel consumption of 41.5 mpg in mixed driving is respectable for a substantial all wheel drive vehicle.
My test vehicle came with a tow-bar, making this an ideal caravanning vehicle, with the ability to tow loads up to two tonnes. On the road price for this specification is £25,995 . That is extremely competitive for such a high specification, and you get a lot of car for your money.
It’s difficult to fault this offering from SsangYong. It’s a an impressive vehicle with a very keen price which will keep other manufacturers on their toes.
