SsangYong will return to the UK in September with a new Korando that was 'designed in Europe, for Europe'. The Korando will be available with two- or four-wheel drive and priced from £16,995.
The new Korando bears no resemblance to its Jeep-like predecessor. Instead it gets a five-door, monocoque body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design.
Just one engine is offered, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that develops 173bhp and 266lb.ft; CO2 emissions are 157g/km. Drive is taken through either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Models fitted with four-wheel drive send power to the front wheels most of the time but if slippage is detected then up to 50% of the drive can be sent to the rear wheels. The system can also be locked in all-wheel drive mode at speeds under 25mph to improve traction on slippery surfaces.
Three trim levels are offered: two-wheel drive Korandos come in either S or ES grades. Standard equipment includes hill-start assist, rear parking sensors and cruise control. The ES and four-wheel drive EX versions come with climate control, leather upholstery and heated seats.
Prices range from £16,995 for the Korando S to £22,995 for the EX automatic.
John Lambert - 12 Aug 2011
