Behind the wheel of the new SsangYong Korando: a very complete SUV

If we examine it closely and in detail, the new SsangYong Korando stands among the best SUVs in its category if we rank them by what you pay and what you get in return. This is nothing new, since the same could be said of the previous model.

The difference is that now the competition is greater and better, and the Korando has known how to evolve and adapt accordingly.

New platform and a very well-used cabin

To achieve this, SsangYong has started practically from scratch. And it was about time. The Korando has been on the market since 1983, and in those 36 years there have been only 4 generations. The outgoing model had been on the market since 2010, updated with cosmetic and equipment changes.

The new Korando debuts a platform that is lighter, more rigid, and with multi-link rear suspension in both the 4×2 and 4×4 versions. Its length is now 4.5 metres, having grown slightly more than 4 centimetres. It also gains the same amount in width.

However, following current trends, it is almost 9 centimetres lower. This in no way detracts from its SUV image, and it shows in its dynamics and in cutting through the wind. In terms of dimensions, its rivals include the Peugeot 3008, the Kia Sportage, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Seat Ateca and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, among many others.

In addition to the photographs, in the video you can see the new Korando from every angle. A car that is not especially eye-catching in its styling, but which combines very well the sense of robustness conveyed by the bodywork with an interior that stands out for its spaciousness and the comfort it offers in all seats.

https://youtu.be/TNZvDEYolHE

With a wheelbase that grows by 2.5 cm (it also gains track width), the Korando remains one of the SUVs in its class that best accommodates its occupants. It is a pity that the rear bench is fixed, although it retains two-position backrest recline adjustment.

And now the floor is no longer flat in these seats from the previous generation. Even so, the transmission tunnel is not intrusive. And both for legroom and width, it is among the best in its class for carrying rear passengers. Not to mention that the driver and front passenger will enjoy seats that impress with their excellent balance between cushioning and support.

Where the new Korando no longer stands apart from the competition is in boot capacity. It claims 550 litres, but with a “trick”: these are measured up to the roof, and with a puncture repair kit instead of a spare wheel. In reality, even with the parcel shelf, you lose around 150 litres if you count the false floor. Not bad, but its most direct rivals reach or exceed the figure the Korando claims up to the roof without needing to remove the parcel shelf.

As for the driving position, the new Korando reflects the leap forward in quality that the brand is experiencing. Also in design, with a modern and functional appearance. Everything is within easy reach, the materials offer good feel and fit, and there is no shortage of elements such as a fully digital instrument cluster (on the lower versions it is analogue) that works more than adequately.

The multimedia system also works adequately. SsangYong has decided not to offer satellite navigation, arguing, not without some reason, that with compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more and more users use the navigation apps on their mobile devices mirrored on the vehicle’s screen.

Petrol and diesel: two new engines

Under the bonnet of the new Korando we also find new-generation engines. The previous naturally aspirated petrol engine gives way to a modern 4-cylinder turbo with direct injection and particulate filter. It displaces 1.5 litres, produces 163 CV of power and generates a maximum torque of 280 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm.

For its part, the previous 2.0 turbodiesel makes way for a new 1.6 producing 136 CV with 300 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It is equipped with a diesel particulate filter and runs with AdBlue additive. Both engines use a timing chain.

The six-speed manual gearbox is also new. It stands out more for smoothness than precision, and the alternative is a new automatic gearbox costing around 2,100 euros. It cannot match the speed or driving pleasure of the increasingly common dual-clutch gearboxes, not even when operated manually from the lever itself or via the steering wheel paddles. But it may be an alternative for those who prioritise comfort and ease of driving, at the cost of a slight increase in consumption.

Both engines can be paired with a connectable all-wheel-drive system that engages automatically, operating through a multi-plate clutch. To choose a Korando with 4×4 traction, the transmission must be automatic.

During the first drive we were able to test both engines, the diesel with the automatic gearbox, and the petrol with the manual gearbox. Both move the Korando with sufficient agility, but when choosing there are several things to consider. The petrol is clearly smoother, although in the manual version it requires frequent use of the gear lever. On one hand, because it is not an engine with excess force at low revs. On the other, because the gear ratios chosen for the top gears are very long.

It is one of those engines with which you can spend little fuel on motorway journeys where you can maintain cruising speed. In mixed use, and using “Sport” mode for longer than normal, the trip computer registered an average consumption of around 9 l/100 km.

A very interesting option may be the LPG version, on which SsangYong is already working, although there is still no confirmed date for its possible launch.

As for the turbodiesel, it is not offered with the entry-level Urban trim, and for equal equipment it represents a premium of around 1,800 euros over the petrol. Its consumption is clearly lower than the petrol’s, at around 2 l/100 km. The slip of the torque converter of the automatic gearbox masks its good manners, which we could not confirm when driving the manual version.

The most notable advance of the Korando in terms of dynamic qualities comes more from the driving sensations. The new model surpasses the previous one in every respect, with notable suspension comfort even on unpaved tracks, and with considerable work on acoustic insulation that is noticeable precisely for the absence of unwanted noise. The brakes perform without problems, and while we are asking, we would like slightly more precise steering when linking corners. But body movements are very well controlled, which helps.

Equipment and prices of the new Korando

SsangYong offers four equipment levels for the new Korando, named Line, Urban, Premium and Limited.

One of the Korando’s qualities is its comprehensive standard equipment, even in the base versions, which many manufacturers often use to offer a visually very competitive “from” price. Here, Korando models in Line trim already include hill descent control and hill start assist, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, multifunction leather steering wheel, cruise control, rain and light sensors, manual air conditioning, electrically folding and heated mirrors, and the SSAS safety package.

The latter (the acronym stands for SsangYong Safety Assistance System) includes autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam, active cruise control, drowsiness detection, safe distance warning, traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assist.

You can have a Korando G15T Line 4×2 from 19,750 euros with the 1,000 euro promotional discount included, from which you can deduct a further 2,000 euros by financing the purchase, bringing the price down to a very competitive 17,750 euros. The diesel cannot be combined with this trim.

The Urban variants add the 8-inch multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic dual-zone climate control, rear camera, tinted glass, LED fog lights, roof rails and a double boot floor. The price for the petrol G15T is 21,900 euros, or 19,900 euros when financing the purchase. The D16T costs 2,600 euros more.

The Premium trim has a curious feature: it carries a larger discount than the other versions. It may be of interest if we consider that, taking into account the final price rather than the list price, with the discounts applied, for around 1,000 euros you get the 18-inch wheels, the digital instrument cluster, fabric and imitation leather upholstered seats, the front armrest with cup holders and the anti-glare interior mirror.

Above it, at the top of the range, sits the Limited trim. It also has double the commercial discount of the first two, 2,000 euros instead of 1,000, plus the 1,000 for financing the purchase. It adds leather upholstery, sunroof, smart key, electric parking brake, full LED headlights and parking sensors. The price of the Korando G15T in this trim with all discounts starts from 24,900 euros, and from 26,750 euros for the diesel.

Here we explain why the new SsangYong Korando is available from 185 euros per month.

SsangYong Korando image gallery