Ssangyong Korando 2.0T 175 CV Limited 4x4 Aut., road test (Engine, performance, consumption and handling)

The Ssangyong Korando has been updated with the launch of a new generation. Earlier this year we attended the national presentation of the model and were able to learn about all the new features affecting both the design and the engine range.

It now has a exterior styled to European tastes and a higher-quality interior, with a design in which the controls and various elements are fully integrated into the dashboard, increasing the perceived quality. The star engine is the two-litre diesel with 149 CV, which will undoubtedly drive most of the sales, but we had the chance to test the most complete Korando in the range, equipped with the powerful 175 CV D20T, paired with the automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

Engine and performance

The name D20T hides an engine developed by AVL, the Austrian specialist that has developed the brand’s new engine range. This four-cylinder turbo unit produces 175 CV in its most powerful version, while a 149 CV version exists that will account for most sales, though it is only available with a manual gearbox.

The most notable thing about the powerplant is its torque (360 Nm), which pushes from 2,000 rpm (in the 149 CV version the response at low revs is better), and above all the 175 CV can be felt between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. Noise levels are somewhat high and could be improved.

All-wheel drive is available with the 149 CV diesel and manual gearbox, but if we want the more powerful 175 CV 4×4 version, it comes paired with the automatic transmission. The gearbox has six ratios (torque converter), built by the Australian firm DSI in collaboration with SYMC and called E-Tronic.

It can be used in sequential mode thanks to two buttons on the steering wheel (D+/D-) or a paddle on the side of the gear lever. The gearbox is comfortable, quite smooth when shifting and relatively quick, but the problem is that it does not get the full potential out of the 175 CV of this engine.

It normally shifts up at 3,000 rpm and does not stretch much further, whereas the same engine with a manual gearbox can be pushed a bit harder and you notice the difference (but of course, in the new generation it is not possible to pair the 175 CV engine with a manual gearbox).

It has a Winter mode for snow, a detail worth bearing in mind since the engine delivers a lot of power when pulling away.

Handling

Despite the changes in the new generation of the Korando, fortunately one thing remains unchanged: the agility of this SUV. Road stability stands out and above all the agility of its chassis, although limited by the generous ground clearance and its dimensions.

The suspension is comfortable without being too soft, unlike some other SUVs, and on the road it stands out for the comfort it offers. The brakes cope without problems when stopping the Korando’s two tonnes of weight, and the only thing that could be improved is the steering feel, which is rather artificial.

As for all-wheel drive, its off-road abilities stand out thanks to the traction that can be locked from a button on the dashboard (in normal mode the distribution is automatic). It works excellently and, together with good tyres and the car’s height, it can get through difficult terrain without trouble.

That said, you need to think carefully about whether to equip all-wheel drive or not, since if we are only going to drive on tracks or low-difficulty roads where the car’s height lets us pass without problems, we can avoid specifying the all-wheel drive, which not only makes the Korando more expensive but also consumes more, and you notice it.

Consumption

Consumption on the motorway on our usual route between Madrid and Vigo was 8.8 litres per 100 km. Meanwhile, in town consumption is quite high due to the weight and power of the car, rising above 11 litres per 100 km.

Finally, on country roads consumption is around 8.5 litres per 100 km in normal driving, which is hardly economical. These consumption figures may seem high, but we must not forget that this is a two-tonne car with 175 CV, all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, all of which works against fuel economy.

In the second part we will analyse the design of the new Korando, as well as its spacious interior, driving position and other details.

Photos | R. Rodriguez and the test team