Ssangyong Korando 2.0T 175 CV Limited 4×4 Aut., road test (Equipment, prices and opinion)

We’ve reached the final part of the Ssangyong Korando road test. We have tested this SUV, which has a strong off-road character, with the most powerful two-litre diesel engine, producing 175 CV, paired with the automatic gearbox and 4×4 all-wheel drive.

Everything about the engine, handling, performance and consumption was covered in the first part of the Korando road test. In the second part we analysed the new exterior design of this newly arrived generation as well as the interior space and the boot. Now, in the third part of the test, we turn to the equipment, covering both the safety features and the rest of the Korando’s equipment, although we will also look at prices and our personal opinion of the car.

Equipment

Reviewing the equipment, we begin with the safety features, meaning the safety equipment fitted from the base trim onwards on every Ssangyong Korando. As standard it has six airbags, stability control, anti-rollover control, ABS with emergency brake assist, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring and active head restraints, among other elements.

The range consists of the following trims: Line, Sport, Premium and Limited. The petrol version starts with the Line trim, which, on top of all the above, adds 16-inch alloy wheels, CD-MP3 radio with Bluetooth and USB port, cruise control and air conditioning, among other elements. The other petrol trim is the Sport, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, parking assistance system, among other elements.

In diesel, the Premium trim is available, which on top of the previous equipment adds climate control, heated seats, specific LED instrumentation, and a satellite navigation system (TomTom with lifetime map updates), among other elements.

Finally, the Limited trim (that of our test unit) is the most complete and adds elements such as a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and push-button start, among other elements.

Worth highlighting is the comprehensive standard equipment from the base trim onwards, something that is not always found on an SUV, and certainly not at the Korando’s starting price. The navigation system on all units is a portable unit: a TomTom that works well and comes with lifetime map updates, which is interesting and something few manufacturers offer.

Prices (including manufacturer discounts)

• Korando G20 4×2 Line €16,450
• Korando G20 4×2 Sport €18,200
• Korando D20T 149 CV 4×2 Premium €19,700
• Korando D20T 149 CV 4×2 Limited €21,700
• Korando D20T 175 CV Aut. 4×2 Premium €22,200
• Korando D20T 175 CV Aut. 4×2 Limited €24,200
• Korando D20T 149 CV 4×4 Premium €21,700
• Korando D20T 175 CV Aut. 4×4 Limited €26,200

Personal Opinion

The changes the Ssangyong Korando has undergone in its exterior and interior design bring it closer to other benchmark SUVs in the segment in terms of quality, but the Korando has its own characteristics that make it very interesting.

First, the engine. We are not talking about a diesel of just over 100 CV like many other SUVs with excellent sales figures; in the Korando’s case the smallest diesel engine produces 149 CV. It is a highly recommended engine, above all for its responsiveness. Another point is that if we don’t plan intensive off-road driving, we don’t need all-wheel drive, and the Korando will cope without problems on tracks and somewhat difficult terrain simply by fitting good all-terrain tyres.

All-wheel drive is something that needs careful thought, because it increases the price, maintenance and consumption of the car. If we need it, and want to take the Korando off the asphalt, we get a 4×4 that is far superior to the rest of the SUVs on the market, at a fairly competitive price.

Another detail we like about the Korando is its price and equipment, from €16,500 it already comes well equipped, and in the case of the diesel at €19,700 the car lacks nothing, and for the same engine/equipment/price there are few SUVs that compete with it.

In the case of the test unit, with the automatic gearbox, I only recommend it to those who are looking for maximum comfort; I feel the gearbox does not get the most out of the engine and prioritises comfort at the wheel above all.

In short, if you are looking for a spacious SUV, with a restrained price and a powerful diesel engine, the Korando is a good candidate worth considering.

Photos | R. Rodriguez, Test Team