Ssanyong Korando G20D, presentation and test drive

The Korean brand continues its drive to expand in the European market, and one of its big bets is undoubtedly the Ssanyong Korando. This model, presented almost two years ago, was until now available with a single diesel engine paired with either an automatic or a manual gearbox.

That is why Ssanyong has decided to add a new engine to its range: the G20D, a 2.0 petrol unit producing 149 CV. Although it may seem extravagant to launch a petrol SUV in today’s economic climate, with car sales in freefall, we will try to explain why Ssanyong believes in it.

Petrol-engined SUVs account for 10% of sales in this market, and they are one of the few segments not only not in the red but actually growing sales compared with previous years. Moreover, the Korando was only offered with a 175 CV diesel engine, so it was necessary to launch one with less power.

Engine and performance

This new engine, which the Korean brand is debuting in our country, is called the e-XGi20 and is a naturally aspirated 2.0 with an inline four-cylinder and 16 valves. It delivers its maximum power of 149 CV at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque sits at 191 Nm at 4,000 rpm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 178 km/h.

In addition, the petrol Korando receives a new configuration that allows, on the one hand, a much softer clutch pedal, meaning less effort is needed to press it and, on the other, a more precise guidance of the gearbox selector.

As for traction, the e-XGi20 engine is only paired with the 4×2 layout and a six-speed manual gearbox. During our test of the petrol Korando we noticed that it is designed to reduce fuel consumption as much as possible, with a combined-cycle figure of 7.5 litres per 100 km. This means we need to pass the 4,000 rpm barrier to notice a more agile driving experience in the Korando.

Consumption

At the presentation, Ssanyong set us a small challenge: to get from Madrid to the Finca Valdelagua in Yepes (Toledo) in the shortest time possible and with consumption below 7.5 litres. The route was just over 70 km and, apart from the first few kilometres, the rest was motorway and main road.

As soon as we left the meeting point, we drove through the city, trying to use as little fuel as possible on this short stretch. When we joined the motorway, consumption was around 9 litres, yet we still had more than 60 kilometres ahead to bring it down. On reaching the midway point, where we had to change drivers, consumption had dropped to 7 litres.

Now it was my turn behind the wheel of the Korando, and I tried to keep reducing consumption. In theory, my leg to Valdelagua was motorway and main road, so I was confident of bringing the figure down. However, right after leaving the midway point, the satnav (which, as we will see later, is new) played a nasty trick on us and we took the wrong turn. This cost us quite a lot of time, and we had to drive through the city for a long while, so once we got back on track we could only shave off a few tenths of a litre.

Although we could not exactly “make the podium” in this little challenge, we did notice that the Ssanyong Korando presents itself as a genuine alternative with fairly low consumption that can be achieved easily if we take care with our driving.

Equipment and a small facelift

Alongside the e-XGi20 engine, Ssanyong also showed us the small updates this model incorporates, with slight changes to the exterior and interior. Thus we can now find a chrome grille, as well as rain and light sensors.

Inside, the standout is the new touchscreen navigation system, which improves on the previous one and sits much better integrated in the dashboard. It is fairly simple to use and quick to get familiar with. It also features “carbon effect” details on the dashboard that give the interior more presence.

As for equipment levels, they are the usual ones: Line, Sport and Sport GT. The first, the Line, comes as standard with quite a few items, such as six airbags, active headrests, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and an on-board computer. All of this makes the Ssangyong Korando fairly well equipped and a genuine option in this competitive market.

Moving up to the Sport level adds a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain and light sensors, fog lights, tinted windows and 17-inch wheels. Finally, there is the Sport GT, which adds sporty bodywork mouldings on the outside and, inside, the new navigation system with Bluetooth and a USB port. Beyond the equipment levels, the only option available is metallic paint, at around 400 euros.

Prices and conclusion

The starting price in Spain with the Line equipment is 19,500 euros, which, after the 1,600 euro promotional discount, comes down to around 17,900 euros. The price for the Sport and Sport GT versions, already including the promotional discount, is around 19,250 and 19,950 euros respectively.

Therefore, the Ssangyong Korando arrives on the Spanish market eager to win a good share of it, and it has plenty of reasons to. A very competitive price, a very complete equipment list and an engine with low consumption and adequate performance for everyday use are its main strengths.

Photos | David Taboada