The SsangYong Korando is the South Korean brand's bet in the competitive C-SUV segment. Its name has been on the market since 1983, moment in which SsangYong acquires the production rights of another brand. That first generation, manufactured between 1983 and 1996, did not reach the old continent, and it is from the second of its generations (1997 - 2004) when it is introduced into our market.
We have tested this car:
Test SsangYong Korando e-Motion, the manufacturer's first electricTest SsangYong Korando D16T 136 CV Auto 6vCurrently the Korando is in its fourth generation. The last of them, presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, represents a considerable step forward in different areas. Thanks to it The Korean brand fights more directly with the rest of its rivals of what is the most competitive segment at European level, the C-SUV.
An important aesthetic change must be added. A design that copies the current SsangYong philosophy. An image that considerably improves what was seen in the past. Thanks to it The image of the Ssangyong Korando is more stylized, attractive and contemporary. All this without losing the typical Asian touch with its characteristic shapes and details. Evolutionary change that is also noticeable in the interior.
Technical characteristics of the SsangYong Korando
Not only is the image of the SsangYong Korando new, but so is the platform on which it rests. The Koreans have used a new scalar structure that includes 74% high-strength steel. This not only gives it greater torsional rigidity, but also represents a considerable improvement in other aspects such as driving comfort or safety.
This new platform has forced a change in the dimensions of the Korando. The 2019 model is the largest known to date. Its external measurements are: 4,45 meters long, 1,87 meters wide and 1,62 meters high. To this we must add a wheelbase of 2,67 meters and a total weight on scale of 1.480 kilograms. These measures position it perfectly among its brand siblings, the ssangyong tivoli and SsangYong Rexton.
The interior space it shows is good, in fact it is one of the best in its category thanks to the good use of the dimensions. Regarding its load capacity we are talking about a minimum volume of 423 liters from the trunk floor to the tray. We can expand that capacity to 551 liters if we occupy the height up to the ceiling. And finally, the maximum volume is obtained by folding the second row of seats, reaching 1.248 liters.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the SsangYong Korando
As is usual in the house, the SsangYong Korando shows a very short mechanical range. A diesel and a petrol option is all that is available to you. Regarding its traction and transmission system, The offer allows us to select 4×2 or 4×4 traction. The first of them comes as standard, while all-wheel drive can be equipped in both mechanics but exclusively with the automatic transmission and the highest finish. A torque converter type automatic transmission with six gears.
The gasoline SsangYong, called G15T, has a turbocharged four-cylinder block with 1.497 cubic centimeters and a maximum power of 163 horses between 5.000 and 5.50 revolutions. It shows a maximum torque of 280 Nm, available in the wide range between 1.500 and 4.000 engine revolutions. Its average consumption approved in the WLTP cycle varies between 7,5 and 8,7 liters per 100 kilometers. Depending on the drive system and gearbox.
Meanwhile The diesel block of the SsangYong Korando is called D16T. Like its gasoline counterpart, it shows a four-cylinder and turbo configuration. It has 1.597 cc of cubic capacity and develops 136 horsepower at 4.000 revolutions. The maximum torque is 300 Nm, and we find it available between 1.500 and 3.000 revolutions. The brand approves consumption that ranges between 5,4 and 6,5 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on the traction system and transmission.
Equipment of the SsangYong Korando
One of the most significant leaps of the fourth generation of the SsangYong Korando is found in the interior. An evolved presentation is accompanied by better materials, better finishes and a greater load of equipment. The South Korean brand puts on sale four levels: Line, Urban, Premium and Limited. Not all levels have access to the same mechanical range.
The Korando's standard equipment is not particularly outstanding. It has a series of elements that make it attractive, such as cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, light and rain sensors, electric mirrors, and also the SASS system. The latter includes a well-equipped group of assistants such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, collision warning, traffic sign reader and high beam assistant.
If we go to the highest level we see how The new Korando can have a wide level of equipment. It is worth highlighting the presence of: keyless access and start, front and rear parking sensors, sunroof, LED headlights, leather upholstery, rear view camera, multimedia system with 8-inch touch screen and connectivity for mobile devices and digital instrument panel, among others.
Video of the SsangYong Korando
The SsangYong Korando according to EuroNCAP
Given its good standard equipment in terms of active safety and driving assistants, and the change to a more rigid platform, the SsangYong Korando obtains good figures in the Euro NCAP tests. After undergoing the relevant tests It has been certified as a five-star car. It appears especially good in protection for adult and child passengers with a score of 88 and 85 out of 100 respectively. The worst grade is obtained in pedestrian protection, with a rating of 68 out of 100.
The SsangYong Korando from Km 0 and Second Hand
Since we are not talking about a large production and high sales volume model, 13.000 units sold in Spain since its arrival, There is no great offer of SsangYong Korando for sale on the second-hand channel or Km 0. Only 200 units are available.
The most economical models are those of the first European generation, the second of the model. If we look at these we see how models from the late 90s with a diesel engine range between 2.500 and 3.500 euros. The third generation is the most abundant in the second-hand channel. In that case, prices start at approximately 6.500 euros. At Km 0 we find fourth generation units, with prices slightly lower than dealer prices.
Rivals of the SsangYong Korando
Talking about the European C-SUV segment is talking about the most competitive and close-fought segment of the market. All brands feature at least one representative for that niche, and in some cases two. That leaves us with a list of high rivals. It is worth highlighting the presence of SEAT Ateca, from the Nissan Qashqai, from the KIA Sportage, from the Hyundai Tucson, from the Skoda Karoq or of Peugeot 3008 among many others. All of them are rivals for size, although for price the Korando usually wins.
Highlight
- habitability
- price-output ratio
- Greater refinement
To improve
- Fair performance
- Poor base equipment
- interior materials
SsangYong Korando prices
One of the great strengths of the Korando is its competitive price. In fact we are talking about one of the most economical models in the C-SUV segment. The starting price of the SsangYong Korando is 20.750 euros. That price corresponds to the gasoline version with Line finish and 4×2 simple drive with manual transmission. On the other side of the scale is the Korando D16T 4×4 with automatic transmission and Limited finish. Its price is 34.750 euros.
SsangYong Korando photo gallery
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