El SsangYong Korando It arrived in our country in 1996, although the marketing of the Asian product began, in its native country, 44 years ago now. In 2017 the South Korean SUV renewed its fifth generation with a new restyling. Today, at Actualidad Motor, we thoroughly tested it; and we already told you that it is an option to be valued by those families who need space and who have a tight budget.
The fashions are there and, as we often say, the fever for SUVs and crossover vehicles does not seem to end. In any case, it should be noted that the SsangYong Korando, as we have said before, has been in Spain for more than 20 years, so it is by no means a product that has been targeted after the market revolution. Having said that, let's see what it offers us this 178 hp Asian model that is available from 18.150 euros in its access version.
robust aesthetics
Before starting to review the exterior, it is convenient to take a look at its exterior dimensions, since they will surely be very useful if your garage space is somewhat fair. Thus, the SsangYong Korando measures 4,41 meters long, 1,67 high and 1,83 meters wide. The wheelbase is 2,65 meters. Therefore, we are facing a model of the C-SUV segment that, due to its size, rivals models such as the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca o Hyundai Tucson, among many others.
Now yes, getting into the matter of design, the compact all-rounder of the South Korean firm uses an exterior design line similar to what we know of other brand products, such as the ssangyong tivoli, on its front. The forms are robust, and perhaps not very stylized. In any case, the models of this company never seek to convey elegance, but rather strength and resistance. For this reason we have marked lower guards and a group of fog lights, where the turn signals are also located, very generous in the lower corners.
Regarding the previous version of this restyling, the changes that appear on its side do not go much further than some new tire designs. Wheels that, in this case and because it is the highest finish, are no less than 18 inches. There are also not too many modifications in the rear, which retains a vertical design of its pilots and a large trunk lid. To be highlighted, the two chrome exhaust outlets, placing one at each lower end.
Suitable for five and with a good trunk
The main asset of the SsangYong Korando, in addition to its retail price, is its indoor habitability. The front seats are spacious, but the best comes in the second row of seats. In the back, the side seats are very good both in width, as in space for the legs and in height, one of the best in the segment; but best of all, the central plaza is also relatively spacious by market standards, with minimal transmission tunnel. Therefore, it would not be crazy to propose a trip with four adults and a child or person of small stature in that fifth seat.
A positive point is that, despite the fact that the second row of seats cannot slide longitudinally to seek greater space or improve cargo capacity at the cost of sacrificing distance for the legs, yes. we can vary the inclination of the backrest in 17 degrees. It will be an advantage when traveling with children, as it will be easier for them to fall asleep while they are in the pushchair with the seat reclined, and can also save a few extra liters in the trunk for when we are loaded to the brim.
And since we have quoted the carrying capacity, its trunk cubic 486 liters, remaining at the top in this section within its segment. Look, there is less than 20 liters of difference with a Volvo XC60, which belongs to a larger category. Of course, the shapes of the wheel arches are somewhat intrusive. Under the floor we have some compartments to "hide" smaller objects and, underneath, a spare wheel. If we fold down the rear seats we exceed 1.300 liters of capacity and, in addition, we have a completely flat load floor.
Interior of improvable materials, but correct for its price
Once its great inner capacity has been verified, it is time to evaluate the interior design and quality. The design is something totally personal, but it is no less true that there must be an intelligent distribution to make life easier for the occupants, and especially for the driver. To achieve such an affordable price, we already imagined that the SsangYong had to have saved in some sections, and where it begins to show is inside.
It is not that the Korando resorts to bad materials, since they seem relatively solid and are correctly adjusted, but it is true that their appearance and feel are not entirely pleasant in some elements. Many of the trims are hard plastic, although the upper part of the dashboard and the door armrests are soft., and the different controls do not transmit that soft touch that we like so much when activating them, being rather rough. In its favor we can highlight the large number of gaps to empty our pockets and place soda cans or water bottles.
We continue with your instrument panel, which is not very elaborate aesthetically but which shows the necessary information clearly, although we are not completely convinced by having to press a button on the central console to jump from one information to another on the digital screen that shows trip data. The dashboard touchscreen with navigator is clearly below the competition, with inferior readability and a fairer processor. Also, when the sun shines on it it is difficult to see its information. A positive detail is that the air conditioning controls have not been integrated into it.
SsangYong Korando Range
The SsangYong Korando is only available with a D22T diesel engine, but it can be associated with both a manual transmission and another converter-type automatic transmission -both with six relationships-, and it is also possible to choose between front-wheel drive or a 4×4 system with Haldex type center differential with lock at 50% torque for each axis.
And what about your engine? Well, we are facing a diesel block, supercharged by turbo, of 2.157 cc with direct injection by common rail. Your performance data is 178 hp at 4.000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1.400 and 2.800 revolutions per minute. According to the data sheet, the tested version, with automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, homologates a combined consumption of 6,8 l/100 km and 177 grams of CO2 per kilometer traveled. In the manual version with simple traction, the approved consumption drops to 5,3 l/100 km.
As for trim levels, there are three, which are Line, Premium and Limited. Unfortunately, and although it comes well equipped from the most accessible versions in terms of security, we missed some important systems such as automatic emergency braking or the blind spot presence sensor. I am not saying that SsangYong should include it as standard in the access versions, but it would be convenient to be able to equip it in some version, since they are not available even as an option in the most equipped finish, the Limited.
Shall we start?
After talking about its design, its habitability and its mechanics, we now have to adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten our belts and press the start button to bring your 2.2 turbodiesel to life. The motor noticeable in the cabin at idle by sound, but not by vibrations, especially when cold. Although its loudness decreases as it takes temperature, in accelerations it will also be perceived, because it has a somewhat fair insulation. There will also be some other aerodynamic noises, which seem to come mainly, at least in this unit, from the rear view mirrors.
The tuning of the SsangYong Korando has a clear focus on comfort, with soft suspensions that allow the body to tilt when we face curves at a happy pace. In any case, this compact SUV is not a car that invites you to drive dynamically, since your direction has enough support and it is very reduced, so it does not transmit a great feeling. In any case, it is very comfortable when negotiating speed bumps or when facing long highway trips.
Despite the fact that its engine develops 178 CV, the sensations that it has transmitted to us are not those of a mechanic of such power, although we must take into account that the automatic and all-wheel drive SsangYong Korando weighs more than 1.750 kg. Anyway, the acceleration and recovery capacity is more than enough for a car like this. Fuel consumption is not high considering that we drive an automatic car of such weight, having obtained a total mixed consumption of 7,5 l/100 km during our test.
Regarding the change, it is a torque converter type transmission with six preset ratios. It tends to choose a high gear to minimize fuel consumption, although if we accelerate forcefully it will reduce a couple of gears to raise the engine's rotational speed and thus obtain greater thrust. In these strong accelerations, tends to create a slight slip, not being completely synchronized the regime of revolutions -and the increase of the same- with the acceleration of the car. Its operation, yes, is very smooth. On the other hand, we have three gearbox operating modes, which are: Winter, Normal and Sport.
I would like to emphasize that this transmission can run in a sequential mode, being the driver who orders the increase or reduction of the different preset speeds. To do this we have to move the gear lever to “M” mode and then, with the thumb, use a small push button making longitudinal touches. We do not know the reason for this way to make changes "manually", something that we have already seen in other SsangYong, but does not seem very successful. Nor is it possible to equip paddles behind the wheel.
Summary
In short, the SsangYong Korando is a good product for those who do not place much value on driving sensations and who do not seek sportiness or high quality in a car; preferring habitability and cheap price above all. Its features are good, but its qualities and solutions could be improved. That said, the Korando is by far the car that offers the most power and roominess for its price in the entire segment.
Our unit has all-wheel drive, which will always be a safety plus on slippery surfaces, being an incentive for those who from time to time will go out with SsangYong Korando off the asphalt. In paths and tracks, the soft suspension will also be a good ally, since filters quite well potholes that we can find on our way, guaranteeing good comfort despite using 18-inch wheels and small-profile tires.
Many potential buyers will also choose it due to the fact that, in addition to the above, it has a 5 year or 100.000 kilometer warranty -whatever comes first- as standard. And speaking of what comes as standard, from the access level, as you can see below, it comes well equipped, although it is true that in higher finishes we miss some driving aid systems such as the blind spot sensor or the autonomous braking, as we have already mentioned above.
Equipment SsangYong Korando
Line
- manual climate control
- gear shift indicator
- Speed control
- Power windows on all four windows
- Audio system with CD / MP3 and six speakers
- Multifunction steering wheel
- USB port and HDMI input
- trip computer
- Bluetooth hands-free
- Rear armrests with cup holders
- Second row of seats folding in parts
- Front armrest with large-capacity glove box
- Electric exterior mirrors, heated and with LED indicators
- Body color door handles
- Daytime running lights
- 16-inch wheels
- Dual chrome exhaust outlet
- Hill start assist
- Isofix anchors
- Active front head restraints
Premium
- Reversing camera
- Light and rain sensors
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch touchscreen navigator
- Rear trunk cover tray
- Leather steering wheel and gear knob
- Photosensitive interior mirror
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- roof rails
- Rear spoiler with integrated third light
- Front fog lamps
- Tinted windows
Limited
- Heated rear seats
- leather seats
- Chrome exterior trim
- Electrically folding mirrors
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power sunroof
SsangYong Korando Prices
These prices that we leave you below come from the brand's configurator, the indicated value being the PVP. However, all versions currently benefit from a promotion of 2.000 euros, except for the access variant that discounts 1.000 euros. Likewise, although in this case subject to financing, it is possible to benefit from 1.000 euros more discount in the purchase of the vehicle in all versions. Therefore, the highest-end version, which is the one we tested, is available for a price of 27.250 euros.
Version | Motor | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Version | Motor | Change | Traction | Finished | Price |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | manual 6v | Front | Line | 20.150 € |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | manual 6v | Front | Premium | 24.250 € |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | manual 6v | Front | Limited | 26.250 € |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | Car. 6v | Front | Limited | 27.750 € |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | manual 6v | 4 × 4 | Premium | 25.750 € |
D22T | 2.2 diesel 178 hp | Car. 6v | 4 × 4 | Limited | 30.250 € |
Editor's opinion
- Editor's rating
- 2.5 star rating
- Normal
- SsangYong Korando D22T Limited Auto. 6v 4x4
- Review of: Diego Avila
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Exterior design
- interior design
- front seats
- rear seats
- Trunk
- Spring Suspension
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Price
Pros
- Price
- Cabin and cargo capacity
- ride comfort
Cons
- somewhat bland design
- Quality of some interior materials and the main screen
- touch of your direction