While SsangYong might trail behind fellow South Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia when it comes to sales, models such as the all-new Korando crossover are quickly showing this brand’s potential.
The old Korando felt rather dated – favouring low prices over quality – but this all-new model is introducing a host of new features and much better quality throughout.
Here’s what’s new about the 2019 Korando.
An all-new look
SsangYong is not typically known for building stylish vehicles, but that’s all changing with the new Korando.
Based on the e-SIV concept from 2016, this fourth-generation Korando ushers in a new look, with a distinctive new grille giving it a much sharper design. It’s also larger than the car it replaces, while new LED rear lights give this model a much sharper look.
More space than ever before
The previous Korando was known for being one of the more compact models in its class, and SsangYong has addressed this by making the new model longer, wider and lower than the old car.
With a wheelbase of 2,675mm, it is one of the largest in its class, allowing for more interior space than before and a large 551-litre boot – a notable increase car over the last model’s 486 litres.
The interior in general is also now a much more pleasant place to spend time, with the cabin feeling far more upmarket than it ever did before.
Loads of safety kit
One area where the outgoing Korando was beginning to show its age was with the car’s lack of safety assists.
But this has firmly changed, with the new version featuring autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and a driver attention alert. This kit has enabled the Korando to be awarded a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP – the first model from SsangYong to do so.
New range of engines
For the new Korando, SsangYong has introduced an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine to the range that produces 161bhp and 324Nm of torque while being far more efficient than previous petrol units from the firm.
The existing 134bhp, 1.6-litre diesel engine has also been revised to improve fuel economy and cut CO2 emissions, while buyers are still able to pair this engine with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. This is the favoured engine of the caravan and towing market, which is traditionally the Korando’s core market. When in mid-spec Pioneer trim, the Korando can tow up to two tonnes, making it one of the best models in its class if you’re wanting to hook up a caravan or trailer.
The same class-leading warranty
With many new cars on sale today, they come as standard with a three-year warranty, which is typically capped at 60,000 miles. But with the Korando (as with every SsangYong) you get a class-leading warranty, which covers the car for seven years and 150,000 miles.
If you cover plenty of miles each year and usually keep your car for more than a couple of years, the Korando could be ideal for you.
