ALL-NEW CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

SsangYong Korando

By Jonathan Crouch

SsangYong's Korando has previously been something of a fringe player in the value reaches of the mid-sized SUV class, but this MK4 model aims to edge into the mainstream. It's well equipped, rather smart and can tow up to 2.0-tonnes. Sounds promising.

Two engines are available to prospective Korando customers. The petrol choice is a 1.5-litre GDI-turbo unit with 163PS and 280Nm of torque which can only be had with front-wheel drive. It's usually mated to 6-speed manual transmission but the top-spec version can alternatively be had with an auto gearbox. The other main choice (and the one that this car's core caravan-trailing and towing market will want) is the 1.6-litre diesel, which has to be had with an auto gearbox. Here, you get 136PS, but far more pulling power - 342Nm of it; enough to allow the car to pull up to 2.0-tonnes. On the diesel, AWD is optional.

SsangYong is starting of smartly modern yet brand-distinctive design, as evidenced here. The usual robust SUV silhouette is complemented by the rather smart "birds wing"-style front grille which has become a visual identifier for modern SsangYong models. Plus strong side lines are matched with curved shoulder creases that taper towards the rear of the car, as well as a colour-keyed bumper, a rear spoiler and a rear skid plate, all of which lend this compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. Dependent on trim level, Korando offers a selection of alloy wheel designs with 17, 18 or 19-inch diamond cut rims.

Inside, the integrated wrap-around dashboard design is said to have been inspired by the design of a classical string instrument. There's only one body style option, a 5-seater - but you do get reasonable rear seat legroom. And a decently-sized boot too - the load area offers up to 1248-litres of space in the back.

So how to summarise? Well we'd say that this SsangYong is a difficult option to ignore if you need a really capable car of this kind. It can powerfully tow, will more comfortably transport five people than direct rivals can and offers up plenty of kit on a tight budget. You'll just have to get used to explaining to people what it is. And who knows, you might even end up suggesting that they try one....

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: SsangYong Korando

PRICES: £19,995-£31,995

INSURANCE GROUP: TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: [1.6 diesel manual] 144g/km (NEDC)

PERFORMANCE: [1.6 diesel manual] top speed 112mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.6 diesel manual] (combined) 48.7mpg (WLTP)

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, ABS, twin front and side airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4450/1870/1629mm