SsangYong Korando – Korean Can Do

THE SsangYong Korando medium size SUV may have been around for 38 years but it’s a name yet to really resonate with UK car buyers.

That’s a shame because the Korando is far more than a lightweight offering from the Pacific rim that’s been able to keep its price down through budget level materials and technology.

On the contrary, it’s a stylish, well engineered, extensively kitted out and comfortable model that, in top spec Ultimate trim at least, has a real premium feel.

First though, a little bit about SsangYong. The company’s name means Double Dragon and has been around since 1954 when it was established to produce trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles for the export market.

These days it is a specialist SUV and 4×4 manufacturer and has launched four new models in the past six years, the most recent of which is the Korando – shortened from Korean Can Do in reference to its versatility.

Surviving in the modern marketplace is governed by car companies consistently upping their game and that’s exactly what SsangYong has done with the Korando.

It’s no longer bargain basement, but it does offer genuine value for money with prices starting from £20,395, though the flagship Ultimate model will set you back £28,345.

Two engines are up for grabs, a 1.6-litre diesel or the 1.5-litre GDi turbo petrol unit which graced our tested model.

Strong, smooth and adequately powered, the Korando not only looks attractive but is a pleasant and quite relaxing car to drive, it’s only drawback being fuel economy.

Our lockdown driving comprised mixed dual carriageway and town driving with the emphasis on urban, so 29.5 miles per gallon may not have been too shabby in the circumstances, even if it was down on the 35.8 average claimed by the manufacturer.

That’s for the automatic transmission model, which also gives you a choice of selectable driving modes for Normal, Sport and Winter conditions.

When it comes to comfort and ambience the latest Korando really has become a player courtesy of huge interior space with plenty of legroom front and back, even if the centre rear seating position is perched.

A highlight is something called the Blaze Cockpit with its wrap-around dashboard design, inspired by the fretboard of a guitar or double bass and which encompasses the air vents and info screens.

The surfaces are soft and tactile and house a nine-inch multimedia interface, a 10.25-inch customisable instrument cluster and ambient light panels allowing you to set the mood with a choice of 34 colours.

There’s also an integrated Tom Tom navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, a heated steering wheel and rear view camera while the passengers relax in soft perforated leather seats.

As for carrying capacity, a luggage board divides the boot into two stacked layers for convenient loading, the back seats fold 60-40 and there’s a powered tailgate.

And with the ability to tow loads of up to two tonnes it’s no surprise that the Korando is so popular with caravanners.

Add a plethora of smart safety gear plus a seven-year/150,000-mile warranty to the equation and you have an SUV that can more than hold its own in an increasingly competitive arena.