SsangYong Korando (2011 – 2019) Review

November 2010

All new SsangYong Korando unveiled

On sale from January 2011, five models from launch in the UK, with the option of two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual and automatic, and two trim levels.

Power from a new Euro5 2.0 litre diesel engine, which delivers reasonable fuel economy and 157g/km CO2 emissions. Coming below the critical 160g/km level permits a 25% tax reduction, especially important for the user/chooser, a key part of the fleet market. The new 175PS diesel engine makes Korando one of the most powerful in its class, and with a full two tonne towing capacity, also one of the best tow-cars.

Ssangyong states: "a maintenance-free poly grooved one belt and timing chain drive have been fitted."

Korando range

• Two-wheel drive, manual
• Two-wheel drive, manual - High Line
• Two-wheel drive, automatic - High Line
• All-wheel drive, manual - High Line
• All-wheel drive, automatic - High Line

Offers a comprehensive five-year or 250,000 mile warranty, decent fuel economy, low running costs and initial affordability in the rapidly growing compact crossover segment. Production of right-hand-drive vehicles began November 2010 with deliveries to the United Kingdom from end of 2010, and on sale date in January 2011.

February 2012

SsangYong launches limited edition Korando LE

Distinguished by its special 18 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and privacy glass, the Korando LE includes luxury touches inside such as heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, and for extra safety and convenience, cruise control and rear parking sensors.

Styled by Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design, this latest addition to the Korando crossover line-up is covered by the standard 5 year unlimited mileage warranty available on all SsangYong cars and priced from just £17,995 on the road.

Available in Grand White as standard, metallic Vitamin Red or Space Black, the Korando LE is powered by an advanced 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque withemissions of only 157g/km. The LE has the same mechanical specification as the two wheel drive Korando S.

June 2012

The Korando SX is powered by a new low CO2 version of the Korando power unit. Developing 149PS@4,000rpm, this 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions reduced to 157g/km, while providing a full two tonne towing capability. Priced at £18,795 on the road.

The SX features the Torque on Demand 4x4 system fitted to EX models, and like all Korandos is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist. Its specification is similar to the Korando S - which also now features this new engine - but in two wheel drive form brings reduced CO2emissions of 147g/km.

It comes equipped with a number of luxury touches including roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there is a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth, remote audio controls and six speakers.

The Korando SX features a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback.

However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels. An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a sodden field when towing a caravan or horsebox.

October 2015

Korando improved for 2016

The improvements are the result of a major upgrade to the engine which now employs a new Euro 6, 2.2 litre diesel engine, and offers the choice of two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and either a 6-speed manual or new Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changing and an enhanced driving performance

Maximum power is increased to 178PS and torque to 400Nm. Maximum torque is delivered from a low of 1400rpm Big strides have also been made with CO2 emissions which have been reduced to 139g/km, down from 147g/km on the previous two-wheel drive, manual transmission model, while fuel economy is considerably improved and now up to 53.3mpg for the 2-wheel drive manual compared with 47.1mpg on the model it replaces.

Externally, it now sports stylish clear glass direction indicators, a new piano black radiator grille with additional chrome detailing on the ELX, and new-look 16-inch & 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on the top of the range model.

There are further improvements inside with an upgraded infotainment system on all models. The SE gets an RDS audio system with an MP3 player, Bluetooth, iPod / iPhone connectivity, while the EX features a 7-inch high-resolution touch screen with audio streaming from smart devices and a link to the rear view camera. The top of the range ELX also benefits from a TomTom navigation system, and all feature a USB memory slot, Aux port and HDMI port.

May 2017

Korando revised with new look

It now has a new grille and headlight treatment, adopting the new SsangYong ‘look’ first seen on the Tivoli and Tivoli XLV, and on the new Rexton announced recently. It features daytime running lights and on the inside a new ergonomically designed steering wheel.

There are four models in the range: the two-wheel drive SE at £17,000; SE 4x4, £18,500; ELX 4x4, £22,000; and ELX with automatic transmission from £23,500. The new car goes on sale with immediate effect.

All models come with electrically operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps, RDS radio and iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, tinted glass and roof rails. The ELX adds a raft of additional equipment including front & rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, 7-inch touchscreen, RDS radio and TomTom sat nav, distinctive new 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, leather seats, heated steering wheel and heated front & rear seats.

The new Korando is powered by a turbo-charged, Euro 6 compliant 2.2 litre diesel. Maximum power is 178PS and torque to 400Nm.

October 2018

Seven-year, 150,000-mile warranty announced

SsangYong introduces upgraded warranty for all its models. Covers all major mechanical components including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints and shock absorbers. Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake pads are covered for one year of 12,500 miles. Battery and paintwork covered for three years.