Size doesn’t matter to tough Korando

Smaller SUV maintains the rugged appeal of its larger Korean stablemates, writes Carmel Stewart

SsangYong is well-known for its big, rugged 4x4 vehicles which can pull several tonnes in the shape of horse boxes, trailers and caravans.

Less well-known, perhaps, are its smaller vehicles which can still pull the family caravan and loads up to two tonnes but are less chunky in appearance. One such is the Korando SUV which is more a family car than a workhorse, being a comfortable, reasonably priced five-seater with a decent, flat loading boot and off-roading abilities should circumstances require.

It is powered by a 2.2litre turbocharged, Euro 6compliant SsangYong-built diesel engine linked to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with either front wheel-drive or an intelligent, on-demand, all-wheel drive system.

The advanced 4x4 system has two settings. For the most part it operates in 2WD for optimum fuel efficiency but when sensors detect slippage – as with snow/rain/rough surfaces – the 4WD system kicks in, sending torque to where it is needed most.

In extreme circumstances it is possible to lock it off so that drive is allocated equally between front and rear wheels, providing the best grip and control for low-speed manoeuvres.

The recently facelifted version adds a more modern dash, redesigned chunky steering wheel, updated styling, favouring rounded edges, discreet creases and a new grille, headlights, fog lamps and daytime running lights. As before, the rear seats can recline when in use but can also fold flat to allow for more load lugging and there is no transmission tunnel which means the middle rear seat passenger is that much more comfortable.

There are four models on offer: the two-wheel drive SE; the SE 4x4; the ELX 4x4; and the ELX with automatic transmission. Prices range from £15,800 to £23,500.

Some of the glossy mags have given the Korando a hard time but really it is a very decent, inexpensive vehicle. It’ll not set the tarmac on fire nor will it traverse rivers deep, mountains high – although it’ll have a pretty good go at it – but it’ll get you safely through a shallow stream and across a muddy field.

On the road it is comfortable and composed unless really pushed. Country lanes at speed will induce a certain amount of body roll – slow down and the problem is solved.

All Korando models come with a very decent standard kit list. The entry-level SE has six airbags, air-conditioning, cruise control, electric windows front and rear, Bluetooth connectivity, electrically operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps, roof rails, alloy wheels, ESP and hill start assist.

The top spec ELX adds a leather interior, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, a powered driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, seven-inch touchscreen, RDS radio and TomTom sat nav plus distinctive 18-inch diamond-cut alloys.

All models come with a five-year limitless mileage warranty.