Muscling in on the market

The Korando is back for a fourth time, but how does it fare? Jack Healy finds out.

Ssangyong may only be the third most popular car manufacturer to come from South Korea, but the firm’s slowly edging its way towards the mainstream with a new set of more refined and well-equipped vehicles. And here is its challenger for the ever-booming crossover market - the Korando. Now in its fourth generation, Ssangyong hopes the latest Korando can be a more compelling rival to market mainstays like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.

WHAT’S NEW?

Comparing the new Korando to the previous generation is like comparing chalk and cheese. Ssangyong has done a remarkable job of transforming the crossover into a sharperlooking model after the previous generation’s curvier look. The Korean firm has added a series of features to bring it up to scratch with its closest rivals. That means a clearer touchscreen infotainment set-up, a fleet of driver assistance systems and a new engine line-up incorporating both diesel and petrol units. UNDER THE BONNET? Ssangyong is offering the latest Korando with two engines in the UK – a 1.6-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with the latter arriving here in December. The petrol will be paired to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission while two and fourwheel drive is offered as well. The diesel is only supplied with the auto ‘box and four-wheel drive. WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The interior of the Ultimate model we drove was very pleasant indeed. Fitted with heated and ventilated leather seats, a sturdily built centre console and clear displays, the cabin feels up to the level of its closest rivals - and in the case of the screens, it’s actually better. The boot is a tad smaller than you might hope, although there is underfloor storage space on the Ultimate. WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The Ultimate is the pick of the four-trims and is handsomely equipped. Starting at £26,495 with the petrol engine, this Korando gets all-leather seats, dual-zone climate control, the touchscreen info display, a 10.25-inch customisable digital instrument panel and a powered tailgate. LED headlights, rear privacy glass, mood lighting and 19-inch alloys help finish the look. THE VERDICT

The Ssangyong brand isn’t as well-known as Hyundai or Kia, but the new Korando could be the car to help bring it into the public view more than ever. Its driving experience does fall a little short of its closest rivals, but the fourth iteration of the Korando is a much better package than before and can hold a candle to its South Korean rivals.