Ssangyong Korando 1.6 diesel
SSANGYONG HAS A very strong following among caravanners, and it has built this reputation with heavy, affordable SUVS.
The Korean brand has now set itself a difficult task: keeping tow car drivers happy while appealing to more mainstream buyers. And as the Korando shows, this is not easy.
Bad points? The Korando is lighter, less powerful and more expensive than the old model. A kerbweight of 1610kg for the 2WD diesel rises to 1700kg if you choose a 4x4, but that’s still 125kg less than the old car.
Good points? The 1.6-litre diesel might be less punchy than the previous 2.2-litre, but it is more economical – 51.4mpg on the combined cycle if you choose 2WD.
With 239lb ft of torque, there should still be enough muscle to handle any sensibly matched tourer, and the automatic gearbox shifts gear smoothly. On our solo test drive, the car accelerated at a reasonable pace, so long as you don’t expect any fireworks.
The new car is a more polished drive, with direct, accurate steering and good ride comfort, although the high-spec models with larger wheels are a little more fussy.
The extra sophistication extends to the interior, which is better finished and very roomy. Rear-seat space is more generous than you’ll find in most rivals.
Choose the Pioneer and you miss out on a few toys, compared with the rangetopping Ultimate, but benefit from a spec that’s been chosen in response to feedback from caravanners.
There’s a full-size spare wheel, instead of a repair kit, rear-view camera, and 17-inch alloys with mud-and-snow tyres. The only downside to the towing-friendly spec is reduced boot space – the spare wheel drops this from 551 to 407 litres.
By the end of the year, a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine will join the range, bringing the entry-level price down to £19,995. If you want a diesel, the cheapest version is the Pioneer 2WD, priced at £26,495. Go for the 4WD and that increases to £28,495 – big price hikes compared with the old car, although the Ssangyong is still more affordable than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. The Korando is much improved, but is no longer such a bargain.