The new SsangYong Korando does not have to hide from the competition - innovative momentum and dapper design make it eye-catching.
SsangYong? I beg your pardon? So the answer to the question of whether you know this car brand will probably be mostly. The weak point of the brand, in which even Mercedes once held shares and supplied engines and which at another time belonged to Daewoo in phases, is likely to be the lack of awareness. In any case, because of the products - even the small crossover Tivoli and the heavy off-roader Rexton have long been fine alternatives - it should no longer be the case that the Korean company, which is now part of the Indian Mahindra & Mahindra, is underrepresented in Germany. However, those interested have to adjust to Asian design, which is no longer found at Kia and Hyundai. The Korando from 22.990, which costs at least 2019 euros, is neat. The designers have done everything to ensure that it creates an athletic image with the skillful use of sheet metal beads. The rear section with the gently curved chrome trim gives the compact SUV something exotic that ultimately demands getting used to the Central European - even the nicely swept LED taillights do not change that.
This impression is also conveyed by the interior design - but why should the Korando deny its continental origin? On board are certainly all the features you need today - instrument cluster as a full display surface, smartphone integration and an 9,2 inch large touchscreen in the. Even with security assistants, the all-rounder stingy by no means. Autonomous emergency braking, cross traffic warning, lane departure alarm, adaptive cruise control - everything is there. Even if the traffic rolls back after a traffic jam, the colleague reports computer.
On the comfort side there is an electric trunk lid, keyless locking system and even seat ventilation - this is something German competitors can not do any better either. Depending on the equipment line, the product developers have designed a flexible loading floor for the luggage compartment and installed lashing eyes in order to score points for their practical suitability. However, it should be quiet 200 liters more cargo space.
The question remains, how the newcomer drives. After the issues with 100 kW / 136 PS strong 1,6-liter diesel were introduced, is now the gasoline turn. Again, everything is state of the art - downsizing petrol with 1,5 liters and turbocharging sounds like familiar technology. With 120 kW / 163 PS, the small engine under the hood is not an athlete, but it helps the 1,5-Tonner to upbeat performance. Nice with the turbo engine is always that you do not have to turn it, while you can cheer the gasoline quietly, without hearing strained sounds. Also the noise level is absolutely fine.
Rich 280 Newton meters tug on 1.500 tours on the front axle, for driving influences in the smooth steering but that's not enough. Who is often on slippery terrain on the road, accesses the optional all-wheel drive. For the power transmission, there is a six-speed manual gearbox with relatively smooth-locking gear ratios as well as a supple automatic converter from Aisin with six driving levels. The automatic we like better. In the medium term, however, it will be replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
After only a few kilometers, it becomes clear that the engineers at the new Korando had in mind the ride comfort in particular. Correspondingly soft chassis setup prevents dynamic approaches in turns - a course that also supports the high-power assisted steering.
Finally, a look at what the customer gets for the starting price of almost 23.000 Euro everything. After all, a large part of the security equipment with concentrated assistance plus Bluetooth hands-free, digital radio and cruise control - no wonder that the five stars are secured in the Euro NCAP crash test. If you really like the equipment, you can drive the price well above the 30.000 Euro limit. But SsangYong does not have to be ashamed of that, because the Korando offers a solid piece of automobile. Only at the fame the Koreans have yet to file. The dealer network, however, can not be an excuse to renounce a product of the brand, because with 180 locations in Germany short service paths are guaranteed.
Incidentally, fans of alternative powertrains should be able to buy a fully electric Korando in just over a year with an 62 kW / h large battery, which reaches for over 400 kilometers of range. So you can stay excited.
SsangYong Korando 1,5 T-GDI - Specifications:
SUV of compact class, length: 4,45 meter, width: 1,87 meter, height: 1,62 meter, wheelbase: 2,68 meter, trunk volume: 551 to 1.248 liter
1,5-liter four-cylinder Otto with turbocharging and direct injection, 120 kW / 163 PS, maximum torque: 260 to 280 Nm at 1.500 to 4.000 rpm, six-speed manual transmission (or six-speed torque converter), front-wheel drive, 0-100 km / h: kA, Vmax: 193 km / h, average consumption: 6,8 to 7,1 l, CO2 emissions: 158 to 162 g / km, efficiency class: D, emission standard: Euro 6d-temp, prices: from 22.990 Euro
SsangYong Korando 1,5 T-GDI - Short Characteristics:
Why: Because the Korando offers a lot of car for moderate money
Why not: Because he skimily avoids the European taste with his Asian design
What else: Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca, Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage
When: can be ordered now