So you have a young family and are yearning for the outdoor lifestyle? Your C-segment saloon does not foot the bill when it comes to packing loads and heading out into the wilderness? You want style that doesn’t cost any limbs? Consider a Ssangyong, was the message from this company's marketing team.
Growing the SsangYong brand
During the recent launch in Pretoria of the Actyon (read drive impression here) and Korando, the future of SsangYong under the new ownership of Mahindra (read article here) was discussed. Mahindra was adamant that the alliance with SsangYong is of mutual benefit and that the target market will obtain the outdoor lifestyle they deserve earlier on in their lives by switching to the SsangYong brand. This statement is accentuated by the inclusion of a 2,0-litre petrol engine in the Korando range that lowers the price of the entry model.
Surprisingly stylish, inside and out
The Korando is not a new vehicle and this model appears identical to other offerings in the line-up. This is a good thing as styling wise it ticks all the boxes of desirability and is possibly one of the most fashionable small SUVs on the market – an achievement for SsangYong. Inside the styling is turned down a notch but still pleasant although some of the materials felt inferior to what is offered by the class leaders – particularly Nissan's Qashqai. The driving position is good, despite the lack of rake adjustment on the steering wheel. Legroom at the rear is excellent and the reclining function of the bench is very welcome indeed.
The vehicle is loaded with features; included in the standard specification are items like radio with USB and auxiliary input, climate control, satellite controls on the steering wheel and cruise control. Safety wise the vehicle is fitted with six airbags in total including dual front side and curtain airbags.
Engine feels flat
As mentioned in the Actyon drive impression, all the strategic talk left little time to evaluate the product on the road, and none off it. The 2,0-litre engine produces 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and 197 N.m at a 4 000 r/min and is mated to a six-speed automatic or manual as in the case of our test unit. Surely the Gauteng altitude did not aid the breathing of the naturally aspirated petrol engine but even so, the engine felt decidedly flat. Overtaking needs to be planned carefully and you need to stir the 'box, as torque is rather lacking at low revs. The steering felt nicely weighted but handling was untested as corners were a rarity on the highway infested test route.
In summary the vehicle seems good value for money on paper with the petrol engine bringing ownership within reach of a wider audience. Unfortunately the lacklustre performance of the petrol unit is also its Achilles heel. The diesel powertrain is a better option but the increase in price does bring it uncomfortably close to strong competitors…
Specifications
Model: SsangYong Korando 2,0-litre 4×2 petrol
Engine: 2,0-litre petrol, four cylinder, electronic injection
Power: 110 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 197 N.m at 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A
Fuel consumption: 7,51 L/100 km
CO2: 175 g/km
Top speed: N/A
Price: R269 995
Service plan: 3 years/60 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
