The SsangYong Korando is without doubt one of the most forgotten and unappreciated new vehicles presently on sale in Australia.
This SUV is technically mid-sized in keeping with VFACTS classifications, and has been on sale in Australia in its present fourth-generation kind since 2019… however it’s nonetheless but to make waves in its hotly contended phase.
Final 12 months 631 examples of the Korando had been bought in Australia, firmly making it SsangYong’s slowest vendor.
The Korando is now beginning to look somewhat small within the mid-sized SUV phase. When it launched it was virtually identically sized to the third-generation Hyundai Tucson, however now it’s equally sized to the Subaru Crosstrek which is technically a small SUV.
For mannequin 12 months 2024 (MY24) SsangYong axed the entry-level EX model of the Korando in Australia. This left the ELX and Final as the one ones to soldier on. On check right here is the latter.
The axing of the Korando EX follows SsangYong culling the turbo-diesel engine choice, which was solely provided with all-wheel drive. All Korando variants at the moment are solely provided with a turbo-petrol engine and front-wheel drive.
Is that this automotive a hidden gem ready to be unearthed?
How does the Ssangyong Korando evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Ssangyong Korando in opposition to equally sized autos.
SsangYong
Korando
How a lot does the Ssangyong Korando value?
There at the moment are solely two Korando variants provided in Australia. On check right here is the flagship Final variant.
2024 SsangYong Korando pricing:
- 2024 SsangYong Korando ELX: $33,000
- 2024 SsangYong Korando Final: $38,000
Costs are drive-away
To see how the Korando compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
What’s the Ssangyong Korando like on the within?
Strolling as much as the SsangYong Korando Final, even earlier than you unlock the automotive, you’re introduced with some puddle lights that illuminate the bottom beneath the facet mirrors. This isn’t a revolutionary characteristic, however it’s a sensible contact particularly once you’re strolling as much as the automotive at nighttime.
Hopping into the automotive you pivot in moderately than stepping up or down. That is one key advantage of proudly owning a crossover SUV as they’ve a raised journey peak.
When you’re in you’ll discover you sit very excessive within the driver’s seat. It feels just like the seat is on stilts because the automotive itself isn’t overly tall. A excessive seating place is one thing SUV patrons search for because it provides them a confidence-inspiring driving place and clear view forward.
As commonplace within the flagship Korando Final is black “premium leather-based” upholstery which does look good, although I’m unsure if it’s really leather-based. I’d wager on it being fake leather-based as an alternative because it does odor considerably plasticky, and will get uncomfortably sticky in hotter climate.
I used to be stunned to see each entrance seats are heated and cooled. Sometimes autos at this value solely include heating, although it’s good, particularly in Australia, to have ventilated seats as properly.
The motive force’s seat comes with electrical adjustability which lets you dial in your most popular seating place. I used to be completely satisfied to have loads of adjustable thigh assist which is nice for these with longer legs, like myself.
The steering wheel will look very acquainted to you when you’ve ever pushed a Musso or Rexton. It’s a pleasant unit to carry however in some sections it’s surprisingly oval-shaped which may really feel a bit awkward.
Fortunately the steering wheel is heated, which was a godsend on chilly Melbourne mornings. Unusually nevertheless, the Korando would keep in mind when you had the steering wheel heater on the final time you drove it, however not the seats…
Behind the steering wheel are familiar-looking indicator and wiper stalks. They’re basic SsangYong items, however are additionally shared with the Mahindra Scorpio and XUV700. For these unaware Mahindra used to personal SsangYong, which is now known as KG Mobility.
The flagship Korando Final comes with a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster that’s brilliant and clear. The interface has a variety of cool transitions which does give me the vibe they let the intern unfastened within the results division.
There are many completely different instrument cluster views to select from, although for almost all of my driving I went with the boring choice displaying a digital dials for the revs and velocity. I selected this as a result of it displayed essentially the most info.
The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is beginning to look somewhat small in 2024. It’s additionally not so prominently positioned on the sprint like different rivals which put them because the centrepiece.
Disappointingly the touchscreen doesn’t seem to have the best decision, that means it’s not as crisp as a few of its rivals. The display screen’s response to inputs isn’t all the time correct both, inflicting you to press the identical button a few occasions for it to correctly register.
The native person interface does look a contact aftermarket in comparison with its rivals and there’s actually not a lot performance to it outdoors of the radio. Fortunately there are bodily dials for the quantity and tuner, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is obtainable as commonplace, although it’s solely accessible in wired kind.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related utilizing the USB-A port I had a rock-solid connection to Apple CarPlay, which is the best way it needs to be. One catch nevertheless is it was arrange within the left-hand drive configuration, that means the house button was on the other facet to what I’m used to. This wasn’t world-ending and simply took a second to get used to.
After I had my cellphone plugged in for smartphone mirroring I discovered there was actually no good slot to place it. There’s a part forward of the gear selector however it didn’t match my iPhone Professional Max correctly, inflicting it to spill out and virtually make shifting again into Park a problem.
Below the touchscreen infotainment system the dual-zone local weather management setup seems very Audi Q5-like with the row of piano key buttons. I respect the quantity of bodily buttons and dials within the age of minimalism and integrating these capabilities into the touchscreen.
There are additionally loads of different bodily buttons across the cabin. A notable one is the outstanding drive mode selector dial that solely turns to the proper for 1 / 4 of a flip.
Wanting across the cabin there are such a lot of piano black finishes. It’s virtually in all places, together with the doorways. This dust-, grime- and scratch-prone floor could look flash on the showroom flooring however it shiny end doesn’t stand the check of time.
There’s additionally a vaguely plastic odor to all the things within the cabin. That is most noticeable when you park outdoors on a hotter day and first hop in – after a whilst you get used to it.
Fortunately there are softer touches across the Korando’s cabin, particularly in high-touch areas just like the armrests and dashboard, although there are additionally loads of more durable ones. It’s much like what the Kia Seltos presents.
Up entrance there’s loads of storage for ins and outs, together with properly sized cupholders, a deep centre console bin, in addition to one of many largest glove packing containers I’ve seen in a brand new automotive. There are additionally twin bottle holders in every entrance door.
The very last thing I’ll point out earlier than discussing the second row is the Korando Final comes commonplace with a sunroof that does assist make the cabin really feel lighter and airier. I respect the sliding cowl is totally opaque, that means when you don’t need the solar obtrusive in you don’t need to.
Hopping into the Korando’s second row you’ll be introduced with a beneficiant quantity of area that fortunately isn’t impeded by the sunroof. There’s good leg-, head-, shoulder-, and toe area behind my driving place.
Though there’s a good quantity of area within the second row, there aren’t many facilities that make you wish to spend a very long time again there. For instance there aren’t any rear air vents or USB ports.
The one notable facilities within the second row embrace a single 12V socket and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
There are additionally the requisite ISOFIX factors on the outboard seats, plus top-tether factors on all three rear seats.
On the again the Korando Final comes with an influence tailgate which opens briskly and quietly. As soon as it’s opened chances are you’ll be somewhat disenchanted with the boot area on supply.
SsangYong claims the Korando has a boot capability determine of 407 litres with the rear seats upright, increasing to 1104 litres with them folded, however to my eye this doesn’t look fairly proper.
The boot seems actually smooshed with a excessive flooring because of the full-size spare wheel taking on the area beneath. It seems similar to the Crosstrek’s boot which for reference solely has 291 litres of boot area.
I’m grateful SsangYong has geared up the Korando with a full-size spare wheel because it beforehand solely got here with a tyre restore package. That is crucial for individuals who drive in rural and regional areas away from tyre restore retailers.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Your entire SsangYong Korando vary is now completely powered by a turbo-petrol powertrain with front-wheel drive. The turbo-diesel powertrain with all-wheel drive was axed in 2022.
| Mannequin | SsangYong Korando |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 120kW (5000rpm) |
| Engine torque | 280Nm (1500-4000rpm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Pushed wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1435kg (kerb) |
| Gasoline financial system (declare) | 7.7L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (noticed) | 9.5L/100km (city driving) 7.0L/100km (freeway driving) |
| Gasoline tank measurement | 47 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 RON |
To see how the Korando compares with its rivals, use our comparability software.
How does the Ssangyong Korando drive?
Beginning up the SsangYong Korando there’s a extremely clean petrol ignition sound. It has a quiet idle, even when the engine is chilly not like some rival manufacturers’ engines.
Setting off it’s able to brisk acceleration in on a regular basis driving. The best way the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers its energy may be very easy, and it doesn’t require as a lot work as a naturally aspirated engine.
You’re in a position to lean on the 280Nm of torque at low speeds because it comes on faucet from 1500rpm. This implies there aren’t as many gear adjustments wanted to keep up velocity or speed up.
A six-speed computerized transmission is the one choice provided in Australia and it’s silky clean and reliable. All of the shift factors are very predictable, which makes the driving expertise very stress-free.
The Korando does include a sport mode which stiffens up the steering and causes the revs to flare greater when accelerating. The engine doesn’t have essentially the most interesting be aware, however it’s nonetheless fairly peppy to fang round within the metropolis.
I a lot desire how the automotive operates in its regular driving mode nevertheless, and caught with that for just about all of my testing.
One catch about driving the Korando within the metropolis is it doesn’t have an engine idle stop-start perform like a few of its rivals. This implies the gas consumption balloons out once you’re caught in site visitors.
A shock for me was how comfy and compliant the Korando’s suspension tune is, even with the bigger 19-inch alloy wheels fitted to our Final tester.
It does err on the firmer facet, however is fortunately nowhere close to as floaty as its Chinese language rivals. The Korean-built Korando is way from being sporty or dynamic nevertheless, as like quite a lot of crossovers which have a excessive centre of gravity it will get the leans within the corners.
Within the regular driving mode the steering is on the lighter facet, however there’s nonetheless a little bit of suggestions letting you understand what’s occurring with the wheels. It’s a simple automotive to navigate in tight metropolis laneways, which makes parking it a breeze.
As commonplace the Korando comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a reversing digicam which has fairly poor high quality. It might be good to have a surround-view digicam however on the Final’s value level I can’t complain.
It’s very easy to choose up velocity within the Korando when you get out on the open highway. Because of the turbo-petrol engine the revs are saved down actually low, and there’s loads of oomph if you should overtake.
On the freeway and freeway the SUV turns into an easy tourer, although the engine does sit at a buzzy 2000rpm at 100km/h. I want there was only one extra gear so the revs may drop a tad decrease given there’s sufficient torque on faucet.
The gas consumption does quiet down once you’re travelling at a relentless greater velocity, although when you’re always accelerating and decelerating round city put together to be filling up with 95 RON premium petrol fairly typically. Primarily based on my math I’d be fortunate to get 500km on a tank.
The strong suspension efficiency continues at greater speeds. It’s in a position to iron out just about each imperfection and by no means feels overwhelmed with steady bumps.
On the protection entrance the adaptive cruise management system is nice. In contrast to some programs it doesn’t get overwhelmed and slam on the brakes when a automotive merges in forward of you. It can as an alternative modulate the gap between you and the automotive forward actually naturally.
It’s not good nevertheless, as generally on the closest distance setting the Korando will brake somewhat arduous when coming to an entire cease. It’s additionally somewhat dopey when taking off once more.
The Korando Final comes commonplace with Clever Cruise Management which is SsangYong-speak for lane centring with the adaptive cruise management. It operates rather well on well-marked roads, although is fast to chop out when it will probably not detect the road markings.
When the lane centring perform disengages it makes an annoying sound that much like a hospital monitor of some kind. It was sufficient to drive my companion batty from the passenger seat on a brief drive.
The very last thing I’ll point out on this part is your entire SsangYong Korando vary, even the flagship Final variant, nonetheless makes do with halogen headlights.
I perceive there’s a precedent for equally sized autos to nonetheless have halogen headlights (I’m taking a look at you Kia Seltos), however in 2024 this isn’t actually adequate.
What do you get?
There at the moment are solely two Korando variants on sale in Australia. On check right here is the flagship Final.
2024 SsangYong Korando ELX highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size spare wheel
- Halogen headlights
- Auto high-beam
- LED daytime working lights
- Entrance and rear fog lights
- Auto-folding facet mirrors
- Silver roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Electrical park brake
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Retractable cargo cowl
- Heated entrance seats
Final provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Privateness glass
- Energy tailgate
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Sensible key
- Heated steering wheel
- Premium leather-based upholstery
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Electrical driver’s seat adjustment with lumbar
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Lane centring
- Tyre stress monitoring system
Is the Ssangyong Korando protected?
The SsangYong Korando obtained a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.
It scores 88 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 86 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 68 per cent for weak highway person safety, and 72 per cent for security help.
Your entire vary comes with the next security gear:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Lane preserve help
- Lane change help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Rear-view digicam
Final provides:
How a lot does the Ssangyong Korando value to run?
The SsangYong Korando is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with seven years of roadside help.
Logbook servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first. The primary seven providers are capped at $295 every.
All through my testing I realised the Korando’s common gas financial system gauge resets itself each time you drive the automotive. This implies I don’t have a correct common determine for my week of testing.
What I did as an alternative was be aware down my common gas financial system for each single journey I did. For reference, the most effective determine I noticed was 7.0L/100km on a visit that was predominantly on the freeway, and the worst I noticed was over 11L/100km in some correctly heavy site visitors travelling dwelling after work.
CarExpert’s Tackle the SsangYong Korando
The SsangYong Korando deserves to promote higher in Australia than it does.
This small-to-medium-sized SUV is keenly priced and sure right-sized for lots of people.
There may be loads of commonplace gear, plus the peppy little turbo-petrol engine makes commuting a breeze. SsangYong does additionally supply a protracted guarantee with reasonably priced capped-price servicing for further peace of thoughts.
There are some sticking factors nevertheless, together with the extreme use of plastics and piano black inside, in addition to the halogen headlights.
One other gripe is the Korando’s thirst for premium petrol. I want the automotive got here with a stop-start system that will possible carry down the common gas financial system once you’re sitting in site visitors.
In the event you’re taking a look at getting an SUV I believe you’d be foolish to not contemplate the Korando. Take one for a check drive and chances are you’ll be pleasantly stunned.
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