- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
111kW, 191Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
New car review: Ssangyong Korando S
The battle for the baby-SUV dollar has never been hotter, although compared with what's coming it's only just warming up. As the lines between a small car and a compact SUV continue to blur - witness the hugely successful Subaru XV - car makers are bashing bumpers trying to take advantage of a seemingly endless demand for soft-roaders.
A relative fledgling player is Ssangyong, a South Korean brand that's been through its fair share of turmoil in recent years. Never a big player like compatriots Hyundai and Kia, Ssangyong has nonetheless carved itself a small niche for those looking for a bargain.
With the appointment of a new local distributor, Ssangyong has renewed vigour locally as it tries to stamp its name on the lower end of the market.
Key to the move has been a move away from the ''all-diesel'' mantra that only recently defined the brand. Kick-starting the new era is a two-wheel-drive, petrol-powered version of the Korando.
What do you get?
It's all about simplicity with the Korando range. With no-fuss, driveaway pricing starting from $23,990, the Korando undercuts its prime competitors by thousands. And it doesn't skimp on standard gear: there's Bluetooth, cruise control, reversing sensors, alloy wheels, a trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six airbags and stability control.
There's also a five-year warranty for peace of mind, as well as a full-size spare.
There are only four colours - white, black, silver and red, three of which are metallic - and the price is the same for all. Auto transmission costs another $2000, while a diesel engine adds a further $1000.
What's inside?
There's no hiding the fact the Korando is at the more affordable end of the SUV price scale, but its interior is presentable enough. The basic instrument cluster also houses a trip computer and the steering wheel includes audio and phone buttons.
Sitting high on the dash, the sound system is basic but functional, albeit with only average sound quality. Bluetooth functionality works well enough, though, and helps the Korando assert itself as a no-fuss car.
Grey and silver plastics feel cheap in parts but generally join together fairly well. The seats, though, are relatively flat and could do with more side support.
Storage for smaller items is decent, from some binnacles and cup holders to a covered console and a separate smaller cubby hole on top of the dash. There's even a holder for sunglasses in the roof.
The boot is modest but usable and can be made better with split-fold seats, but there's no luggage cover for hiding items.
Under the bonnet
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine musters an average 111kW of power, which isn't bad for this size of car. But it's an engine that could do with more torque - there's a modest 191Nm on offer - to help it build speed effortlessly. As it is, tapping into its peak unleashes a raucous note as the four-cylinder stretches to its upper rev band, all the while trying to shift the nuggety 1532-kilogram body weight.
It goes well enough if you keep your foot down, although it works best at higher revs, which means more noise.
Less impressive is the six-speed auto, which often finds itself in the wrong gear before fumbling its way down a ratio or two to keep things moving. Up a constant hill it can become testing as it shuffles between gears instead of holding a ratio and allowing the engine to power on.
Claimed fuel use is respectable, but not outstanding, at 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres. Achieving that in the real world is another story and it doesn't take much for the Korando to end up slurping through double digits for every 100 kilometres travelled. It also calls for premium unleaded and forbids the use of the cheaper E10 ethanol blend.
Given the diesel engine we've previously praised costs only $1000 more, it appears to be a better bet.
On the road
Relatively small 16-inch wheels aren't overloaded with grip, something that comes to the fore if you arrive at a corner going too fast. The high-riding body can also lead to some noticeable leaning through a bend. Unfortunately, too, the steering tends towards lifeless, which detracts from what is an average driving experience.
But there are redeeming qualities. The higher-profile tyres help to soak up bumps. It makes the Korando surprisingly comfortable on pock-marked roads, while the steering is well shielded from unwanted kickback.
Other than the engine noise, it's also relatively well insulated from unwanted sounds, with tyre roar only making itself known on poor bitumen surfaces.
Verdict
It's largely about the price with the Korando, a no-nonsense car in a simple, well-priced package. While it's relatively comfortable and has a functional interior, it's let down by a mediocre engine and so-so dynamics in what is a highly competitive class - and one that's about to have the temperature turned up a few degrees.