The SsangYong Korando, a mid-sized SUV, is currently one of the most forgotten and unappreciated new cars on sale in Australia. It has been on the market in its fourth-generation form since 2019, but it has yet to make a significant impact in its competitive segment. Last year, only 631 units of the Korando were sold in Australia, making it SsangYong’s slowest seller.
The size of the Korando now appears small compared to other mid-sized SUVs in the market. Initially, the Korando was similarly sized to the third-generation Hyundai Tucson, but it is now closer in size to the Subaru Crosstrek, which is technically a small SUV.
For the 2024 model year, SsangYong discontinued the entry-level EX version of the Korando in Australia, leaving only the ELX and Ultimate models available. The turbo-diesel engine option with all-wheel drive was also axed, and now all Korando variants come with a turbo-petrol engine and front-wheel drive.
Despite its underwhelming performance in the market, the Korando may still hold potential as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The pricing for the 2024 SsangYong Korando starts at $33,000 for the ELX variant and $38,000 for the Ultimate variant.
When it comes to the interior, the Korando Ultimate features premium amenities such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system, however, is on the smaller side and lacks high resolution, leading to some accuracy issues with touch inputs.
In terms of driving performance, the Korando offers a smooth and effortless acceleration with its turbo-petrol engine. The transmission is reliable and smooth, and the suspension provides a comfortable and compliant ride. However, the halogen headlights and lack of engine idle stop-start function may deter some buyers.
Overall, the SsangYong Korando presents a reasonably priced and well-equipped option in the SUV market, with competitive features and performance. Despite some drawbacks, such as the use of plastics and piano black finishes in the interior, the Korando could be a solid choice for buyers looking for a versatile and capable SUV with a long warranty and affordable servicing options.
The SsangYong Korando is a mid-sized SUV that has been on sale in Australia since 2019, but has struggled to gain popularity in its segment. The current fourth-generation Korando is now considered small compared to its competitors due to its size, and the entry-level EX version has been axed for the MY24 model year, leaving only the ELX and Ultimate variants available.
The Ultimate variant of the Korando is priced at $38,000 drive-away, and offers a range of features such as premium leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The interior of the Korando is well-equipped with features, including a high seating position, comfortable seating, and a spacious second row. However, there are some drawbacks such as the use of plasticky materials and the lack of amenities in the rear seats.
Under the bonnet, the Korando is powered by a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine with front-wheel drive. The engine delivers smooth acceleration and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Korando offers a comfortable and compliant ride quality, but lacks engine idle stop-start technology which affects fuel consumption in urban driving.
In terms of safety, the Korando has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes equipped with features such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic assist. The Ultimate variant adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Overall, the SsangYong Korando offers good value for money with its long warranty and affordable capped-price servicing. Despite some shortcomings, such as the use of plastics in the interior and fuel consumption issues, the Korando is a viable option for those in the market for a mid-sized SUV.
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