There’s a new generation SsangYong Korando on its
way. The Korando nameplate was previously updated back in 2017,
when the compact SUV received a new grille, new headlights and fog lights, new
bonnet, 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, daytime running lights, a new steering
wheel and improved connectivity.
However, one need only look at the SsangYong e-SIV
concept from this year’s Geneva Motor Show to know that a brand new and for the
first time ever, electrified Korando is on its way. The EV version of the
crossover will join the ICE model at a later date.
The overall shape, as well as one or two
details (such as the area between the side mirrors and bonnet edges), point to
this being slightly more similar to the older, XAVL Concept, which was supposed
to set the tone for a production model that sat between the Korando and the
Rexton. Either way, the styling might just be a little too unorthodox for some,
unless those people are actually fans of quirky Korean SUVs.
Even though we only get a
partial look at the steering wheel, it’s obvious that it features the thumb
pads and the same below mid-section cut of the XAVL Concept‘s steering wheel.
It’s a surprisingly sporty design, one which should be to the liking of many
potential customers.
SsangYong is expected to make a
1.6 diesel-powered version of the all-new Korando, but whether the 1.5 petrol
model will use only ICE tech or feature a mild-hybrid setup, remains to be
seen.
As for the all-electric version, it should arrive
later on, allowing users to monitor the car’s battery via a smartphone app. If
it’s anything like the e-SIV concept, then it will feature a 140 kW motor
paired to a 61.5 kWh battery, allowing for a range of anywhere between(322 km to 450 km. The all-new SsangYong Korando is expected to go
into production sometime before 2020.
