SsangYong’s fourth-generation Korando compact SUV
marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Not just in terms of
styling, as it adopts the brand’s latest design language as seen on the new
Rexton, but also when it comes to technology.
That’s because the new Korando will be available as
an all-electric model from 2020. Until then, the new SUV debuts in Europe at
the Geneva Motor Show with two internal combustion engines: a new 1.5-liter
turbocharged gasoline unit and an updated 1.6-liter turbo diesel.
The fourth-generation Korando is longer, wider, and
has a longer wheelbase than the previous model. The SUV is 4,452 mm long, 1,870 mm wide and 1,620 mm high, with the wheelbase
measuring 2,675 mm — one of the longest in the segment.
The result is a more spacious interior that
SsangYong claims it offers better headroom despite the lower overall height,
and more rear seat space than its nearest competitors. Luggage capacity ranges
from 551 liters with all seats in place to 1,248 liters with the rear seats folded.
The Korean company says the interior
offers a high-tech premium feel thanks to the 10.25-inch touchscreen-operated
infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-inch
digital instrument panel, as well as improved materials and features such as
configurable ambient lighting.
Under the hood, the 2019 Korando gains an all-new
1.5-liter turbo-four gasoline unit rated at 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and
280 Nm of torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm.
Targeted CO2 emissions for the FWD model with manual transmission are 146 g/km.
The other choice is a 1.6-liter turbo diesel that
delivers 136 PS at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm of torque from
1,500 rpm. CO2 emissions are 115 g/km for the manual FWD model. Both engines
are offered as standard with six-speed manual transmissions and front-wheel
drive while an Aisin-supplied six-speed automatic gearbox and Active 4×4 with
lock mode are available as options.
The standard safety kit includes hill descent
control, hill start assist, AEB, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist,
traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, safety distance alert, and more. The new SsangYong Korando goes on
sale in Korea shortly, with European sales set to begin in mid-2019.
