New Korando

Looking to increase its presence in the compact SUV market, Korean car maker Ssangyong has taken the wraps off its new Korando C in the UK.

Showing off a new style courtesy of Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Korando C will be launched in Australia in January 2011, at which time specification and pricing details will be announced.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine outputting very competitive power figures (129kW/360Nm), the new compact crossover will rival compact SUVs such as the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage.

Ssangyong claims the vehicle will deliver fuel economy of "around"  6.0L/100km, while outputting 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

The Ssangyong Kurando C will be packed with the usual safety features, including stability control (ESP), active roll over protection, ABS, six airbags and hill start control.

The car maker is confident the new vehicle will mark a turning point for the company, with Ssangyong Australia's general manager, Jeff Barber, saying the Korando C signals a new direction for Ssangyong.

"From a styling and quality perspective Korando C will redefine the way people view Ssangyong as a brand and will attract buyers who may not have considered the brand before," said Jeff Barber.

"Korando C will be the turning point for Ssangyong delivering mass appeal to the marque with a package that is competitive in the rapidly expanding compact SUV market," added Barber.

Though local specifications are still being finalised, the interior will feature a 486 litre boot with 60:40 split folding rear seats, making it one of the more spacious models in its class. Both cloth and leather trims will be offered, as will as a six-way power adjustable driver's seat and a folding centre armrest.

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