New SsangYong Korando revealed

The all-new SsangYong Korando medium SUV has broken cover ahead of its 2019 Geneva motor show reveal in Europe in March, promising a significant hike in technology and interior space.

Competing in the same segment as the popular Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, the new-generation 2019 SsangYong Korando will be coming to Australia from around August, sporting a fresh new look, improved powertrains and modern interior fitout.

Only a handful of details and images have been revealed by SsangYong, including the fitment of a big 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system.

Along with all the usual tech goodies such as Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and ambient interior lighting with 34 different colour choices, the 2019 Korando is claimed to offer Level 2.5 autonomous driving functionality.

This means semi-autonomous acceleration, braking and steering via adaptive radar cruise control and active lane keep assistance. Other safety features will include autonomous emergency braking, a driver attention monitoring and alert system, seven airbags and exit assist.

Another drawcard for the new Korando is boot space, which at 551 litres is generous.

SsangYong has not said what will propel the angular new SUV but it's expected a development of the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine from the Tivoli will be concealed under its broad bonnet. Currently that engine is worth 85kW/300Nn.

However, the last Korando sold in Australia in 2016 had a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that developed significantly more power, to the tune of 129kW/360Nm.

The new SsangYong Korando is tipped to be offered with a six-speed automatic in Australia, and possibly a six-speed manual too.

Korean SUV specialist SsangYong relaunched in the Australian market in late 2018 with the Musso dual-cab ute, Rexton large SUV and Tivoli small SUV but the new Korando will be the technology spearhead in the range.

The rejuvenated brand which is owned by Indian car-maker Mahindra wants to be seen in the same light as Kia and Hyundai in this country. It is also plotting to have the world's first EV ute, but SsangYong will have to beat Tesla and Rivian to the punch.

After-sales provisions for the new 2019 Korando in Australia will comprise a seven-year warranty, with seven years capped-price servicing. Drive-away pricing is likely but don't expect it to cost $21,990 as it was back in 2015.

Stay tuned for our first drive of the new SsangYong Korando in the coming months.