SsangYong Korando S 2011 Review

Ssangyong's topsy-turvy history here in Australia, combined with the company's much-publicised financial woes back home, has left it with the unfortunate but widely accepted view of being a brand best written off. But don't be too hasty in judging the Korean marque in the here and now, and if you've never heard of Ssangyong before, then forget I even mentioned it.

Fact is the brand has gone through a renaissance of sorts, and the fourth-generation Korando SUV is the manufacturer's first exemplar tasked with leading a comeback it says will paint the forthcoming range in an entirely different light.

Gone are the peculiar styling cues, avian pointed fascias, average fit and finish, and cobbled together 'parts bin' interiors once associated with the winged-logo brand. Under new owner, India's Mahindra & Mahindra, this latest offering shows a vastly improved level of quality, probably on par with previous generation Kia, Hyundai and Korean-sourced Holden offerings.

It's an interesting comparison really, all four sharing origins in the Korean peninsula, but separated noticeably by a divide in list price firmly in Ssangyong's favour.

Korando's nearest direct competitors include the entry-level Holden Captiva SX and mid-spec Kia Sportage SLi, both of which offer a diesel engine, and list price of $35,490 -- however, we should point out that the Kia is equipped with on-demand all-wheel drive. Then there's the $34,990 Hyundai ix35 Elite, also powered by a turbodiesel and again offering all-wheel drive. For that money you could very nearly take home Ssangyong's top spec Korando SPR.

With the Korando S tested ($28,811), that price includes 16-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, cruise control with ECO mode, keyless entry, tilt adjustable steering column, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, power windows and mirrors, plus an MP3 compatible single-CD tuner with Bluetooth telephony and steering wheel-mounted remote controls.

We don't often comment on audio systems in cars, but the unit in the Korando is so poor we thought it worth a mention. If you're the type to listen to AM talk back you probably won't give a continental, but anyone who enjoys their music will most likely be let down by the woolly sound quality on offer. As a minor issue too, changing the presets can be time-consuming as the audio system only offers a seek button that runs in one direction -- upward through the frequencies.

The Korando also didn't live up to our modest expectations in regards to instrument and switchgear ergonomics. Indicator and wiper stalks are located high up on the steering column -- at almost a '5 to 1' position. It's an odd placement, and seems counterintuitive when searching for the right wiper setting in particular. The indicators provide a three-blink lane-change facility, but the détente is such a soft threshold, the driver has to exercise considerable care that the stalk doesn't click over -- thus making the lane-change facility relatively pointless.

Under the Ssangyong's bonnet is the new 129kW/360Nm, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, available in two- and four-wheel drive, and with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. The Korando S tested was fitted with 2WD and the manual 'box.

The engine, although a tad noisy at idle, offers brisk acceleration after overcoming a brief spot of turbo lag. Torque steer dominates in the wet, once the engine is on boost, but on the plus side manages some impressive grunt in a straight line once it has found traction.

There's a slight mismatch between clutch and accelerator, with the Korando demanding some slow-and-steady finesse when changing gears. It's a combination of issues, really, including clutch take-up that's very close to the floor and operating within a narrow band.

Similarly, it's not always possible to get the right response from the engine at exactly the right time while shifting on the go. This could be due to turbo lag or some sort of slack in the connection between the throttle body and the accelerator pedal. Whatever the case, it's a frustrating experience when attempting smooth changes, although it could be one of those traits you grow accustom to with time.

According to the trip computer, the average fuel consumption was 8.8L/100km for the week, which included both urban commuting and some freeway touring.

The Korando's steering provides some feedback, although some other compact SUVs make a better fist of it (and to be fair, some are worse). It seems to be a committed understeerer, and while the ride comfort will earn plaudits from many owners, it comes with a tendency to squat under hard acceleration. This seems largely a consequence of the softer spring/damper settings combined with the Korando's short wheelbase and grunty engine.

It's also of concern that the Korando has yet to be crash tested, though we were assured at the car's local launch that its six airbags, standard stability control and electronic braking aids would be enough to secure a "four or five star rating".

In all, the Korando is a decent package, and while we may seem a little critical, it's worth reiterating that for the coin this is one medium SUV worth consideration for buyers disinclined to shop the used (read: well worn) market.

If good, basic transport with ample accommodation and fuel efficient power tick your boxes, track down a dealership and make up your own mind.

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