SsangYong Korando e-Motion a chance for Oz

Eighteen months after its initial tease, the 2022 SsangYong Korando e-Motion has finally been revealed in full ahead of its European release early next year – and its potential launch Down Under.

Powered by a 61.5kWh lithium-ion battery and a lone electric motor, SsangYong’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV) comes with a claimed 339km driving range and develops 140kW/360Nm.

That puts it roughly on par with other electric SUVs, albeit compact ones, including the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Mercedes-Benz EQA250.

While its range and power might align it with some of the established compact offerings, in Australia at least, the SsangYong Korando e-Motion would be without competition if the local arm was to lock in an Aussie launch – its closest competitor being the single-motor Hyundai Ioniq 5 2WD.

The Korando e-Motion follows all of the typical EV trends in terms of styling with a largely filled in front fascia (grilles and vents) and some softened contours to maximise aerodynamics.

Likewise, the alloy wheels have been optimised to reduce drag with the electric powertrain hinted at further by the blue headlight trim and blatant ‘e-Motion’ badging front and rear.

At the rear is a matching blue bumper insert, complemented on the sides by blue wing mirror caps.

The blue theme is continued within the cabin, primarily by a circumnavigating trim insert taking in both door trims, the air vents and dashboard.

Blue highlights also feature on the steering wheel and cabin stitching.

Save for the new EV-specific gear selector, the rest of the cabin layout is the same as internal combustion versions of the Korando, with the usual contrasting silver elements being blackened to create a more uniform look and draw attention to the blue highlights.

Drivers are greeted by a 12.3-inch digital cockpit and the familiar 9.0-inch infotainment interface featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

With a 60/40-split and folding second row of seats, the Korando e-Motion matches its petrol siblings in terms of maximum carrying capacity (1248 litres) and likewise loses nothing in terms of boot space (551L).

All of the usual active safety systems like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist are present, along with collision alert, lead vehicle departure warning, speed warning, adaptive high-beam and fatigue detection, plus anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.

In terms of battery charging, SsangYong Europe says the e-Motion will take around 11 hours to recharge from empty to 100 per cent via a domestic power outlet, or just 33 minutes from 20 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger.

In Europe at least, the Korando e-Motion will be covered by a seven-year/150,000km factory warranty, including the battery, and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

“The fully electric Korando impresses with its sporty and dynamic appearance with distinctive lines,” a SsangYong Europe spokesperson said in a statement.

“Blue accents and a closed radiator grille distinguish the Korando e-Motion from its conventionally powered sister models and identify it as an electric vehicle at first glance.

“More details about the new Korando e-Motion will be announced at a later date.”

As for Australia, the brand’s local arm has confirmed at least one example of the electric Korando will arrive here early next year for local market evaluation.