Ssangyong Korando makes its move

The compact SUV market is about to get given a significant shake up with the arrival of the Ssangyong Korando, which will not only be one of the best-equipped models in the segment, but also one of the most affordable.

Priced from $26,311 (plus on road costs) for the Korando S model (or $27,990 drive away) it undercuts Korean and Japanese rivals such as the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi ASX. Korando comes with one engine option, a Euro5 compliant 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 129kW/360Nm, plus a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic option will follow late in March.

Other standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, Bluetooth functionality with audio streaming, cruise control with Eco mode and an electronic anti-rollover system.

The new Korando will be a watershed vehicle for the brand says Ssangyong Australia's national sales and marketing manager, Steven Thomas, who revealed the brand's new slogan: 'Power of Attraction' at the national media launch in Sydney.

Ssangyong vehicles have regularly been criticised for having unattractive exterior designs (think Stavic or Actyon) but the new model aims to address this common complaint with a fresh new look penned by famous Italian design studio Giugiaro.

Korando is being touted as the most important vehicle in the history of the brand, and one that will pave the way for a new era of vehicles.

"Ssangyong has never had a better platform to attract new buyers and to build the brand than the opportunity that Korando presents," says Thomas. "In terms of equipment the Korando is ahead of the game in virtually every area with new technology items such as audio streaming Bluetooth and electronic anti-roll over protection offered as standard, a Euro 5 compliant clean turbo diesel engine and other features the opposition struggles to match."

The entry-level front-wheel drive Ssangyong Korando S has a fuel efficiency rating of just 6.1L/100km when mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while the range-topping Korando SPR features a six-speed automatic and AWD and uses 7.5L/100km.

All Korando models have a full-sized spare alloy wheel and are rated to tow 2000kg. ISOFIX child seat anchor points are standard as well. Furthermore, all models can be optioned with a six-speed automatic gearbox for $2500, except the range-topping SPR which is standard with the self-shifter.

Entry-level front-wheel drive Ssangyong Korando S features all the mod cons expected of a modern-day compact SUV, including a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, 16-inch alloy wheel, ABS, ESP, EBD, roof rails, remote keyless entry, six airbags, a six-speaker CD stereo with MP3 and USB facilities plus Bluetooth telephony with audio streaming, the mid- and high-level SX and SPR models add all-wheel drive, climate control, a rear cargo net and front fog lamps.

The mid-grade Korando SX model also adds 17-inch wheels while the top-shelf Korando SPR gets 18-inch alloys, a roof spoiler, leather seats, power sunroof, rear parking sensors, and a power adjustable driver's seat.

Expected to be one of the safest and most fuel efficient compact SUVs in Australia, the new Ssangyong Korando will target "young couples and young parents aged 25 to 40," according to a press statement, and will present "...a cost effective, fuel efficient, safe vehicle that can service and array of lifestyles."

Visit the Carsales Network again for our launch review of the new Ssangyong Korando.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site