Ssangyong Korando now $6000 cheaper

Ssangyong has released a new entry-level manual version of its Korando, priced from just $21,990 drive-away – a whole $6000 less than the model's previous base price of $27,990 drive-away.

The new base price makes the mid-size Korando at least as affordable as many smaller compact SUVs, including the Holden Trax, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan JUKE and Peugeot 2008.

At the same time, the South Korean car-maker has announced a $2000 price rollback for the manufacturer's retail list price of most other models in the Ssangyong line-up until at least the end of April, as a result of the free-trade agreement between Australia and South Korea and the softening Australian currency.

The latter sees the seven-seat Stavic people-mover priced from $29,990 drive-away, the Rexton 4x4 priced from $37,990 drive-away and the Korando SX petrol automatic at $25,990 drive-away.

“Head office in Korea has been enormously helpful in the face of the devalued Aussie dollar and the new free trade agreement has helped a little as well,” said Brent Jewell, Ssangyong Australia’s national sales and marketing manager.

"We have only been able to reduce these prices because of Ssangyong’s commitment to the Australian market. Every effort will be made to hold these price points after April, but a lot will depend on currency exchange rates. We are enormously pleased to be lowering our prices while almost everything else seems to be going up.”

Priced at $21,990 drive-away, the new Korando 4x2 S manual comes with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth with music streaming, a full complement of safety equipment and, for an extra $2000, a six-speed automatic transmission.

However, it misses out on a number of features standard in the old entry-level 2WD S petrol auto, which is now effectively called the SX and continues on sale at $27,990 (before the $2000 bonus).

They include fog lights, roof spoiler, leather-appointed seat trim, heated front/rear seats, climate-control, auto wipers and headlights, heated windscreen demister, rear privacy glass, luggage cover, and chromed scuff plates and door-handles.

All Korandos sold in Australia via the company’s national dealer network are covered by a five-year/100,000km warranty and five years of 24/7 roadside assist.