Home 
Car Articles Reviews Reviews Listings Ssangyong Reviews
Ssangyong Korando Diesel 2.0 (A) Review
18 Feb 2013|18,582 views
Ssangyong was never quite considered a mainstream brand. Its earlier automotive efforts painted an image of chunky, unappealing, or even odd in some ways.
The predecessor was remembered mostly for its quirky design
Its close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz also saw it heavily borrowing styling cues from the German automaker, and oftenly seen as a cloning act - which did not help in its brand image.
The marque, however, looks set to turn the tides with the latest Korando. The CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) is the first project under its Indian parentage (the automaker was brought over by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in 2010).
Built from the ground up, the latest model is packed with features which were never seen before in its forebearers. For starters, it took on a heavy dosage of safety equipments, earning it a five-star rating in the Korea NCAP testing.
Exterior
The Korando first saw light, disguised as the C200 concept, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The design was influenced by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - the very man who brought us the DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and VW Golf Mk1. And although the Korando looks nothing like the mentioned cars, it has its own endearing appeal.
Its close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz also saw it heavily borrowing styling cues from the German automaker, and oftenly seen as a cloning act - which did not help in its brand image.
The marque, however, looks set to turn the tides with the latest Korando. The CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) is the first project under its Indian parentage (the automaker was brought over by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in 2010).
Built from the ground up, the latest model is packed with features which were never seen before in its forebearers. For starters, it took on a heavy dosage of safety equipments, earning it a five-star rating in the Korea NCAP testing.
Exterior
The Korando first saw light, disguised as the C200 concept, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The design was influenced by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - the very man who brought us the DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and VW Golf Mk1. And although the Korando looks nothing like the mentioned cars, it has its own endearing appeal.
 |
The inversely raked fog lamps, sharp creases along its bumper and swollen wheel arches hint at its European influence. The distinctive meshed front grille, similar to those found on more recent Jaguars, portrays an upclass image.
Viewed from the rump, the muscular C-pillars instil a sense of purposefulness. Attention to details can also be seen from the displays of cosmetic accessories, such as the chromed exhaust tips and silver roof rails. These features do give the Korando a very likeable look.
 |
Interior
Compared to its groovy exterior, the Korando's cabin design feels a tad bland. Make no mistake, the buttons are where they should belong. But as a whole, it fails to exude a sense of liveliness as expressed by the sheet metal.
The interior has no lack of functionality. Scoring high on value-for-money, the Korando comes standard with an array of gadgetry niceties, such as auto dimming rear view mirror amidst others.
USB and auxiliary inputs as well as Bluetooth connectivity are standard on the Korando
In place of paddle shifters, manual gear shifts can be operated via two buttons on the face of the steering, which needs a little getting used to. Alternatively, there is a small toggle switch on the gear lever which provides the same function. But likewise, it lacks the size and right positioning to feel ergonomic.
Compared to its groovy exterior, the Korando's cabin design feels a tad bland. Make no mistake, the buttons are where they should belong. But as a whole, it fails to exude a sense of liveliness as expressed by the sheet metal.
The interior has no lack of functionality. Scoring high on value-for-money, the Korando comes standard with an array of gadgetry niceties, such as auto dimming rear view mirror amidst others.
In place of paddle shifters, manual gear shifts can be operated via two buttons on the face of the steering, which needs a little getting used to. Alternatively, there is a small toggle switch on the gear lever which provides the same function. But likewise, it lacks the size and right positioning to feel ergonomic.
On the hindsight, the Korando makes up for its ergonomic shortcomings with utility. With generous head and knee allowances, three adults will have no trouble feeling at home on the rear bench.
At 486 litres, the boot may not be the biggest in its class, but will still suffice for most load lugging errands. Moreover, the rear seats will fold flat should the need arises for transporting bigger cargo.
Ergonomics can be further improved, such as the signal and wiper stalks which are raked at an awkward angle
At 486 litres, the boot may not be the biggest in its class, but will still suffice for most load lugging errands. Moreover, the rear seats will fold flat should the need arises for transporting bigger cargo.
 |
The Drive
The Korando is available on local shores in two guises - a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (the latter is fitted on our test car). Interestingly, the diesel churns out more power and torque than the petrol, where in most cases the diesel is the variant that produces more torque.
The diesel puts out 175bhp and 360Nm of torque, compared to 149bhp and 197Nm from the petrol
As a result, the diesel feels more punchy on the move. Thanks to the rich mid-rev torque, overtaking manoeuvres are effortless - a desirable character in our urban landscape.
For the driver, the three-spoke steering is nicely sized and shaped, but lacks the much needed feedback, especially on twisted roads where it starts to feel numb.
During our time with the Korando, we managed a rather impressive fuel economy of 9.0L/100km
The Korando is available on local shores in two guises - a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (the latter is fitted on our test car). Interestingly, the diesel churns out more power and torque than the petrol, where in most cases the diesel is the variant that produces more torque.
As a result, the diesel feels more punchy on the move. Thanks to the rich mid-rev torque, overtaking manoeuvres are effortless - a desirable character in our urban landscape.
For the driver, the three-spoke steering is nicely sized and shaped, but lacks the much needed feedback, especially on twisted roads where it starts to feel numb.
While road noise is less apparent during commutes, the cabin is intruded by the rattling from the diesel powerplant, more so when it is stretched to the higher ends of the rev range. However, the noise becomes less intrusive during cruising, especially for the rear passengers.
Comfort level is also comparable with its closer rivals, with the suspension soaking up imperfections on the tarmac.
The six-speeder is decidingly smooth on the go
Conclusion
Both the petrol and diesel Korandos will fall into the neutral zone of CEVS. It is hence clear that the diesel, with its more potent output yet at the same time more economical to run, will make for a more convincing choice. That is also if the diesel rattling is the least most of your priorities.
At $172,000, the Korando Diesel is a stone's throw away the Kia Sportage Diesel, which is priced at $173,999. While both are blessed with good looks, the latter is better established among the local crowds. That alone may seal the deal.
Comfort level is also comparable with its closer rivals, with the suspension soaking up imperfections on the tarmac.
Conclusion
Both the petrol and diesel Korandos will fall into the neutral zone of CEVS. It is hence clear that the diesel, with its more potent output yet at the same time more economical to run, will make for a more convincing choice. That is also if the diesel rattling is the least most of your priorities.
At $172,000, the Korando Diesel is a stone's throw away the Kia Sportage Diesel, which is priced at $173,999. While both are blessed with good looks, the latter is better established among the local crowds. That alone may seal the deal.
Ssangyong was never quite considered a mainstream brand. Its earlier automotive efforts painted an image of chunky, unappealing, or even odd in some ways.
Its close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz also saw it heavily borrowing styling cues from the German automaker, and oftenly seen as a cloning act - which did not help in its brand image.
The marque, however, looks set to turn the tides with the latest Korando. The CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) is the first project under its Indian parentage (the automaker was brought over by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in 2010).
Built from the ground up, the latest model is packed with features which were never seen before in its forebearers. For starters, it took on a heavy dosage of safety equipments, earning it a five-star rating in the Korea NCAP testing. Exterior
The Korando first saw light, disguised as the C200 concept, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The design was influenced by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - the very man who brought us the DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and VW Golf Mk1. And although the Korando looks nothing like the mentioned cars, it has its own endearing appeal.
Its close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz also saw it heavily borrowing styling cues from the German automaker, and oftenly seen as a cloning act - which did not help in its brand image.
The marque, however, looks set to turn the tides with the latest Korando. The CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) is the first project under its Indian parentage (the automaker was brought over by Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in 2010).
Built from the ground up, the latest model is packed with features which were never seen before in its forebearers. For starters, it took on a heavy dosage of safety equipments, earning it a five-star rating in the Korea NCAP testing. Exterior
The Korando first saw light, disguised as the C200 concept, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The design was influenced by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro - the very man who brought us the DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and VW Golf Mk1. And although the Korando looks nothing like the mentioned cars, it has its own endearing appeal.
The inversely raked fog lamps, sharp creases along its bumper and swollen wheel arches hint at its European influence. The distinctive meshed front grille, similar to those found on more recent Jaguars, portrays an upclass image.
Viewed from the rump, the muscular C-pillars instil a sense of purposefulness. Attention to details can also be seen from the displays of cosmetic accessories, such as the chromed exhaust tips and silver roof rails. These features do give the Korando a very likeable look.
Viewed from the rump, the muscular C-pillars instil a sense of purposefulness. Attention to details can also be seen from the displays of cosmetic accessories, such as the chromed exhaust tips and silver roof rails. These features do give the Korando a very likeable look.
Interior
Compared to its groovy exterior, the Korando's cabin design feels a tad bland. Make no mistake, the buttons are where they should belong. But as a whole, it fails to exude a sense of liveliness as expressed by the sheet metal.
The interior has no lack of functionality. Scoring high on value-for-money, the Korando comes standard with an array of gadgetry niceties, such as auto dimming rear view mirror amidst others.
In place of paddle shifters, manual gear shifts can be operated via two buttons on the face of the steering, which needs a little getting used to. Alternatively, there is a small toggle switch on the gear lever which provides the same function. But likewise, it lacks the size and right positioning to feel ergonomic.
Compared to its groovy exterior, the Korando's cabin design feels a tad bland. Make no mistake, the buttons are where they should belong. But as a whole, it fails to exude a sense of liveliness as expressed by the sheet metal.
The interior has no lack of functionality. Scoring high on value-for-money, the Korando comes standard with an array of gadgetry niceties, such as auto dimming rear view mirror amidst others.
In place of paddle shifters, manual gear shifts can be operated via two buttons on the face of the steering, which needs a little getting used to. Alternatively, there is a small toggle switch on the gear lever which provides the same function. But likewise, it lacks the size and right positioning to feel ergonomic.
On the hindsight, the Korando makes up for its ergonomic shortcomings with utility. With generous head and knee allowances, three adults will have no trouble feeling at home on the rear bench.
At 486 litres, the boot may not be the biggest in its class, but will still suffice for most load lugging errands. Moreover, the rear seats will fold flat should the need arises for transporting bigger cargo.
At 486 litres, the boot may not be the biggest in its class, but will still suffice for most load lugging errands. Moreover, the rear seats will fold flat should the need arises for transporting bigger cargo.
The Drive
The Korando is available on local shores in two guises - a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (the latter is fitted on our test car). Interestingly, the diesel churns out more power and torque than the petrol, where in most cases the diesel is the variant that produces more torque.
As a result, the diesel feels more punchy on the move. Thanks to the rich mid-rev torque, overtaking manoeuvres are effortless - a desirable character in our urban landscape.
For the driver, the three-spoke steering is nicely sized and shaped, but lacks the much needed feedback, especially on twisted roads where it starts to feel numb.
The Korando is available on local shores in two guises - a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (the latter is fitted on our test car). Interestingly, the diesel churns out more power and torque than the petrol, where in most cases the diesel is the variant that produces more torque.
As a result, the diesel feels more punchy on the move. Thanks to the rich mid-rev torque, overtaking manoeuvres are effortless - a desirable character in our urban landscape.
For the driver, the three-spoke steering is nicely sized and shaped, but lacks the much needed feedback, especially on twisted roads where it starts to feel numb.
While road noise is less apparent during commutes, the cabin is intruded by the rattling from the diesel powerplant, more so when it is stretched to the higher ends of the rev range. However, the noise becomes less intrusive during cruising, especially for the rear passengers.
Comfort level is also comparable with its closer rivals, with the suspension soaking up imperfections on the tarmac.
Conclusion
Both the petrol and diesel Korandos will fall into the neutral zone of CEVS. It is hence clear that the diesel, with its more potent output yet at the same time more economical to run, will make for a more convincing choice. That is also if the diesel rattling is the least most of your priorities.
At $172,000, the Korando Diesel is a stone's throw away the Kia Sportage Diesel, which is priced at $173,999. While both are blessed with good looks, the latter is better established among the local crowds. That alone may seal the deal.
Comfort level is also comparable with its closer rivals, with the suspension soaking up imperfections on the tarmac.
Conclusion
Both the petrol and diesel Korandos will fall into the neutral zone of CEVS. It is hence clear that the diesel, with its more potent output yet at the same time more economical to run, will make for a more convincing choice. That is also if the diesel rattling is the least most of your priorities.
At $172,000, the Korando Diesel is a stone's throw away the Kia Sportage Diesel, which is priced at $173,999. While both are blessed with good looks, the latter is better established among the local crowds. That alone may seal the deal.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Ssangyong Korando Diesel 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Diesel|13.6km/L
Horsepower
130kW (175 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ssangyong Korando Diesel
Thank You For Your Subscription.
