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Ssangyong Korando review
Introduction
What Car? says…
For many households, a versatile family SUV fits the everyday transport bill nicely, coping with holidays, shopping trips and the daily commute with ease. There’s no shortage of choice, either, and the Ssangyong Korando shows that it’s worth considering more than just the usual suspects.
By the ‘usual suspects’ we’re talking about those popular models, such as the practical Skoda Karoq, sporty Seat Ateca and big-selling Nissan Qashqai. The Korando, though, puts its own distinct slant on the family SUV package and value is its claimed strength, with seemingly competitive pricing and the inclusion of a seven-year warranty, which only the Kia Sportage can match.
There are four trim levels boasting generous equipment levels and a choice of petrol or diesel power. The petrol is available with a manual or automatic gearbox, while the diesel comes only with the latter but offers the option of four-wheel drive – an obvious feature for an SUV, you might think, but not all of the Korando’s rivals, including the Peugeot 3008, have this.
An appealing package on paper, then, but can the Korando match the blend of comfort, versatility and economy that its best rivals offer? Read on to find out how the Korando drives, how spacious it is inside and what each trim brings to the table.
Once you’ve made up your mind what family SUV is best for you, head on over to our New Car Buying pages to get the best deals.
How much is it?
RRP price range: £19.995 – £32.445
What Car? Target Price range: £19.716 – £31.986
Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
The combination of the 134bhp 1.6 diesel and six-speed automatic feels reasonably eager and responsive at first, but the 12.0sec 0-60mph time is testament that it’s not that quick flat out compared to a lot of rivals out there – the Skoda Karoq 1.6 TDI 115 is quite a bit punchier. But, while straight-line pace leaves you wanting, it’s gutsy, with enough muscle to tow up to two tonnes (with two or four-wheel drive), as long as you’re not in a hurry. It’s also impressively smooth for a diesel and keeps you largely free from intrusive vibrations inside, so in our view it’s the most useful engine in the range.
If you want a petrol engine, it’s a shame that the 161bhp 1.5 GDI-Turbo is similarly lethargic. Yes, it will get you up to motorway speeds, but doing so takes a little while and you have to plant your foot firmly on the accelerator before it really comes to life. Other rivals – the Skoda Karoq and Seat Ateca – offer a wider range of significantly more impressive petrol engines, most of which are far quicker than the Korando’s offering. Adding the automatic gearbox makes it slower still, and it’s not very responsive.
The Korando’s steering is responsive and fairly accurate, while the firm suspension affords it decent poise and control through corners. It’s still some way off delivering the kind of driver enjoyment that you’ll find in the Ateca, though, which is one of the sharpest family SUVs to drive.
Most of the Korando’s rivals, even the sporty Ateca, manage to ride better, too. On patchy surfaces the Korando does not impress, with small bumps causing it to pitch and fidget and after a while all the jostling gets pretty tiresome. Adding the bigger 19in wheels only make matters worse. Things do settle down at a motorway cruise, but if you want something wholly more comfortable, we’d suggest looking at the Karoq instead.
Interior
The interior layout, fit and finish
The driving position of the Korando is a bit of a mixed bag. The steering wheel is noticeably offset to the left and only adjusts for height. Adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat is reserved for the top trim levels, too. The Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai all offer a more comfortable environment in which to spend an hour or so at the wheel.
Ventura and Ultimate trims get a 10.3in customisable digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. You can set this to display information such as navigation instructions or music track listings, as well as the usual driving information.
You sit fairly high in the Korando and the bonnet line is fairly low so you have a good forward view. But look back over your shoulder and your vision is obstructed by large blind spots on either side. So it’s worth opting for mid-range Ventura trim levels and above for rear parking sensors and a rear view camera; these combine to make manoeuvring the Korando easier.
Read More https://www.whatcar.com/ssangyong/korando/estate/review/n17171/in-the-cabin
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