Geneva show: SsangYong reveals all-new Korando
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 26th Feb 2019
UPDATED 1/3/2019
SSANGYONG has ripped the covers off its all-new, fourth-generation Korando medium SUV ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, with completely revised styling inside and out.
As previously reported, the Korando will become the fifth model in SsangYong’s relaunched Australian line-up when it arrives in the third quarter, joining the Musso, Rexton, Tivoli and Tivoli XLV that arrived in December under a new, factory-backed operation.
Visually, the Korando features a similar look to its stablemates with angular LED headlights and sharp lines across its body, complemented by a split grille, low-set foglights and a simple bumper clad in black plastic.
Denoting its all-paw nature, the black cladding continues around the wheelarches, on the door sills and around to the rear bumper.
The Korando’s thick C-pillar – reminiscent of the Lexus RX – gives the car an almost coupe-like appearance, while roof rails and alloy wheels add to the visual appeal.
From the rear, the Korando features LED tail-lights with a three-part lighting signature, a silver trim strip that reaches across the length of the tailgate and large ‘Korando’ lettering.
Inside, SsangYong says the new Korando provides “better headroom and rear seat space than its competitors”, with premium touches and a four-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
A 9.0-inch infotainment screen is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, the latter of which will also be able to project the car’s satellite navigation system.
SsangYong says the car will also feature “enhanced driver assistance and safety systems” as well as “state-of-the-art connectivity”, but the brand has withheld exactly what technologies will feature.
Two powertrains will be offered on the Korando, including a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder shared with the Tivoli small SUV, which under the bonnet of the little high-rider produces 85kW/300Nm, however SsangYong says the Korando will score an “updated” version of the engine.
A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mill will also be offered, however outputs are as yet unknown. It will no doubt be similar to the 94kW/160Nm outputs of the current 1.6-litre engine in the Tivoli.
In the more distant future, a fully electric version will also be produced – the first for the South Korean brand.
More details on the Korado will be made clear closer to its local arrival in the third quarter.
