SSANGYONG’S make-or-break Korando compact SUV is a complete departure for the South Korean brand, which has launched itself into the real world with thoroughly modern, more car-like design.

, , Gone is the rugged and rough body-on-frame construction of previous Korandos, replaced with a modern monocoque body with sleek lines from Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro armed with an up-to-the-minute Euro 5 diesel 2.0-litre engine, also from Europe.

, , With the help of new owner Mahindra and Mahindra – the Indian motor company – SsangYong is going straight to the heart of the fastest-growing market segment, where sales are dominated by suburbanites with a taste for coffee and easy driving.

, , The question is, will the Korando from one of the smallest car companies on the planet be able to match the competition from the heaviest hitters in the motor industry?