FORGET those hulking off-roaders with fat, whining tyres, stubbly aerial growth and the silhouette of a Queenslander.

The compact SUV segment attracts far more sophisticated clientele more interested in a broad-shouldered station wagon that sits just a little higher than the rest of the traffic and is usually – but not necessarily - fitted with all-wheel drive.

To that end, SsangYong has varied its tough 4WD menu and has added its own decaf soy latte, the Korando - an attractive, car-like compact SUV.

The question you have to pose is, does the new Korando have enough substance beneath its pretty face to give it legitimacy in what is now a highly competitive segment with many entrenched, well-regarded competitors?