Geneva show: SsangYong details new Korando SUV

SSANGYONG has presented its new-generation Korando medium SUV at the Geneva motor show this week, detailing the petrol- and diesel-powered range that will touch down in Australia in the third quarter.

 

The all-new Korando will join the existing SsangYong line-up consisting of the Tivoli and Tivoli XLV small SUVs, the Rexton large SUV and Musso pick-up.

 

Measuring 4450mm long, 1870mm wide, 1620mm high and with a 2675mm wheelbase, the Korando is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, and offers 551 litres of luggage space with all seats in place, or up to 1248L with the rear pews folded.

 

Two powertrains will be available on the new series, including a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder unit set to be offered on Tivoli from mid-year as part of a significant update.

 

Paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed Aisin-sourced automatic transmission, the turbo-petrol engine produces 120kW of power at 5500rpm and 280Nm of torque from 1500-4000rpm, driving either the front or all four wheels.

 

The other option is a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 100kW at 4000rpm and 324Nm at 1500rpm, mated only to an Aisin six-speed auto and also driving the front or all four wheels.

 

A braked towing capacity of 2000kg is available for the oil-burner, down to 1500kg for the petrol variant.

 

GoAuto understands SsangYong Australia is still finalising local specification but is aiming to secure all-wheel-drive examples for this market.

 

An all-electric version will follow in 2020, with the company’s Australian subsidiary – the only wholly owned subsidiary outside Korea – keen on launching the model Down Under and hopeful it will be near the front of the queue given its factory-backed status.

 

A fully electric Korando would mark a first for the sub-$60,000 medium SUV segment, with Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV the only other notable electrified option.

 

Tipping the scales at 1405-1626kg, depending on the variant, the Korando rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension with ventilated disc brakes up front and solid rotors at the rear. 

 

A range of active safety systems will be available on the new Korando, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic assist, among others.

 

Inside, the Korando scores a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with dual navigation, a four-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, ambient interior lighting, a ‘smart’ tailgate and ‘wrapping’ doors.

 

The crucial model is based on the styling of the SIV-2 design concept from the 2016 Geneva motor show, and features design cues shared by its larger stablemates such as its headlight cluster and grille.

 

SsangYong Motor Company chief executive Johng-Sik Choi said the Korando represented the modernisation of the South Korean brand.

 

“This new Korando is further proof of the quantum change in direction that SsangYong has embarked upon,” he said.

 

“This change is exemplified through contemporary design, state-of-the-art technology, the latest in safety and new power options which will soon include electrification.

 

“Now we are going even further, with an all-new product which we believe will compete head-on with anything currently available in the mainstream SUV C-segment, and surpass them all on value.”

 

Local pricing will be revealed closer to its launch, however SsangYong Australia anticipates pricing will be “sharp” as it enters one of the most hotly contested segments in the market.

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