SsangYong Korando e-Motion EV all set for August release

Updated Jun 16, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

This is the Korean carmaker’s first electric vehicle.  

Despite its current financial woes, SsangYong Motor Company is also joining the global campaign for sustainable mobility. The self-proclaimed ‘Korean SUV specialist’ has unleashed the electric version of its Korando crossover for mass production. 

Korando e-Motion teaser

SsangYong previously released teaser images of its first electric vehicle 

Called the Korando e-Motion, SsangYong’s maiden electric vehicle (EV) offering. It also the first new vehicle announced following the company’s bankruptcy filing in December 2020.

Judging by the official images released by SsangYong, the Korando e-Motion’s design doesn’t deviate too much from that used on the current gasoline and diesel versions. One noticeable difference – apart from blue accents on the body and 17-inch alloy wheels - is a slightly reworked fascia that gives a more flowing appearance. 

Korando e-Motion

The new model largely retains the design and platform of its combustion-engined siblings

Interior details and technical information have yet to be disclosed, although SsangYong previously confirmed that the Korando e-Motion will have 187 hp on tap, thanks to a 140kW front electric motor powered by a 61.5kWh lithium-ion battery. That’s 26 hp more than the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine on the current range-topping variant.

Korean testing conditions have reportedly yielded a maximum driving range of 306 km. It’s unclear if the modified design and powertrain will affect the Korando’s 5-star crash safety rating.

A global shortage of semiconductors needed for automotive use has pushed back the Korando e-Motion’s rollout to August, with European markets a priority. SsangYong is waiting for chip supplies to normalize before announcing a domestic release.  

SsangYong J100  
SsangYong already has a follow-up EV model in the works  

Meanwhile, the Korean carmaker already has a second electric SUV in the works, condenamed the J100. Existing as a design sketch for now, the model sports a more rugged appearance, complete with generous body cladding, bash plates, and rear-mounted spare tire. SsangYong is reportedly fielding the J100 against the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Skoda Enyaq, with a planned 2022 release.    

The company says its current EV efforts are aimed at boosting its stock, with a self-rescue plan to make it more attractive to investors as part of its rehabilitation and restructuring. Almost 76 percent of its shares are held by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., which acquired SsangYong in November 2010.     

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Know more about SsangYong Korando 2024

SsangYong Korando

The all-new Korando compact SUV from SsangYong now incorporates the brand's distinctive angular styling that was initially seen on the Tivoli, the smaller subcompact vehicle. It gives the car a more premium and sharper appearance. The vehicle features a city-oriented design with a mix of aggressive body lines. SsangYong Korando also comes with a complete set of LEDs for headlights, fog lamps, taillights, and daytime running lights. The front fascia of the Korando sports the same design language as the Tivoli; however, the vehicle has a slightly different lower bumper. The rear part of the car is equally head-turning as its front. The cabin of the all-new Korando features a dashboard with a horizontal layout and is inspired by European designs. The higher trims come with an all-digital instrument cluster. SsangYong Philippines offers the Korando with two engine options. The base unit is a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine that pumps up 161 horsepower and 280 Newton-meter of torque. The second option is the 1.6L turbodiesel motor that produces 134 hp and 324 Nm of torque. Both powerplants are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is a standard in the SsangYong Korando. SsangYong Korando is available in four colors: Platinum Grey, Dandy Blue, Grand White, and Cherry Red.

₱ 1,290,000 - ₱ 1,770,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

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Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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