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.
Launch
The all-new SsangYong Korando was formally launched into the Philippine market in 2019. It is positioned between the full-size SUV Rexton and the compact SUV Tivoli. At present, the model is in its fourth generation and is the sole midsize SUV offering from the SsangYong Philippines.
SsangYong Korando promises the best experience in both urban and off-road driving. The compact crossover has a diesel-fed stablemate to contend with in the form of the Tivoli. SsangYong Philippines offers the Korando in three variants: the entry-level 1.6 Sport, the 1.6 Sport Diesel variant, and the range-topping 1.6 Premium Diesel trim.
The latest version of the Korando is one sleek crossover
Exterior
The fourth-generation SsangYong Korando, I certainly a looker. It has got some subtle design elements and grown bigger size to make it look more modern and distinctive. The front part of the vehicle looks aggressive with its large angular full LED headlights incorporating LED turn indicators. A nice thin strip of chrome elongates upwards towards the sleek chrome grille at the center. The tri-squared fog lamps also add a nice and unique touch to the vehicle’s front fascia.
Moving to the car’s side, it features a crisp creases and bulky profile. The visual bulk continues to the rear part of the vehicle, accentuated by the bow-shaped chrome element and large saber tooth-shaped LED tail lamps.
Interior
The cabin of the SsangYong Korando features a combination of futuristic and conventional design elements. These characteristics are what make it acceptable and suitable for buyers of all age groups.
The highlight of the cabin is the attractive, crisp, and clear 10.25-inch LCD instrument console – making a great driver’s view. The interior comes in a dual-tone beige and black theme that adds a more premium feel inside the vehicle.
A modest-looking center console comes with a large touchscreen infotainment system in the middle. Under it lies a trapezoidal panel with a bunch of buttons for the climate control.
The SsangYong Korando is also equipped with premium comfort and convenience features such as ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, electric sunroof, and heated outside rearview mirrors, to name a few. The model also has an ample amount of interior space for five occupants and still has room for luggage in the boot compartment.
Technology & Safety features
SsangYong Korando is equipped with dual-zone climate control, push start/stop button, keyless entry, and a 10.25-inch Super Vision HD instrument cluster that comes as standard across the range. In terms of infotainment, the model features an 8-inch Super Vision HD infotainment system with a total of 34 infinity mood lighting to suit the user’s taste.
Apple and Android connectivity are available in the SsangYong Korando, so passengers and the driver can play their favorite music along with their selected lighting program.
When it comes to safety, the SsangYong Korando features forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, exit assist function, front vehicle start assist, safety distance alert, hill start assist, electronic stability program, curtain airbags, hill descent control, and high beam assist.
Platform & Chassis
The SsangYong Korando is a five-door crossover that can accommodate five occupants. The vehicle has a length of 4450, a width of 1870 mm, and a wheelbase of 2675 mm. The boot capacity of the model is 551 liters. Folding the rear seats will increase the boot capacity to 1248 liters.
This South Korean SUV comes with a light steering and a softer suspension setup. This makes the vehicle easy to steer around urban traffic. But the same steering setup is not enjoyable for high-speed driving.
The SsangYong Korando’s suspension is a bit stiff compared to its stablemate, but it is still on par in terms of handling.
Engine & Drivetrain
SsangYong Philippines offers the fourth-generation SsangYong Korando in two engine choices. The first option is the 1.5L turbo gasoline that creates 163 horsepower and 280 Newton-meter of torque. The second unit is the 1.6L diesel powerplant that makes 136 hp and 324 Nm of torque. These two engine options are paired toa six-speed AISIN automatic gearboxes. The international version of the South Korean SUV comes in a choice of front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive. Unfortunately for the Philippine-spec SsangYong Korando, only the front-wheel-drive variant will be sold in the local market.
SsangYong Philippines offers the Korando in three different trims: the SsangYong Korando 1.5T Sport (Gasoline), SsangYong Korando 1.6D Sport (Diesel), and the SsangYong Korando 1.6D Premium (Diesel).