JANUARY MOTORING: Ssangyong Korando, Ultimate

Passing 80 years of age Malcolm Ginsberg has retired as the senior TNU motoring writer succeeded by fellow Guild of Motoring Writers member Yorkshireman George Loveridge.  Malcolm will be contributing from time.

“The guys and girls at Ssangyong continue to make new and interesting cars. This fourth generation Korando could be the only sub £30k family SUV you'll ever need. With its sharp SUV looks and fancy kit, it ticks a lot of boxes. What are we working with?

Well, the £29,445 SUV is propelled by a turbocharged 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine. Sending an impressive 160bhp to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Translated to the driver via electronically assisted rack and pinion steering. All-round independent suspension cushions the blow of rough roads for occupants, whilst giving the driver admirable confidence in the car's capabilities. Both hide the car's impressive bulk of 2040kgs. This waistline restricts the fuel economy from the otherwise efficient engine. 30.7mpg was the highest figure I saw across a 200-mile motorway cruise! Expect low twenties around town.

With a 50-litre fuel tank, you should see 350 miles between fill ups.

An electronically adjustable driver’s seat allows one to command that desirable, high driving position that only an SUV can offer. This is not the sportiest of SUVs out there – although the turbocharged unit is to be admired. Pulling out of damp junctions and you will break traction of the front 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. Torque steer can be problematic if pushing too hard. Otherwise, traction is not an issue. Power assisted, vented disk brakes will keep you and the family safe.

On the outside, the Dandy Blue paintwork has a few areas of orange peel. But the LED lights, chrome accents and bird's wing grill, make for a good-looking vehicle.

What about interior gadgets, enough to impress and confuse? Yes. Although, the entry level model at £21,095 will lack in some of the following departments.

A choice of 34 different colours is at your disposal with infinity mood lighting across the front door cards and dashboard. The digital blaze cockpit features a 10.5-inch display; showing you more about the car then you'd have thought you needed. Accompanying this, a 9-inch infotainment unit. DAB, FM radio, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and TomTom navigation. Accompanied by an extremely clear reversing camera.

Traction control, hill-descent control, lane-keep-assist, and a manual mode for the gearbox are also toys that the driver can benefit from.

The double-dragon designers have high hopes for the Korando. In Ultimate trim, you get: premium Nappa leather seats and steering wheel. The front seats are heated and ventilated – with dual-zone HVAC controls. Annoyingly, the rear passengers aren't allowed to be cooled or heated. No vents. At 4.45m long, the rear passengers do at least get plenty of leg room, 1.8m wide; enough space for three adults to sit comfortably.

Plastic fantastic. Sadly, in the well-appointed interior are some scratchy plastics. Some soft-touch materials in fairness. Personally, I love a cream / white interior. However, this lighter trim does show any sign of dirt. Impressive in this class, there is 551 litres of boot space. A load cover and false floor helps to keep belongings safe. The rear seats also fold down, providing extra space. This example came with a tow bar. The characteristics of this petrol engine didn't feel like it could tow, with 280nm of torque. Nevertheless, SsangYong say this GDI will tow up-to 1,500kgs. Whereas the diesel will take an additional 500kgs.

The George Loveridge verdict

Overall, an impressive machine. A shame however that it was so very twitchy in wet weather conditions. Furthermore, to really get the most out of these Korandos, you’ll need for the "Ultimate" trim over the basic models.

Performance 8
Handling 6
Transmission 8
Noise 6
Economy 6
Ride and Comfort 7
Accommodation 7
Styling 8
Brakes 8
Finish 5
TOTAL = 69%

https://driving-around.yolasite.com

www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

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