On sale in Europe from mid-2019.
The new, fourth-generation Ssangyong Korando may not be the most attractive vehicle debuting in Geneva this year, especially considering the huge number of exotic supercars, but it’s still an important model for the European market. Not only that, but it is also going to be offered as a fully-electric vehicle at a later date.
Arriving with a distinctive design, the production model is inspired by the SIV-2 concept from 2016. The new Korando is longer, wider, lower, and with a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, which translates into a sportier overall appearance and more room in the interior. Speaking of the cabin, it’s a bit more old-school and conservative, but the South Korean manufacturer says it features high-quality materials.
At launch, two engines will be offered, both meeting the latest Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards. The first one is a newly-developed 1.5-liter turbo gasoline unit with 163 horsepower (122 kilowatts) at 5,550 rpm and a peak torque of 206 pound-feet (280 Newton-meters) between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. In addition, an updated 1.6-liter turbodiesel will be available, delivering 136 hp (101 kW) and 239 lb-ft (324 Nm) at 1,500 rpm.
Both motors will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed Aisin automatic, while start-stop is standard on all front-wheel-drive models. What’s probably more important, an all-electric version of the new Korando should be launched later during the model’s lifecycle with Ssangyong saying it will “follow in due course.”
When equipped with the diesel mated to an automatic, the crossover offers an impressive 4,410-pound (2,000-kilogram) towing capacity.
As far as the modern safety and assist technologies are concerned, the crossover promises seven airbags as standard, as well as advanced emergency braking system, lane keep assist, vehicle ahead moving alert, safe distance and driver alerts, and others. The South Korean automaker claims the new Korando is “one of the safest cars in its segment.”
Sales of the fourth-generation Korando will begin in Europe from the summer of this year with prices to be revealed closer to the on-sale date.
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