SsangYong’s fourth-generation Korando compact SUV marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Not just in terms of styling, as it adopts the brand’s latest design language as seen on the new Rexton, but also when it comes to technology.
That’s because the new Korando will be available as an all-electric model from 2020. Until then, the new SUV debuts in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show with two internal combustion engines: a new 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline unit and an updated 1.6-liter turbo diesel.
The fourth-generation Korando is longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase than the previous model. The SUV is 4,452mm (175.3in) long, 1,870mm (73.6in) wide and 1,620mm (63.8in) high, with the wheelbase measuring 2,675mm (105.3in) — one of the longest in the segment.
The result is a more spacious interior that SsangYong claims it offers better headroom despite the lower overall height, and more rear seat space than its nearest competitors. Luggage capacity ranges from 551 liters (19.4 cu-ft) with all seats in place to 1,248 liters (44 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded.
Furthermore, the Korean company says the interior offers a high-tech premium feel thanks to the 10.25-inch touchscreen-operated infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 9-inch digital instrument panel, as well as improved materials and features such as configurable ambient lighting.
Under the hood, the 2019 Korando gains an all-new 1.5-liter turbo-four gasoline unit rated at 163 PS (161 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Targeted CO2 emissions for the FWD model with manual transmission are 146 g/km.
The other choice is a 1.6-liter turbo diesel that delivers 136 PS (134 hp) at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm (239 lb-ft) of torque from 1,500 rpm. CO2 emissions are 115 g/km for the manual FWD model. Both engines are offered as standard with six-speed manual transmissions and front-wheel drive while an Aisin-supplied six-speed automatic gearbox and Active 4×4 with lock mode are available as options.
The standard safety kit includes hill descent control, hill start assist, AEB, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, safety distance alert, and more.
The new SsangYong Korando goes on sale in Korea shortly, with European sales set to begin in mid-2019.