Style, Performance And Class Makes New Ssangyong Korando A Winner In The Compact SUV Market

SYDNEY – February 15, 2011: Ssangyong has launched its first all-new model in more than three years with the arrival of the Korando, a stylish and contemporary SUV that is set to redefine the Ssangyong brand.

The new Korando was penned by Italian design studio Giugiaro with attractive lines and a compact yet practical style that is unlike any Ssangyong that has come before.

Powered by an all-new two-litre turbocharged diesel engine delivering 129 kW of power and 360Nm of torque, the new Korando has the power and economy to match its good looks and will be available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed, Australian designed and built, automatic.

Ssangyong will offer the Korando with a choice of either all wheel drive or front drive variants, both utilising McPherson Strut front suspension and multi link independent rear suspension for the highest levels of ride and handling across all road surfaces.

Korando will be available in three grades, S, SX and SPR. The entry level S is a 2WD with a choice of either manual or automatic transmissions, the SX is an AWD also with a choice of manual and automatic, while the top of the line SPR will feature AWD in automatic form only.

According to general manager of Ssangyong Motors Australia, Jeff Barber, the Korando is a vital car for the brand in Australia and marks a turning point, delivering unprecedented style, comfort, performance and practicality in a package that targets the fastest growing segment in the market.

“The Korando also ticks all the boxes when it comes to economy, low emissions, and safety and will attract customers to the Ssangyong brand that may never have considered the marque before,” said Jeff Barber.

“Competitive pricing, impressive levels of standard equipment, and Ssangyong’s strong record for reliability and durability combine to make the Korando a car that will be the most significant new model Ssangyong has ever launched.

“With the strength and backing of new majority shareholder Mahindra and Mahindra, and the prospect of a raft of new models, we are very enthusiastic about the marque,” Jeff Barber added.

The new Korando uses an advanced monocoque design, utilising the latest materials and technologies, including a new electronically variable geometry turbocharger.

The all-new Korando incorporates a full suite of the latest safety innovations including multifunction Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integrating active rollover protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system and full traction control hill start assist into one seamless, comprehensive vehicle safety system.

Additionally Korando comes equipped with six SRS airbags, electronic active head restraint for the front seats and multi load path body construction to evenly distribute collision energy throughout the vehicle structure for the best possible occupant protection in the event of an accident.

The Korando’s all-new powertrain meets the yet to be introduced Euro 5 emission regulations while delivering impressive efficiency with average fuel consumption of 6.1L/100km emission levels of just 159 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The interior of the Korando features a choice of either cloth or leather trim in either black or tan, with a six-way power driver’s seat, 60:40 split folding rear seats, a folding centre armrest and a massive 486 litres of space in the rear load compartment, ranking it above many popular small SUVs currently on the Australian market.