New Korando Leads Ssangyong's Return To The UK

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 11, 2011: SsangYong is ready to return to the UK with a model line up featuring a range of high quality, top value models. Leading the Korean brand’s relaunch in September will be the new Korando crossover, offering European styling, superb versatility and efficient engineering from as little as £16,995.

Designed to cut straight into the fast growing crossover sector, the Korando offers the high riding position and all-weather, off road ability that many drivers look for along with compact dimensions, low emissions and affordable running costs. SsangYong’s advantageous pricing and comprehensive specification gives the all-new Korando best in class value compared with cars such as the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Qashqai.

The key to the Korando’s visual appeal is the renowned Italian car designer responsible for the SsangYong’s looks - Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design. Muscular yet svelte, the bodywork embraces a monocoque platform to give this all-new SsangYong highly competent off road handling with on road refinement. With the practicality of a 4x4/SUV and the accessibility of a family hatchback, Korando has the capability to go from a muddy campsite to the motorway or an icy country lane to the urban school run, all in complete comfort.

Commented Paul Williams, CEO of the UK importer, SsangYong Motor UK: “Korando is a great value proposition, and arrives in the highly competitive crossover market at absolutely the right time.

“Very keenly priced, a comprehensive list of standard equipment, excellent towing capability and thanks to its long wheelbase a spacious and airy interior, Korando is the clever choice for families and those who tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer.”

With a Korando to suit all buyers, SsangYong will offer a choice of trim levels, two gearboxes and the option of either front or four wheel drive. All models are powered by an advanced 173bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions from only 157g/km.

The Korando has an on demand four wheel drive system which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under normal driving conditions 100 per cent of the engine’s torque is driving the front wheels so the car can run with the efficiency of a family hatchback. However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is resumed with grip to all four wheels. A unique in segment all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to deliver a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a sodden field when towing a caravan or horsebox.

With a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmissions, buyers can opt for S or ES trim in their front wheel drive Korando, or top of the range EX specification in four wheel drive models. Even the entry level variant comes equipped with cruise control, ESP with Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors as standard, while the ES and EX come with a sunroof, climate control, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.