2019 SsangYong Korando launches in UK

The new SsangYong Korando SUV has officially launched in the UK following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Priced from £19,995, it gets more space, a fresh look and is aiming to rival the Skoda Karoq.

Now in its fourth generation, the new Korando was inspired by the SIV-2 concept that we saw last year, although it doesn’t feature an electric drivetrain – yet, at least. It’s larger than the outgoing model, with a longer wheelbase and a wider stance. It’s also slightly lower too.

Up front, it gets what SsangYong calls a ‘birds wing’ front grille. It’s featured on a few of the brand’s models now, and aims to give it some visual identity to set it apart from its huge number of rivals. LED headlights feature, as do LED fog lights. In fact it’s a much slicker design than the old model, and looks sharp enough to rival Skoda’s Karoq and Citroen’s C5 Aircross.

The interior has been updated too, with more soft-touch plastics used than ever before. Designed as a multi-purpose SUV, it seats five people in comfort, and gets an impressive standard equipment list.

Four trims are offered in total, with the entry-level ELX featuring 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers and cruise control. Nextt up is the Ventura which adds 18in alloys, heated front seats, parking sensors and an 8in infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Pioneer is specifically aimed at the caravan and towing market (the Korando gets an impressive two-tonne towing capacity). This trim features smaller 17in alloys but adds a rear-view camera and a heated steering wheel.

Top of the range is the Ultimate which gets dual-zone air con, a larger 9in infotainment system, 19in alloys, keyless entry, multi-focus headlights, mood lighting and a power tailgate.

Two engines are available: a 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel. The petrol unit produces 163hp and 280Nm, while the diesel manages 136hp and 324Nm.

Both can be specified with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, while two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are both offered. The least expensive ELX and Ventura trims are available in two-wheel drive form only.