We say A surprisingly good effort at a crossover SUV from Ssangyong, but not the equal of the established players in the sector.Performance There’s a choice of two-wheel drive or a torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system. The Korando gets just one diesel at launch with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission but there are more diesels promised in 2012. The Korando sprints to 62mpg in under ten seconds, outputs 175bhp and develops an eye-catching 340Nm of torque. Can also tow two tonnes. All models feature torque-on-demand four-wheel drive.Emissions Front-wheel drive 2.0 diesel engines can return 47mpg combined and emit 159g/km – good news for fleets and company car drivers. The auto box hits fuel consumption though and pushes the Rodius towards 200g/km.Driving The Korando feels quite sprightly on the road, though steering is very light and body roll pronounced. A good cruiser on the motorway. There’s good ground clearance and capable off-road performance.Feel The Korando is very gruff at tickover and when accelerating but becomes quieter as you get through the gears. It’s bit bumpy on poor surfaces though.Space The Korando feels spacious inside – and there’s a high seating position. A completely flat floor helps enormously and there are the usual cubbies around the cabin. Boot space is larger than the Qashqai but smaller than the Hyundai ix35 – both are key competitors.Equipment Very generous standard kit levels on the Korando, including keyless entry, electric windows, cruise control, electric door mirrors, rear parking sensors, aircon, MP3 CD/radio with Bluetooth, alloy wheels and all the safety kit mentioned above. Move up the range and there’s leather seats, adjustable driver’s seat, seat warmers and privacy glass as standard. Options include a satnav, metallic paint and towbar.Price Prices for the Korando start at £16,995, which is pretty much as cheap as crossover SUVs get, but get more expensive for the higher trims. All models are generously equipped and running costs are decent – fuel consumption and CO2 are as good as 47.1mpg and 157g/km respectively.Quality The Korando is a step forward for Ssangyong, but the interior is still some way off the best in the sector. Build quality is rather untested and the relative dearth of Ssangyong dealerships is something to bear in mind.Safety There’s a button for a winter setting on the transmission, to make pulling away safer in wet or icy conditions, which is smart. ESC with rollover protection; dual, front and side airbags; active head restraints; ABS with brakeforce distribution and hill descent control are all standard – generous safety kit for the money.Pros The Korando is all about attractive pricing and generous kit – but it’s competent in all areas.Cons Ssangyong is still not quite up to speed with the sector. Unknown resale values, poor drive, sub-par interior.Alternatives Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage
