SsangYong as a brand received a resurrection of sorts in Nepal; a struggling company that IMS Motors took under its wings as its first undertaking. The Korean marque is now under the watchful eyes of one of the noted juggernauts in the business industry and it has been rejuvenated with new life. One of the most prominent models in the fleet was the Korando and it has been a very important car to Ssangyong. What started out back in 1983 as a mini SUV with a name that is a contraction of “Korea Can Do” this model from the Korean car manufacturer has over 3 decades of history riding on its shoulders.

Korando, a model that started out as a mini SUV has seen major design changes over the course of its lifetime, which also happens to be Korea’s longest surviving nameplate according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Is the 2017 model a worthy enough addition to the lineage of SsangYong? Let’s find out.

EXTERIOR

The Korando has come a long way from the burly ‘thar-like’ army jeeps. The third generation Korando has modernized itself into a contemporary SUV, one that explores new boundaries of designs. The newest iteration of the SUV comes with a number of updates with its highlight all set to be the new stunningly revised front fascia that seems to give it a more aggressive outlook on the front end.

Besides the facelift, the new Korando also offers new design headlamps, radiator grille, air dam grille and fog lamps, stylish bumper and a re-sculpted hood. The honeycombed grille flanked by swept back headlights give it a strong façade. A new set of 18- inch diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the stylish exterior of this new model.

A sloping roofline gives it a stylish profile despite not having too many character lines to accentuate its looks. The rear curves well into a rounded shape with taillights that sweep over onto its body. It remains a looker from all angles.

(Scroll below for more exterior highlights)

INTERIOR

Inside the Korando is nothing but packed with proper luxury and a list of features one can think about. With premium leather in seats, steering wheel, gear knob and window door trims, the interior gives a warm plush greeting as soon as you enter the vehicle. The driver seat is electrically adjustable and also provides ventilation, the headrest is tilting and active and all front and rear seats receive the heating mechanism to warm you up whenever you feel cold.

Comfort and convenience has also seen no compromise as the vehicle comes loaded with all sorts of goodies. To further enhance the experience, the new model offers a more convenient and smart control of the infotainment system with its 7-inch color display touchscreen that’s set atop the center console, flanked by vertical air con vents. Bluetooth connectivity, Electric Rearview Mirror, Safety Power Window, Auto AC with digital display, Outside Mirror Heating & Folding, Cruise Control and rear view camera come as standard across all models while higher tier variants come equipped with a much longer list.

Safety is another ground where Korando has landed a perfect hit, with driver and front passenger side airbags, side & curtain airbags, 2 x ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, child safety door locks, active AWD with Anti Braking System (ABS) and EBD, automatic speed-sensing door locks and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which are only a few from the bucket full of safety improvements in this year’s model.

PERFORMANCE

In the heart of the Korando beats an inline 2.0 liter mill that gets a manual transmission. And it is an engine with oomph that puts it right up there with competition. It happily churns out 147bhp that propels it on the tarmac with vigor and enthusiasm.

It receives a surge at medium revs and has enough low-rev shove that you don’t have to change gear too often around town.On the highways it finds its groove and bolts at the whim of your right foot. It also features a 50/50 diff lock as standard, and decent ramp angles and ride height clearance for those wishing to venture off-road.

Overtaking maneuvers are a walk in the park for the Korando and the ride quality is supple. The suspension handle road undulations with ease but the body roll around corners are pronounced. Apart from that the ride quality is good and the power output compliments the comfort.

VERDICT

The Korando might not be the most premium offering from Ssangyong but it has definitely remained a prominent name in its fleet. And this SUV we tested explains why. Ssangyong is loved in most other countries for living up to expectations in its price range. However, due to our crappy duty laws the same low priced SUVs turn more expensive. Nevertheless, the Korando meets every expectation you would have with an SUV and proves to be a premium product that is ready for any competition.

The Koreans have been coming with a vengeance in Nepal, and IMS Motors have given it a new life and the Korando exemplifies the idea with authority.

ALL-NEW SSANGYONG KORANDO | PRODUCT WATCH | AUTOLIFE NEPAL

For full specifications and pricing, click here

EXTERIOR FEATURES