Ssangyong Korando 1.6 D Ultimate 5dr Auto Review
Category: Family SUV
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe Ssangyong Korando gets closer to its rivals than ever before in terms of its driving experience. It's also very practical and comes with lots of safety features, but it's still outclassed by the best when it comes to comfort, pace and running costs. It's not actually that cheap when you move up to the models that have the equipment most people are looking for. So it’s worth a look, but we’d advise you to consider the myriad of better options available.
The trim
See full equipmentUltimate gives you all the bells and whistles. These include leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, privacy glass and climate control, a bigger 9.0in infotainment screen and LED headlights. But it’s expensive and the 19in alloy wheels degrade the ride quality.
The engine
See full engine specsIts 134bhp makes it feel reasonably eager and responsive at first, but the 12.0sec 0-60mph time is testament that it’s not that quick flat out compared to a lot of rivals out there - the Karoq 1.6 TDI 115 is quite a bit punchier. But, while straightline pace leaves you wanting it’s gutsy, with enough muscle to tow up to two tonnes (with two or four-wheel drive), as long as you’re not in a hurry. It’s also impressively smooth for a diesel and keeps you largely free from intrusive vibrations inside, so in our view it’s the most useful engine in the range.
