KGM Korando (Ssangyong Korando) 1.6 D Ultimate 5dr Auto Review
Category: Family SUV
Section: Version review
With its low starting price and high levels of practicality and safety kit, the KGM/Ssangyong Korando makes a good first impression. However, you soon realise it's lacking pace and comfort compared with rivals. It's short on engine options, too, and fuel economy isn’t great. The Korando is worth a look, but there are much 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.
