First Look: SsangYong Korando Crossover

New platform, new design, new engine – SsangYong’s new Korando brings an entirely fresh approach to the crossover market.

Introducing a number of significant firsts for SsangYong, the Korando is ready to take a bold step into one of the most buoyant sectors of the European car market. Merging the low running costs and dynamic abilities of a conventional family hatchback with the visual appeal, adventurous spirit and rough-road capability of an SUV, the Korando is aimed at the heart of the crossover market.

With the focus on quality and desirability, the Korando has been designed and jointly developed in Europe by renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. With one of the most famous names in automotive design behind it, the new Korando takes on a modern, stylish SUV shape reflecting the rugged appeal that lies at the heart of today’s SsangYong Motor Company.

Looking outside of Europe, the Korando brand is already one of the strongest in the SUV market. Indeed, Korando is listed in the Korean Guinness Book of World Records as the country’s longest surviving automotive brand. With its roots stretching as far back as 1974, the Korando started a new chapter in Korean car making as the first-ever self-developed four-wheel-drive model to come from the country in 1983. The next significant evolution in 1996 was the adoption of Mercedes-Benz diesel technology when the third generation model was introduced.

Now, after a five year absence from the world’s car market, Korando is back in an all-new form to claim its place among the world’s new C-segment SUV crossover models.

Epitomising today’s economic ethos of spending less without compromising on quality, the Korando is perfectly placed to meet the needs of downsizing drivers. The compact C-segment sized SUV market now accounts for more than half of the total SUV market in Europe, and this proportion is expected to grow in the coming months and years.

Designed and developed over the last five years to deliver the environmentally conscious efficiency that’s expected of every class leading crossover, the Korando offers high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions to rival the best in class.

Add the proven strength and safety that comes from the DNA of an SUV specialist, and every need is met - environmentally friendly interior materials, comfort, refinement, practicality and versatility all feature to make the Korando a crossover that’s sure to stand out in a busy marketplace.

Credits: wilswong