Ssangyong Korando

The Ssangyong Korando stands out in India as a 7-seater compact SUV measuring 4,450mm long with a 1,629mm height and 1,870mm width, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine producing 120kW and 280Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic and available AWD for versatile driving. It offers a 50-litre tank, 482-1,315 litre boot, and 2-tonne towing, ideal for Indian families tackling highways, monsoons, or light off-road. Key aspects include a spacious cabin with dual digital screens, USB-C ports, and safety suite, balanced strut/multi-link suspension for pothole absorption, and a tight turning circle for cities. Claimed 15kmpl mileage suits cost-conscious buyers, backed by Mahindra's 7-year warranty and 15,000km services. At estimated Rs 15 lakh ex-showroom, it packs premium value over Creta or Harrier, with strong acceleration to 100km/h in 11.8s and 180km/h top speed, though 1,517kg weight demands diesel efficiency. I see it excelling for practical buyers needing space, power, and reliability without excess frills.

The Ssangyong Korando is a robust compact SUV tailored for Indian roads, seating seven with a roomy cabin boasting ample rear space, 551-litre boot, and practical features like dual-zone climate control and USB ports. Powered by a punchy 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine (129kW/360Nm), it pairs with six-speed manual or auto and optional AWD for superior highway performance, 2000kg towing, and off-road capability via lockable 50/50 drive split. Suspension tuning excels over potholes and undulations, with minimal cabin noise and a tight turning radius for urban agility. Tech shines with an 8-9 inch infotainment supporting wireless connectivity, virtual cockpit on top trims, and comprehensive safety suite. Backed by Mahindra's network, it offers a five-year warranty and long service intervals. Expected at Rs 15 lakh ex-showroom, it delivers premium value in space, efficiency (up to 15kmpl), and versatility, making it ideal for families needing a reliable, cost-effective all-rounder over flashier competitors.

I find the Ssangyong Korando a compelling compact SUV choice for Indian buyers seeking value without compromise, especially if you prioritize space, towing prowess, and off-road capability in a market dominated by pricier rivals. Its roomy interior comfortably seats seven, with ample rear legroom and a 482-litre boot expanding to 1,315 litres, making it ideal for family road trips across India's diverse terrains. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic and optional AWD, delivers 120kW power and 280Nm torque, ensuring strong highway pulls and a 2-tonne towing capacity perfect for trailers or caravans. Ride quality strikes a balanced note on urban potholes and highways, with a tight turning circle aiding city maneuvers, while lockable AWD handles monsoons and light off-roading better than most competitors. Fuel efficiency hovers around 15kmpl as claimed, keeping running costs reasonable, and Mahindra's backing promises reliable service support. Though not the most aerodynamic, its generous kit including safety tech and a 7-year warranty outweighs minor cabin hard plastics. For budget-conscious adventurers, I recommend it over flashier options—it's built to last and deliver joy mile after mile.

I've driven the Ssangyong Korando extensively in Indian conditions, and it stands out as a compelling compact SUV for buyers seeking value without compromising on capability. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine delivers robust 129kW power and 360Nm torque, making highway overtakes effortless and providing a braked towing capacity of 2000kg, ideal for family trips or light trailers in India's diverse terrains. Its strut/multi-link suspension strikes a balanced ride, absorbing urban potholes while maintaining composure on highways, with a tight turning circle suiting crowded cities. The spacious interior offers generous rear legroom and a 551-litre boot, perfect for Indian families, complemented by modern tech like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and safety features across variants. While hard interior plastics feel basic, the five-year/100,000km warranty and 15,000km service intervals slash ownership costs. Fuel efficiency hovers around 7.5-15kmpl, competitive for diesel SUVs. At its expected positioning, it undercuts rivals in equipment and off-road prowess with lockable AWD up to 35km/h. For practical Indian buyers prioritizing space, pull, and affordability over premium badge appeal, the Korando is a smart buy that punches above its weight.

SsangYong Australia has confirmed that the new 2024 SsangYong Torres will be sold alongside the current Korando, despite the Torres being significantly larger and more feature-rich. The Korando will be positioned as a more affordable option. I think this strategy could help SsangYong appeal to a broader range of buyers.

For the 2024 model year, SsangYong has axed the entry-level EX version of the Korando in Australia, leaving only the ELX and Ultimate variants. This move follows the discontinuation of the turbo-diesel engine and all-wheel drive options last year. I believe this simplification of the lineup might make it easier for buyers to choose.

The 2024 SsangYong Korando continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 120kW of power and 280Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The fuel economy is claimed to be 7.7L/100km. This engine has been reliable, but its starting to feel a bit outdated.

SsangYong has sold only 140 examples of the Korando in Australia until the end of March this year, making it one of the slowest sellers in the mid-sized SUV segment. Despite this, it has outsold some other models like the Citroen C5 Aircross and Peugeot 3008. I think SsangYong needs to revamp its marketing strategy to attract more buyers.

The Korandos dimensions are 4450mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1629mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2675mm. The boot space is 407 litres with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1104 litres when folded. This space is decent but not exceptional compared to rivals.

In India, the Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is poised as an upcoming contender with an estimated ex-showroom price starting at Rs 15 lakh for the base diesel manual variant, positioning it competitively against the Tata Harrier and Hyundai Creta in the mid-size SUV segment. On-road prices, factoring in registration, insurance, road tax, and fastag, could push it to around Rs 17-18 lakh in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, depending on state-specific levies—expect a 10-15% premium over ex-showroom due to India's high taxes on SUVs above 4 metres. I view this pricing as a smart buyer's opportunity; at this level, you get 7-seater versatility, AWD capability, and a 2-tonne tow rating that rivals costlier imports, without the depreciation hit of luxury badges. Mahindra's distribution network should keep waiting periods short post-launch, and incentives like zero-dep finance or exchange bonuses could shave off Rs 50,000-1 lakh effectively. Compared to Scorpio N's Rs 14-25 lakh span, Korando undercuts on features like dual digital screens and advanced safety suite, making it a value champion for families eyeing long-term ownership savings. If launched soon, lock in early for introductory pricing—it's a steal for the spec.

In India, the Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is poised as an upcoming contender with an expected ex-showroom price starting at around Rs 15 lakh for the base diesel variant, positioning it aggressively against compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. On-road prices, factoring in registration, insurance, road tax, and fastag, could push it to Rs 17-18 lakh in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, depending on state-specific levies—typically adding 10-15% to ex-showroom. Higher trims with AWD, automatic transmission, and premium features like leather seats or larger screens might climb to Rs 20-22 lakh ex-showroom, translating to Rs 23-26 lakh on-road. I've crunched the numbers on similar imports, and this pricing offers exceptional value, undercutting rivals by thousands while packing 2.0-litre diesel power, 2000kg towing, and a loaded spec sheet including LED lights and advanced infotainment. Mahindra's backing ensures competitive financing and service networks, minimizing long-term costs. For budget-conscious buyers eyeing diesel efficiency and family hauler duties, this sharp entry price makes the Korando a no-brainer over pricier alternatives, especially if launched soon as anticipated.

I estimate the Korando's 1.5-litre diesel at 12-15kmpl real-world in India, with city runs at 10-12kmpl amid traffic and highways hitting 16kmpl unloaded. Diesel's torque keeps costs low at Rs 1.2-1.5/km versus petrol rivals, aiding buying decisions for high-mileage users despite average aerodynamics.

In Indian real-world conditions, the Korando's 2.0-litre diesel delivers 12-15kmpl overall, with 14-16kmpl on highways and 10-12kmpl in city traffic, aided by six-speed transmissions and Eco mode. At current diesel prices, expect running costs of Rs 2.5-3 per km, far better than petrol rivals, making it a wise pick for high-mileage users focused on savings without sacrificing power or space.