Autumn 2013
At motor shows in recent years I have
regularly seen new models from the
SsangYong brand, and regretted that the
previous distributor had dropped off the
Irish scene.
It seemed to me that, like fellow Korean
brands Hyundai and Kia, the company had
been making serious headway in taking a
position based on quality as well as value.
In so doing, the Koreans have generally
been putting it up to the formerly supreme
Japanese carmakers, leapfrogging them in
a number of instances.
So it's good to see that SsangYong is
back in Ireland, and Harris Commercials
is putting a serious effort into restoring
awareness of the brand and its latest
models.
So far I've had experience in the Korando
and the Korando Sport, the compact SUV
and pickup respectively. More cars will
be coming down the line soon, and
the company has flagged soon-to-be
available commercial versions of the
SUV.
First indications are very positive
indeed. In the growing and very
competitive compact SUV segment, the
latest Korando is price challenging and
a more than competent performer.
Smart looks, a decent specification
across three grades, and a good level of
fit and finish set the tone for what can
be a refined and rugged family car or
very useful van when the converted one comes
along.
The tidy interior has a pleasantly simple style,
with instruments and controls all very visible and
unfinicky to use. Seats are comfortable, there's
good room for five, and a full safety specification
includes front, side and curtain airbags. There's
aircon in all versions, leather seats in the top
grade, and overall plenty of goodies for the
price position include standard features such as
a 5-year warranty and 5-year roadside assist,
Bluetooth, 6-speed transmission, and a spare
wheel.
Power from a 149hp 2.0 diesel is comfortably
put on the road by a 6-speed transmission that's
nice to operate. The Korandos available at the
moment are FWD, and claim fuel consumption at
6.1L/100km on the official cycle, around