Ssangyong Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) ES Auto 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The 4 cylinder 2 litre turbo-diesel engine offers a good torque figure of 265 lb-ft and a maximum power figure of 173 bhp however, because they arrive at 2000-3000 rpm and 4000 rpm respectively, right in the middle of the rev range, the power comes all at once and lacks smoothness and linearity.

Accelerating from 0-62 mph takes 9.9 seconds and the diesel engine produces an unappealing amount of rattling with the noise increasing with the revs.

Ride comfort is the best of the entire SsangYong line-up and the car remains reasonably comfortable on most surfaces. Cornering wallow and roll is kept fairly well in check and despite not being the most responsive, the steering is consistent.

The driver’s seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel has rake and reach adjustment so getting comfortable should not be a problem. The seats are heated and the windows are electric. The switchgear is generally well laid out but it all looks and feels rather cheap.

The Korando has a good-looking, well-proportioned exterior however it’s the amount of interior kit that gives a greater sense of value for money. The equipment inside includes leather seats, climate control, folding mirrors, CD, Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity, cruise control and rear parking sensors all as standard. However, despite the wealth of equipment, the interior does look and feel a little cheap.

It also comes with alloy wheels, stability control, an alarm and immobiliser and front fog lights.

Metallic paint is available as an option (£500) as is satellite navigation (£999).

The SsangYong Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) ES Auto has a hugely spacious cabin for carrying five people in comfort. The large boot can be made even larger by folding the rear seats flat for even greater carrying space so whether you’re loading up the cases for a holiday or filling up with shopping, the Korando will accommodate your needs.

Unlike other SsangYongs, which come with only driver and passenger air bags the Korando is fitted with side airbags and curtain airbags as well for greater levels of safety.

The car comes with a five year unlimited mile warranty. Fuel economy is not the best in its class and with a carbon footprint of 194 g/km it’s not the greenest either.

The SsangYong Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) ES Auto 5dr is quite a lot of car for £20,945. It is comfortable inside the spacious albeit cheap-feeling cabin and it will be a useful vehicle for shopping trips and holidays but, its running costs are quite high, the comfort of its drive leaves a little to be desired and it will make long spells on motorways something you may want to avoid.

Combined fuel economy totals 38.7 mpg whilst road tax and insurance premiums fall under bands J and 19 respectively.

Therefore,if you are buying a new family car with 4x4 looks but 2WD economy, then long-term ownership would help offset the depreciation that this car will attract however, there are far superior crossovers available for similar money.