Ssangyong Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) S 5dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

Finding a comfortable driving position shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the height adjustment on the driver’s seat, and the steering column has height and reach adjustments too. The dash is generally well laid out, clearly marked and easy to use.

There is only one engine option for the Korando – a 173bhp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve turbocharged diesel. Producing 175lb-ft of mid-range pulling power and capable of 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph, it doesn’t feel as fast as it should. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, fuel economy is average for its class at 47.1mpg.

The ride is less than refined, struggling for grip on some surfaces, and cornering on a twisty open road is anything but confidence inspiring due to the lack of feel through the steering. However, it’s the engine noise you’ll notice the most – it rattles – even when at idle – and when you really need to work it, the level of noise becomes worse - with vibration you can feel. The normal wind noise and road noise when at cruising speeds still doesn’t drown out the ever present engine noise.

The exterior styling has come a long way since the utilitarian look of previous models, and now it looks elegant and modern next to others in its class.

The Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) S is pretty well equipped coming with power steering, central locking, alloy wheels, air con, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth all as standard. Optional extras include metallic paint (£500) and satellite navigation (£999).

With ample space for five adults, the Korando is really practical. The fifth passenger won’t be complaining either, thanks to a wider than normal middle seat which is more comfy than normally found in this type of car. The boot offers a decent 486-litres of space even though it’s smaller than some competitors.

EuroNCAP have not as yet crash tested the Korando. But it comes fitted with airbags: front, side and curtain, and stability control as standard. Active head restraints to avoid whiplash are also available at an extra cost.

Security measures include an alarm and immobilizer.

The reliability of the Korando is a little difficult to gauge as it’s not one of the mainstream brands in the UK and therefore there’s little data available based on customer satisfaction surveys. The quality of the interior however is less than appealing as the plastics used for trim appear hard and cheap and, like the switchgear, does not have a durable or substantial feel to it.

SsangYong covers the Korando with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and regular service intervals are every 12,500 miles.

You get decent power for the £16,995 price you’ll pay for the Korando 2.0 Diesel (2WD) S 5dr, but for comparable money you can also get the Hyundai iX35 which, while less powerful, is a better car all round. The Korando is more expensive to run as well, with higher CO2 emissions (157g/km) and poorer fuel economy (47.1mpg). The Korando falls in group 19 for insurance and VED band G for Road Tax.

Being rather unknown and out of the mainstream, the resale value of the Korando is likely to be quite low.

One thing to consider if you do fancy it – is finding somewhere to buy it and have it serviced, as SsangYong dealers are not as common as other mainstream makes.