2020 SsangYong Korando: First impression

It’s almost hard to believe, but the last version of SsangYong Korando came out ten years ago. While it received an update in 2016, we weren’t quite satisfied. Six years was simply too-long-a-time for a redesign. But don’t you worry. SsangYong is finally back in full swing. The South Korean automaker released the fourth generation of their compact SUV. Now that it’s out, here’s our first impression of the 2020 SsangYong Korando.

How does the new 2020 SsangYong Korando look?

The 2016 Korando looked pretty decent, though it failed to stand out altogether. With the latest model, you’ll no longer feel underwhelmed with its design.

SsangYong did away with the curved, egg-shaped contour of its predecessor and replaced it with a bold, muscular exterior. Even though it has lost some height, this is compensated for by a much more aggressive stance and a higher ground clearance of 185 mm compared to 180 mm on the previous model.

The all-new Korando borrows its design from its stablemates – SsangYong Tivoli and the latest SsangYong Rexton. Its exterior features include:

• Slim, trapezoidal “birds wing” front grille
• Redesigned LED headlights and fog lamps
• Daytime running lights on the front and rear
• Flat ‘floating roof’ design that slopes downwards towards the back
• More defined hood and shoulder lines
• Creased tailgate
• Rear spoiler and skid plate
• Polygon-shaped LED taillights
• Diamond-cut alloy wheels in 17, 18, or 19-inch configuration

All in all, this is hands-down the most handsome and most premium-looking Koronado we’ve ever laid our eyes on.

What’s new inside the 2020 Ssangyong Korando?

The dashboard has been updated with a more horizontal, European-style layout, which the SsangYong calls a “Blaze Cockpit”. You either get high-quality fabric, faux leather and cloth, or premium leather for its seating. Top-spec variants will have power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control, while entry-level models only have manually adjustable seats upfront as well as manual climate control.

Mid-range and high-end models get a 10.25-inch Super Vision HD digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch HD infotainment system with 34 “infinity mood lighting” options to choose from. The audio system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
However, if you opt for entry-level models, you’ll have to settle for a smaller 3.5-inch digital cluster and 2-DIN audio system.

Are there any changes under the hood?

For some reason, SsangYong has decided to go with smaller and less powerful engines on the 2020 Korando. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine on the top-spec variant is nowhere to be found. Instead, you have two engine options:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine (160 hp, 280 Nm)
• 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine (135 hp, 324 Nm)

The South Korean automaker is no longer offering an all-wheel drive option with the latest model. Meaning, it’ll only be available in front-wheel drive. The transmission has also been downgraded from a 7-speed automatic with a manual transmission, to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Are there any changes in Korando’s safety features?

Some of the previous model’s safety features such as Anti Lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and stability control have been carried over into the new model. But it’s also been improved on so many levels.

The 2020 Korando specs sheet now features seven airbags, an immobilizer, ISOFIX, automatic speed sensing door locks, emergency calling system, active rollover protection, and an electronic parking brake. Its most noteworthy safety feature is a suite of driver assist features called Deep Control. This equips the all-new Korando with:

• Front collision warning
• Front vehicle start alert
• Blind spot monitoring
• Driver attention alert
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Safety distance alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Traction control system

The new Korando probably has a tough exterior too, as it earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP after a crash test. This is the highest rating that a SsangYong vehicle has received. In 2016, Tivoli and Tivoli XLV only managed to score a four-star safety rating.
For added security, top-trim variants are further equipped with smart keyless entry. Lower models will have the standard key and fob system.

2020 SsangYong Korando colors

The new Korando colors options include Cherry Red, Grand White, Platinum Gray, Silent Silver, and a special Dandy Blue tone.

2020 SsangYong Korando price list

Here are new Korando price and variants, check out -

Model Variants	Pricing
2020 SsangYong Korando 1.5T Sport	Php 1,290,000
2020 SsangYong Korando 1.6D Sport	Php 1,578,000
2020 SsangYong Korando 1.6D Premium	Php 1,770,000

 

Also Read: 2020 Ssangyong Tivoli Crossover starts at Php 1.18 Million