Ssangyong was at one point in danger of becoming another sad tale of car maker failing to break into the difficult UK market. That I was sat just a week ago in an impressive, affordable crossover SUV currently on sale in the UK and performing well is a testament to the Korean brand's new direction on these shores. This is the Ssangyong Korando, a five-seat crossover SUV aimed at the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai ix35. Ssangyong aims to undercut all of these rivals with prices starting from just £19,000 and a five-year warranty that does not have a mileage limit. The warranty in particular is a calculated gamble from Ssangyong, a company aware that badge snobbery will inevitably lead to queries over build quality and reliability. Introducing the Ssangyong Korando From the outside, the Ssangyong Korando looks like a more premium car than its price would suggest. Too often new brands have gone for outlandish (and admittedly eye-catching) design to ingratiate itself with the UK public but Ssangyong has avoided this. Since returning to the UK two years ago, Ssangyong has been almost restrained with the Korando, which boasts large headlamps either side of a bold grille. The car offers raised ground clearance and commanding ride height but without the traditional aggressive SUV styling for a more rounded, subdued approach. This does not mean it looks bad; simply a little more generic in an attempt to move away from the rugged, utilitarian approach of Ssangyong cars past. Inside the Ssangyong Korando Ssangyong has a clean slate to woo UK buyers and while the initial price will impress, the interior may disappoint slightly. Dashboard materials and instruments do feel a little flimsy but equipment is generous given the price. Buyers of entry-level models get keyless entry, electric windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and CD radio are all available as standard - a far cry from the cheaper, sub-£10,000 Dacia Duster and enough to impress most buyers. Another step up in quality from the brand which has previously focused purely on practicality and space, but those details have not been forgotten in the new Korando. The boot can swallow 486 litres - more than the Nissan Qashqai - and the car has a two-tonne towing capacity. The interior is big enough for five to sit in comfort and there's enough head room for even the tallest adult. There's extra binnacles dotted about for storage and roof rails as standard to carry heavier loads, but this practicality all falls down in the engine is weak. Ssangyong Korando engine Luckily, this is not the case. The single 2.0-litre diesel engine is more than enough to provide power for all occasions. The 175bhp engine offers 360Nm - here's the key to that impressive pulling power - and can deliver class-leading performance when towing caravans or trailers. There's a wide range of running costs depending on model, transmission and the option of two- or four-wheel drive but naturally the former will provide the lowest costs. Expect between 37 and 47mpg depending on model and as little as 157g/km of CO2 emissions for the most frugal versions. On the road The Ssangyong Korando is never going to win awards for its handling but as the smallest model in the range (so far) it does hold itself well on the road. There is not a sign of undue body roll around corners and the steering is weighty enough to suit the car's bulk compared to smaller family cars. The ride quality is middle-of-the-range with a relatively comfortable ride on smoother roads, although the traditional UK potholes will cause a few bumps and jostles. Off-road the car is grippy and offers enough torque to cope with varying conditions but this is very much a car for the road, affording extra traction in wintery weather when needed. Should you buy a Ssangyong Korando? The jury is out; prices are bargain-basement low and the car is a distinct step up in quality over previous efforts. Overall, I liked the Ssangyong Korando, and a likeable car goes a long way with UK buyers who are embracing the compact crossover sector like never before. It may not be enough to tackle the big names such as the Qashqai but it does enough to carve out a successful niche in the UK. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBtBg5XCMP4
