Gone are the old Mercedes diesel engines, instead the Korando Sports is powered by SsangYong’s own 153bhp, 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel which is pleasingly smooth. Our test Korando had this engine matched to the optional, slick-shifting six-speed auto box. Even with the auto box, the Korando Sports is still capable of 35.3mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 212g/km – impressive when compared to rivals.
The Korando Sports’ well-equipped cabin
Our test pick up was the range-topping EX version, which had an notably high level of standard kit including leather trim, heated front seats, power operated and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and electric windows – all for £18,495!
If all the standard kit inside the Korando Sports doesn’t appeal, the impressive interior refinement will – we reckon it could be better than our favourite pick-up, the latest Mitsubishi L200!
Okay, the Korando Sports hasn’t got the biggest load area in the all important 1,000kg threshold (it can carry up to 1,050kg!); still the 2.04 square metres is big enough to fit a Euro pallet and on our test car was made more practical with the fitment of £1,995 worth of ‘Elegance’ hard top.
The interior quality might be disappointing, but the Korando feels durable enough and built to last. There’s also the reassurance of an industry-leading five-year warranty.
This Korando’s driving position is comfortable enough, all the switchgear is logically placed and there’s enough space for four.
What’s not?
Nowhere near as bad to look at as some of SsangYong’s previous efforts, but the Korando Sports is no beauty. In fact, the Korando proves that a lot of surface detailing does not a good-looking pick up make.
We like the amount of standard kit in the Korando Sports, but we wish the interior was better finished. The faux carbon fibre around the gear change, the brittle-feeling column stalks and hard, scratchy plastics are particularly disappointing.
It is a good thing the Korando Sports’ interior is so refined, because the 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel is very noisy from cold and when revved hard.
The six-speed automatic transmission isn’t quick off the mark either – our test pick-up seemed to have plenty of accelerator travel before we actually got going.
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