| New Korando C LET 2.2 |
By Park Jin-hai
If the popular Tivoli compact SUV stands at the center of the revival of Ssangyong Motor, equally important for the carmaker is its Korando lineups.
Since its first generation in 1974, the Korando SUV has been a great success for Ssangyong Motor. It is loved by many in local and overseas markets, being a steady seller for decades.
The Korando C, launched in 2011 with a classy, comfortable and clean design concept, sold more than 210,000 units over four years.
On July 2, Ssangyong Motor ambitiously launched the upgraded Korando C diesel with a larger engine, to lure customers looking for a city-friendly off-roader.
I had the chance to test drive the latest Korando diesel, the new Korando C LET 2.2, on the 50 kilometer round trip in and around the Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, over the weekend.
From outside, no significant difference is clear from its previous model. Its design element in many parts shared, telling that it makes the big Ssangyong SUV family with the Tivoli. The six colored cluster that contributed to the trendy design transformation of the carmaker in the latest Tivoli SUV can also be found in the new Korando C to apparently lure young drivers.
What makes a big difference is lying under the hood.
The new Korando C model, mated with the Euro 6 emission standard meeting 2.2-liter e-XDi220 diesel engine and Japan's Aisin six-speed auto transmission, boasts a better driving performance and fuel efficiency than the last model.
When I started the test drive car, with the 20,000 kilometer previous driving history, the first impression was that it wasn't like a diesel. Although it felt powerful, its engine sound and outside noise were almost insignificant all throughout the drive.
Thanks to the larger engine, the car can increase its speed up to 110 kilometers per hour in an instant, showing no shortage of power or with a slight delay in acceleration as seen in its previous model. Although its engine size has become larger, compared with its previous 2-liter model, its maximum power has been lifted 19.4 percent to 178 horsepower, while its torque shows 11 percent improvement at 40.8 kilogram meter, according to the company.
As a result, its acceleration is not lost on daily driving, at lower rpm.
The new Korando C LET 2.2 shows better fuel economy as well. Its combined fuel efficiency stands at 13.3 kilometers per liter, a 3.9 percent increase from previous model's 12.8 kilometers per liter.
On city roads, its fuel efficiency that I drove recorded 11 kilometers per liter, similar to the claimed 11.8 kilometers. While on highways, it reached 13.8 kilometers, beyond its claimed 13.3 kilometers.
The price for the new Korando C 2.2 ranges from 21.85 million won to 28.2 million won, depending on the trims.