Ssangyong Korando launch end 2012, caught testing

Ssangyong made its first presence at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo in India. But Korean SUV maker showed a couple of concept models besides the soon to be launched Rextron SUV. The company however kept the Korando off the Auto Expo. The Korando is the first SUV built on a monocoque platform. It is powered by a 173bhp 2 -litre turbo-diesel engine mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. It is about 4.4 meteres long, which makes it strictly a five-seater; luggage space is only 486 litres.

Some highlights of the Korando

• The new model is SYMC’s first-ever front-wheel drive monocoque-typed SUV (sport utility vehicle) that has been developed to envision the image of Premium, Robustness and Specialty.
• Giorgetto Giugiaro gives a touch of high-end European taste to the design of Korando and consummates the styling of the Classy Utility Vehicle.
• The eXDi200 engine, SYMC’s ambitious diesel engine that inherits the top quality heritage, realizes high power (181 horsepower) as well as remarkable fuel efficiency (17.6km/?).
• Underneath the cozy and roomy interior that boasts the largest among its kind, runs the DNA of a SUV specialist focusing on developing sturdier and safer vehicles.
• The e-XDi200 engine mounted on the new Korando is a new engine is proudly developed with its decades-long history of diesel engine specialist. The 2-liter e-XDi200 boasts of high power (181 horsepower), high efficiency (17.6km/? on 2WD M/T, 15.0km/? on 2WD A/T), and eco-friendliness (CO?: 153g/km); and it certainly is an eco-friendly engine that shoulders with global top-notch engines meeting domestic standards for low-emission cars as well as Euro 5 emission standards for European market.

SsangYong will launch the Korando in India later this year. Mahindra will position the Korando slightly above the XUV500, which means a base price of Rs 15 lakh can be expected.

Image Source: ACI