Wednesday, December 11, 2013
By Kamal Swami
Ssangyong launches new Korando in UK market, may also launch in India
With increasing trend of compact SUV’s throughout the world all major SUV makers have started revamping their existing SUVs according to existing marketing conditions. Following the same trend South Korean car making company Ssangyong has also introduced facelift in popular SUV Korando SUV which made its debut in global market during 2011 and succeeded in receiving encouraging response from customers. Now company is going to introduce the first facelift in this SUV and speculates it to repeat the same success as its original model enjoyed. It would be interested to know that apart from refreshing its exteriors and interiors company has also revamped its engine configuration.
The facelift Ssangyong Korando is energized with 2.0 litre Euro 5 Engine whereas the top end variant that is ELX4 which is an automatic version is equipped with 175 ps e-XDi200 diesel engine which develops the power of 172.5 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque of 360 Nm at rpm of 2,000 to 3,000. The engine coated with manual transmission system also delivers the same power and torque features as delivered by automatic version but is equipped with 149 bhp e-XDi200 engine. It would be interested to know both transmission system are designed to provide comfort driving experience to customers.
The exterior of new Korando 2014 receives project headlamps followed by daytime running LEDs, redesigned grille and sportier bumper. Moving towards the rear portion of SUV receives sleek LED infested taillights. Like the exteriors, interiors have also received refreshed interiors including use of luxurious materials, cup holders, mobile phone tray and flip down sunglasses tray. Other interesting features integrated in new Korando includes electronic stability program with emergency brake assist and ABS, hill start assist, active roll over protection etc. It is speculated that after launching facelift Korando in UK market with price tag of £ 14,995 its Indian alliance Mahindra Motors may also launch it in Indian car market during auto expo 2014 with price falling between Rs. 8 lakh and 9 lakh. If it is launched in Indian car market it will compete with existing SUV’s like Duster, Terrano and others.
