Mahindra Ssangyong Korando

Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is a compact SUV that is going to be unveiled for the first time in Auto Expo 2012. It is a perfect example of the synergized work between parent company Mahindra and acquired South Korean firm Ssangyong. Korando is a perfect amalgamation that renders driving comfort of a sedan, sturdy space of an SUV and style of a luxury car. Korando was initially produced in South Korea from 1983–2006 as Korando jeeps. Many generations have been rolled out since then and a new model was produced again from 2010. The new Korando was well received from a design perspective, with many reviewers appreciating the design improvements over previous models.

A new Korando C concept Korando was launched at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show. A fully electric version of Korando was also launched at same Auto show. Korando, which is a contraction of ‘Korea Can Do’, has served Korea’s SUV market for long. The crossover even holds the title of ‘Korea’s longest-surviving brand’ in Guinness Book of World Records. The 56 year old company Ssangyong was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra Limited in February 2011 after being named the preferred bidder in 2010 to acquire the bankruptcy-protected company and Korando and Rexton will be their first joint venture products.

This classy Korando SUV was designed and developed by renowned Italian styling company-‘Italdesin’ founded by renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. He amalgamated the shape of a modern, stylish SUV with the rugged appearance following the core of Ssangyong Motor Company’s style. Korando compact SUV is built on a monocoque body. This is for the first time any Ssangyong SUV is based on monocoque body frame, thus ensuring both light-weight and sturdy body compared to its counterparts. Since it is a crossover, it has a small wheelbase of 2650 mm. The Korando looks extremely sporty with its muscular flanks and flared wheel arches that enclose 17 inch tyres. A high beltline, headlights, semicircular grille with black mesh and bulky bonnet looks menacing. The front face of Korando is quite bulged and heavy. Body color mirrors with turn indicators, diamond shaped fog lamps and meshed air dam suits the overall aggressive look.

New Mahindra Ssangyong Korando will come packed with 2.0-litre turbo-dieselengine. This power train will be capable of 173 bhp at 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 36O Nm at 2000-1000 rpm. As a front-wheel-driving car, the engine is placed over the drive wheels, which kind of improves the traction in unfavorable conditions like snow, mud, and gravel. A six-speed automatic transmission and optional smart all-wheel-drive system suggests that Korando will drive butter smooth on the road as it does off-road. Six speed manual transmission is also anticipated in Indian version.

Mahindra Ssangyong Korando is a five seater and with various luxurious seat layouts, a smart key, and heated seats, the Korando is comfortable for both drivers and passengers. It certainly won’t attract many buyers because of its inadequate seating capacity as it comes as a norm that SUVs are large enough to accommodate large families. After launching the fully-fledged Mahindra XUV 500 well-off with its lush and plush interiors, it will be a challenge for Mahindra to come up with better interiors in Korando as will be priced higher than the former. However, Ssangyong is known for putting its best foot forward in interiors and Korando in India will be no exception. The dashboard can be expected without any frills with the controls logically laid out and within easy reach. Still, matching upto the level of luxurious crossovers like CR-V, Fortuner and other big shots in Indian SUV market is tough for this new Mahindra launch.

A variety of safety features in the new Mahindra SUV—such as an electronic stability program that reduces risk factors plus an emergency stop signal that turns on automatically brakes are applied suddenly—ensure that one will feel confident using the Korando to take his family along on a multitude of adventures. And with high fuel efficiency and an eco-cruise control system, one might just find those adventures taking him further and further. All eyes towards Auto Expo now!