SsangYong Ireland has launched the updated Korando with a new look inside and out plus a more refined engine. There are two trim levels - the ES, priced at €25,995, and EL costing €29,495. Later this month a commercial version will be added to the range.
Exterior
The redesigned front end gets a slimmer grille with black mesh plus headlamps featuring combined projector lenses and LED daytime running lights. At the back the light clusters now use LEDs for improved visibility. The Korando can be ordered in three new colours - Sunrise Red, Cosmic Blue and Carbonic Grey - while the 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels come in new styles.
Interior
Inside, the Korando gets a soft touch dashboard with a mix of curved and angled shapes. To enhance the look there is a mix of wood grain and piano black inserts.
Mechanicals
Power comes from a 149hp turbodiesel engine and attention has been paid to reducing noise, vibration and harshness. In particular, the engine mounting brackets are stronger and these are said to cut noise levels by 9.3 per cent. To further reduce mechanical and road noise there are new rubber bushes between the sub frames and the body.
Anything else?
Initial deliveries will be two-wheel drive models with all-wheel drive versions arriving later this month and expected to cost an extra €2,000. With 180mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 22.8 degrees, departure angle of 28.2 degrees and a ramp angle of 18.5 degrees SsangYong reckons the Rodius has real off-road capability.