Korando flaunts affordability, value proposition

This time around when spending pattern not more than necessary is both a requirement and fashion, the austere Ssangyong Korando that I have driven sometime ago when it was introduced into Nigeria means different things to different people.

Among some of the brands competing closely with the Korean-made Ssangyong Korando include Hyundai’s capable ix35, the highly rated Nissan Qashqai, Kia’s stylish Sportage and a new kid on the block, the Dacia Duster.

The Korando promises to be one family-sized sport utility vehicle motoring that ate pocket-friendly. The SX model was new addition to the line-up, and the cheapest four-wheel-drive version, and comes with the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that powers all Korando models.

Inside, the cabin space offers a mixed bag of impression for any family, while on the other hand, the rear is very spacious, with reclining seats that can help young children sleep very comfortably on long journeys.

However, if you choose to maximize your boot space by having the seats in their most upright position, the parcel shelf leaves around  third of the luggage area exposed to onlookers. There are other Korando models that are fitted with an optional towbar, which can be removable and stored in the boot.

But despite the car’s most touted popularity with caravan owners, it surprises many to find out that, it came with not even a space saver. Back inside the car, cabin storage is a particular strong point for the Korando. There are big door bins, dashboard-mounted and under-dash receptacles, a decent-sized center console cubby and two cupholders.

The rest of the interior is a combination of perfectly acceptable plastics and a few areas that industry critics have variously described as just plain nasty. Interestingly, the 1970s-style digital clock is another area of great attention to automobile buffs, and so is the optional Kenwood/Garmin infotainment system.

Some of the Korando also comes with a touch screen that can sometimes be too complicated to sue easily, including the Bluetooth. It can also be switched to the latest version of the iPhone. Comparatively, the interior is very durable, though,

Furthermore, while the seat cloth can remain unstained and bobble-free over a long time, the interior plastics stand up well, shows no noticeable signs of wear and tear. For market critics, there a number of things issues that needed to be addressed which requires serious attention in the incoming successor models.

This is apparently because if refinement is a priority, then Korando’s combination of wind, road and engine noise should be seriously taken into consideration. It is noticeably more than that produced by any of its rivals and on some road conditions, they say noise was frequently noticed, an area that calls for urgent attention in terms of insulation materials used in padding the doors.

 In the Nigerian market, the Ssangyong is fast becoming visible on the roads as many more individuals of various categories and fleet buyers in many corporate organizations are beginning to put their money on the Korean model ostensibly for many reasons ranging from ranging from its modern design, interiors and exterior finishing coupled with its comparative with price advantage going in its favour.   

MIKE OCHONMA