Korando Sports is the production version of SsangYong SUT-1 concept, and by the looks of things it’s a mixture of a passenger car, a SUV, and a pickup truck. It has the suspension, engine and cabin of a normal sedan, 4×4 system of an off-roader, and space and ruggedness of a commercial pickup. It seems like quite a nice effort by the Korean car maker to make up a new niche.

Question is, will this blend of many things actually work?

On the styling front, features like featuring a mesh grille, trapezoidal bumper and stylish black headlight bezels give the car a manly and business-like appearance, but it’s far from a premium product in this sense. It’s a SsangYong after all, no one expects them to come up with a segment buster.

In terms of powertrains, the Korando Sports is powered by the latest e-XDi active diesel engine.  This new 2 litre engine provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm, available from just 1,500 rpm, which means you will have good pulling power right off the bat.

There are two trim levels to choose from, SX and EX, with the latter being the posh model featuring leather upholstery with seat warmers, powered driver’s seat, distinctive 18” alloy wheels, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors, and rear parking sensors. A 6 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.

Detailed Specs:

Mechanical

• 155PS 2.0-litre active diesel engine with CDPF
• Part time 4WD system
• 6 speed manual transmission
• Double wishbone front suspension
• 5 link rear suspension
• Hydraulic power steering

Seats

• Woven cloth upholstery
• 2^nd row seats with folding centre armrest
• Front tilt headrest
• Height adjustable driver’s seat

Climate control

• Manual air conditioning
• Rear heating duct

Appearance

• 16” alloy wheels with 225/75 tyres
• Full size spare tyre
• Chrome and black grille
• Black bezel headlight surround
• Tinted glass all round
• Body colour exterior door handles
• Waist line moulding with stainless steel insert
• Roof mounted aerial

Convenience

• Leather gear knob
• Leather covered steering wheel
• Dual Remote Keyless System (REKES)
• Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS Radio
• USB & aux. port
• 4 speakers
• Bluetooth hands-free
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Windscreen de-icer
• Headlamp levelling
• Trip computer
• Load deck liner
• Shopping bag hook
• Heated rear screen with timer
• Overhead console
• Digital clock
• Handy centre storage console
• Front cup holder

Safety

• Ultra-rigid frame for greater strength, less vibration and noise
• Door impact beams for optimal protection from side collisions
• Airbags for driver and front passenger
• Seatbelt load limiters and pre-tensioners
• 4-channel anti-lock braking system
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) and Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Disc brakes on all 4 wheels
• Front ventilated disc brakes
• Door courtesy lamps
• Front and rear fog lamps
• Alarm and immobiliser system
• Childproof safety locks
• Speed sensitive door locks
• Collapsible steering column & rake adjustable
• ISOFIX and tether anchorage for baby car seat
• Seatbelt reminder for driver
• Safety power window on driver’s side
• Visual VIN plate

EQUIPMENT – additional on EX

• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors
• Automatic power folding door mirrors
• 18” alloy wheels with 255/60 tyres (no flange)
• Rear parking sensors
• 6 speed automatic transmission – option
• Electronic cruise control – included with the above option