SECTOR Compact 4×4  PRICE from €23,300 – €24,500 (approx)  FUEL 6.20l/100km  CO2 157g/km

SsangYong has responded to both dealer and customer demand by creating a lower priced 4×4 version of its Korando compact SUV. UK dealers in particular have been calling for a sub-€25,000 all-wheel-drive diesel model, to pit against lower powered versions of Hyundai’s ix35 and Kia’s Sportage.

While SsangYong has offered a lower specification model before, this has only been available with two-wheel drive. With the arrival of the new lower spec diesel all-wheel-drive model, SsangYong has hit the ground running with an all-wheel drive model from around €23,300.

This model is based on the two-wheel drive model’s specification, with the lower powered 151PS version of SsangYong’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. However, despite giving away 26PS to the top spec model, the new model offers the same 360Nm of torque as the more powerful motor, so should be an equally proficient towing car.

As with all Korandos, this model is front-wheel-drive in normal road use and does without a transfer gearbox when calling the rear axle into play, so there is no option to change to lower gear ratios. Instead this Korando uses what SsangYong calls ‘Torque On Demand 4×4’, with a multi-plate clutch pack mounted in front of the rear differential.

When sensors detect a potential loss of grip, the system automatically connects the rear axle through the electro-magnetic clutch pack.

As grip varies between the wheels, the system uses the car’s ABS to brake individual wheels, passing drive to those tyres that still have grip. In this way the Korando will continue to pull itself forward even when only one wheel has traction.

Off-road the system actually works very well, and the compact SUV can pull through worse conditions than many customers will ever try to tackle. With standard Hill Start Assist and ESP, this Korando offers a 2,000kg towing capacity and the traction to actually pull it across a wet field or a muddy track.

As befits its status in the line-up, the specification does without the leather seats of the top spec model, going with sturdy looking cloth instead. You still get driver’s lumbar support though, and it comes with electric windows all round, cruise control, heated and electrically-adjustable mirrors, puddle lamps in the mirror casings, manual air conditioning and a Kenwood stereo with six speakers, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Roof rails, 16-inch alloys, an alarm and immobiliser and a host of airbags complete the specification, so this Korando is hardly a poorly equipped model. Indeed for many people, particularly those looking to spend less than €25,000 one would imagine, foregoing a few of the luxuries of the more expensive models in favour of that strong towing ability and all-wheel drive chassis, will no doubt be a compelling argument.

Of course this model is never likely to be a big seller in the fleet market, but by offering a lower priced alternative, SsangYong may well appeal to a wider audience of user choosers. And as with the higher priced versions, this Korando also gets SsangYong’s five-year, limitless mileage warranty, in some markets, which provides a lot of peace of mind for those thinking of opting out of their company car scheme safety net. In conclusion then, a useful addition to the range.

Verdict

A competitive price without sacrificing the towing capacity that could draw potential customers to the diesel Korando, could be just what some people are looking for.