Mahindra & Mahindra will be launching the Ssangyong Korando in India this year, after having taken over the ailing Korean carmaker in late 2010. The Korando is a soft-roader SUV that is equipped with a 2.0L turbo diesel engine and produces 175PS of power. The Korando has been fitted out with a load of features usually found in high-end SUVs. It is also among the safest SUVs having got a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. It is equipped with ABS, EBD, traction control, six airbags, multiple storage options, and a host of other goodies. It will be available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants.
Here’s our Mahindra Ssangyong Korando photo gallery for you
The Mahindra Ssangyong Korando sports strong compact SUV lines. It has a high bonnet and flared wheel arches that give it a muscular stance. The swept back headlamps however make it more appealing and less aggressive. The grille takes centrestage with its large mesh pattern. The bumper has a bit of a pout with fog lamps embedded at the corners.
The Ssangyong Korando is a very well-proportioned compact SUV. Note the flowing aerodynamic shape of the bonnet that is a little reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson. The Korando features a monocoque chassis with sub-frames. This makes its handling less SUV-like and more car-like. The large 17-inch alloy wheels add to the muscular looks, while the wide track improves handling. Also read: Sports utility vehicles in India
The sloping roofline at the rear, gives the Korando a hatchback-like appearance. The thick C-pillars flow into the muscular rear fenders, with large angular tail-lamps flanking the boot hatch. This design is also similar to the rear ends of the Hyundai Tucson and Chevrolet Captiva.
In profile, the Ssangyong Korando has a very aerodynamic design. The mild upsweep towards the rear adds to the sport feeling, while the sloping rear glass rounds off the aerodynamics perfectly. The ski racks run the length of the roof.
The Korando will be offered in various variants, from two-wheel drive in the lower versions to all-wheel drive in the top-end variant. It does not have a low-ratio gearbox, but has an AWD lock mode to ensure maximum control in slippery terrain.
The Ssangyong Korando is essentially a five-seater SUV, with a limited boot area. The rear seats fold 60-40 to allow for larger luggage to be carried in it.
The Korando has a well-appointed interior featuring electrically adjustable and folding mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking, steering-mounted audio controls, multi-information display, traction control, cruise control, CD changer with USB and aux-in and climate control. There are multiple utility hooks and trays in the Korando, like the one above the dash in this photo.
The front seats in the Korando appear well bolstered and supportive. Legroom looks adequate. The predominantly grey interiors though are more European in styling and make the interior look a little staid.
The Ssangyong Korando’s has a multitude of warning lamps in the instrument panel. The multi-information display also contains the fuel and temperature gauges, besides a gear indicator, distance to empty and average consumption. Also seen are warning lamps for the 4×4 and traction control.
The Korando is equipped with automatic climate control, with very intuitive placement of the HVAC controls. It also has more storage right under the dash, besides many more pockets to store maps and pens around the cabin.
The Ssangyong Korando is powered by a e-XDi 200 turbodiesel engine that puts out 175PS of power and yet offers very good fuel economy of about 16 kmpl. This engine is transverse mounted and mated to either a manual or automatic six speed transmission. The top end variants of the Korando will likely be all-wheel drive while the lower end variants would be front-wheel drive.
Photo Courtsey: NetCarShow.com
