Could this be Australia's new cheapest electric car? 2022 SsangYong Korando e-Motion detailed, sets sights on MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric

SsangYong has finally fully detailed its Korando e-Motion electric vehicle (EV), confirming key powertrain details and timing for overseas markets.

Due to launch in Europe, including the right-hand-drive UK market, in early 2022, the tailpipe emissions-free Korando is still to be confirmed for Australia.

Whether the beleaguered brand – who filed for bankruptcy late last year, was then placed into receivership after parent company Mahindra & Mahindra failed to find a buyer, and is now in the process of being purchased by bus manufacturer Edison Motors – is able to bring the Korando e-Motion to local showrooms amidst the behind-the-scenes turmoil is yet to be seen.

SsangYong has spoken in the past about its desire to bring the electric SUV to Australia, if it could introduce the model at the right price, but the brand’s new owners could force their hand as Edison Motors looks to go all in on EVs.

Either way, the Korando e-Motion could become one of Australia’s cheapest EVs, threatening even the keenly-priced MG ZS EV ($44,990 drive-away).

The Korando range is priced from $26,990 drive-away locally for the manual, petrol-powered EX grade, and extends to $39,990 for the automatic, diesel Ultimate.

In overseas markets, prices are rumoured to start around £30,000, which converts to about $A55,000, but details are still be to confirmed.

The advantage the Korando has over the small SUV-sized ZS though, is its dimensions, which put it in the mid-size SUV segment up against the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.

Another advantage for the Korando e-Motion is a large 61.5kWh battery, which enables 339km of driving range when tested on the more stringent WLTP standards.

This bests the ZS EV’s 44.5Wh battery and 263km range, as well as the Nissan Leaf’s 40Wh battery and 270km range.

With 100kWw DC fast-charging capabilities, the Korando EV can charge up to 80 per cent in as little as 33 minutes, while using a standard charger will require around 11 hours to go from zero to full.

The SsangYong’s electric motor also produces 140kW/360Nm, which are sent to the front wheels.

Aside from the powertrain, the Korando e-Motion is also distinguished by its closed front grille, unique 17-inch wheels and blue exterior accents.

Inside, equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting and a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.

There are also steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, while allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking.

On the safety front, the usual array of advanced driver assistance systems features, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert and traffic sign recognition.