Ssangyong Korando

But the name is not a new one for the brand, which produced the small Korando SUV -- and Musso -- from the mid-80s until 2006, using the older Mercedes-Benz ML platforms and drivetrains as a starting point. The Musso was sold here badged with the three-pointed start, for a short time, through Merc's dealerships.

Arriving in the last quarter of this year, the new Korando comes at a time when compact SUVs are booming in Australia, helping drive a record sales month for June.  The Korando will be the first vehicle from the Korean carmaker to use a monocoque body. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel that meets Euro V emissions standards, and which will spread across the Ssangyong range, appearing next in the update for the Actyon Sports Ute next year.

The German-designed engine has an electronically controlled two-stage turbocharger, high-efficiency exhaust gas recycling (EGR) intercooler and optimal air-intake system to reduce emissions and increase engine efficiency, Ssangyong says.  The new technology gives outputs of around 130kW of power and 450Nm of torque --  30 per cent and 50 per cent more respectively than the brand’s current 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (104kW and 310Nm).

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Ssangyong says the Korando’s ‘stylish new compact SUV look and spacious and luxurious European-inspired interior’ should prove to be popular with Australian buyers.  “Korando C is a great looking compact SUV that will win plenty of hearts while satisfying the demand for fuel efficient and clean diesel power,” the brand’s Australian general manager Jeff Barber said in a statement announcing the new vehicle.

Barber said the Korando C would be the turning point for Ssangyong, and “will deliver mass appeal to the marque with a package that is competitive in the rapidly expanding compact SUV market”.  “It is a smart, contemporary design that will hold its own against any compact SUV on the market today.

“I’ve seen the final design and been round the proving track in the vehicle and I’m very happy with what we’ll have to offer later this year,” he said.  The diesel Korando will be followed by a hybrid and an electric version, using powertrains showcased by Ssangyong at the recent Pusan motor show.

The Pure EV Korando C at Pusan carried a 100kW electric motor and a 30kWh, 300V high-voltage lithium-polymer battery, which Ssangyong says will give it a range of  up to 180km at 150km/h.  In the meantime, Ssangyong is giving its Rexton seven-seater a cosmetic update, and says the cleaner styling will add to the appeal of the vehicle’s value, with the entry price of $36,990 for the manual version.

“We have concentrated on ensuring Ssangyong buyers get value for money, stronger styling as well as high equipment levels, versatility, safety and performance and I believe we have achieved just that,” Barber said.  “Rexton is a good looking SUV and this has been enhanced with the minor facelift which has given it cleaner and tidier styling that will broaden its appeal.”