Ssangyong Korando News

SsangYong has confirmed the full-time line-up of its crucial Korando mid-size SUV, which will kick off from $26,990 driveaway for the six-speed manual petrol EX variant.Substantially undercutting opening grades of Japanese rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 (f

SsangYong's crucial Korando mid-size SUV line-up will be heralded by two limited-edition, diesel-powered variants priced from $32,900 driveaway.Kicking off the range is the front-drive ELX LE variant, while the top-spec all-wheel-drive Ultimate LE will se

SsangYong is struggling to make significant headway into Australia’s tough, shrinking market since relaunching as a factory-backed operation in December last year.

The all-new SsangYong Korando mid-sized SUV will hit Aussie showrooms around August 2019, and within 18 months there will be a fully electric version on sale, too.

The all-new SsangYong Korando will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2019, and it will be available as a fully electric model that the brand is keen to sell Down Under.

Korando set to return to Australia in its third iteration as fully-fledged entry into the ultra-competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The mid-sized SUV is being given another freshen in the nose and tail, for likely sales in the final quarter of this year.

The price of the new Korando S petrol model which comes with a manual transmission as standard is $23,990 drive away. This new model is a move away from Ssangyong's diesel only Australian model line-up, while its price signals the company's determination to succeed in the increasingly competitive SUV segment. The Korando's 2.0 litre petrol engine produces 109 kW and 191 Nm with Ssangyong claiming combined fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres/100km (6.2L highway and 9.7L around town). The vehicle's standard features include six airbags, electronic stability control, Bluetooth and a CD/MP3 player. Cruise control, reverse sensors, leather steering wheel are also standard. A six speed automatic transmission is available as a $2000 option. All Korandos sold in Australia via Ssangyong's national dealer network are covered by a five year 100,000km warranty and five years of 24/7 roadside assist.  

The brand has been picked up by one of Australia's most aggressive vehicle distributors. Ateco Automotive, which distributes Citroen, Great Wall, Chery and Lotus - and under an associate firm, Ferrari and Maserati - promises new prices, new models and a change to the diesel-only philosophy. It took over Ssangyong's national distributorship from Sime Darby this week ahead of handing Citroen to Sime Darby in January. Ateco also took control of Foton light to medium truck range in Australia. The truck range - but not the Foton ute models - was relinquished by Transpacific Western Star. Ateco is now setting up dealers for the trucks and is planning to expand into the heavy-duty truck market. Ssangyong has driven a tough road in Australia despite budget pricing and claims of value for money. In the year to September, it has sold only 32 vehicles - the same number as Lamborghini and one-third of the sales of Maserati. Ateco spokesman Daniel Cotterill says new models are planned. “We have made adjustments to the range including overturning the former importer's diesel-only policy,” he says. “So we expect the first of the Ateco-spec vehicles to get here in early 2013 and they will include diesel, petrol and petrol automatic SUVs.” Mr Cotterill says prices of the 2013 range will be competitive though “there's still currency fluctuations to deal with”. “We have about 300 vehicles being handed over to us this week by Sime Darby and there are others in stock - and I don't have this figure yet - at the 28 national dealerships,” he says. “The existing vehicles will be sold at very competitive prices.” He says the best example is the Korando SPR which is $29,990, down from $38,775. “We have ambitious growth targets,” he says of Ssangyong. “We have a simple approach - give people what they want; get the right dealer network; and sell the vehicles at the right price.” Ateco plans to boost Ssangyong dealerships to 60 within 12 months. It now has 28 dealerships and seven parts and service outlets. Next year Ateco plans to sell an updated Rexton, Koranda and Stavic people mover - the latter now claimed to be restyled after years of taunts about its convoluted design. Mr Cotterill says under the ownership of Indian conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra, Ssangyong has a strong future with excellent financial underpinnings and access to further capital. “Mahindra is investing in Ssangyong,” he says. “For us, that means up-to-date vehicles and continuity of supply.” Though owned by the Indian company, Ssangyong continues to make its vehicles in South Korea. Ateco's control of Foton trucks allows access to China's biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer. Foton has joint-venture arrangements with companies including Daimler AG. It makes Daimler Mercedes-Benz medium and heavy trucks under the Auman name - he badge that will be used by Ateco in Australia. Auman trucks use China-made Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty engines that are rated at Euro-5 emissions. The Foton utes will continue to be sold through Queensland company FAA Automotive Australia.  

The Korando beat strong competition from the likes of Volvo, Hyundai and Kia to win first place in the ScanCovery Trial -- an extreme 7000km race from the North Pole to the Netherlands.  The ScanCovery Trial kicked off last year with the second (annual) event taking place recently. It is a new type of motorsport where competitors race on ordinary roads and must observe the local driving regulations. Participating vehicles require a high level of durability to withstand the rigorous conditions, including snow and ice in temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. Although more than 60 teams commenced the race, many teams did not make it to the end due to extremely unfavourable conditions and fatigue. The Ssangyong racing team completed the race without a single problem or incident, with the racers praising Korando for its comfort and agility. The race stresses the importance of observing local driving regulations. Each traffic violation accumulates a specific penalty point. The Ssangyong Team scored 136 points, which was much lower than its competitors. The Korando is a compact SUV, available here from $27,990.