What an evolution! The SsangYong Korando started life as a Jeep-like model in the early 1980s, before it became a more family friendly SUV for the second generation.
That model was derided for its polarising design, but the subsequent generations have been much more mainstream in their approach.
It’s now a competitor for the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4.
The line-up currently starts at $28,990 for the Korando Ex and ranges through to $39,700 for the range-topping Korando Ultimate (Awd).
For a start, some owners are not mad about the Subaru’s CVT transmission. It’s not that it’s necessarily unreliable, they just don’t like the way it works with an occasional hesitation and a slight jerkiness at light throttle applications. Some people never notice it, but others find it a real distraction. The Kia meanwhile, has been getting good reviews across the trade, largely thanks to the Australian-input into the model’s suspension settings.
Of course, you need to personally drive all three cars on your short-list as there will be things you like and dislike about each one, some of which will be deal-breakers.
The SsangYong is certainly the unknown quantity, but mainly because of the brand’s on-again-off-again relationship with the Australian market. But now, with head-office support (the Australian operation is the only factory-owned distributorship outside the brand’s native South Korea) things are looking a bit brighter for buyers and that’s backed up by the factory seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty that also includes fixed price servicing and roadside-assistance for seven years. That’s got to represent peace of mind.
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I recommend cars I would be happy to see my best friend driving and, for that reason, nothing with a Ssangyong badge currently makes the cut.
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