The SsangYong Korando CSX 4x4 van
Indian-owned Korean car company SsangYong Motors has launched a commercial version of its popular Korando 4×4.
The SsangYong Korando CSX is a 4×4 van that’s very much in the mould of the Citroen C-Crosser / Mitsubishi Outlander van model, which leaves the car’s rear doors unchanged except for 100% tint glass to aid load security.
The rear seats are removed, providing a fairly large, flat, load area that has a payload capacity of 433kg and provides 1,312 cubic litres of load volume with a load length of 152cm and a 96cm gap between the wheel arches. This compares reasonably well with the Transit Connect, which has a width of 122cm between wheel arches but is slightly larger, and a purpose-built van.
To add to its appeal, the Korando CSX has a 2,000kg towing capacity and includes SsangYong’s standard 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty — something SsangYong is keen to point out that no other commercial manufacturer offers on a 4×4 van.
The Korando CSX has a decent-sized loadspace plus a useful 2-tonne towing capacity.
On Demand 4×4
In common with many modern 4x4s, the Korando CSX features a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system, which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback. However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels.
An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a muddy building site towing a work trailer.
Power & Luxury
The Korando is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops a respectable 149ps and 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions of 157g/km.
Inside the SsangYong Korando CSX
The vehicle is quite well specified and includes ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. The interior is well kitted out in the way we have come to expect from Asian cars, with tinted glass, rear parking sensors, a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.
Interested?
The SsangYong Korando CSX is priced from £15,995 +VAT on the road and should be ideal for service engineers or companies needing to perform light deliveries to remote areas in all weather conditions. It could also be popular with people like the Environment Agency and utility companies, I would think.