New SsangYong Korando Sports pick-up offers excellent value

The pick-up market keeps on growing in the UK, so it’s no surprise that budget contenders are starting to appear. First, there was the Great Wall Steed, and now there’s the a brand-new version of the SsangYong Korando Sports.

SsangYong Korando Sports pick-up

As you’d expect from SsangYong, the Korando Sports majors in value and practicality — with prices starting at £14,995, these trucks are unlikely to be status purchases and are instead likely to be workhorses.

SsangYong’s five-year, unlimited mileage warranty will apply to the Korando Sports, even when purchased for business use, and the pick-up’s upgraded 1-tonne payload means it is now treated as a commercial vehicle for tax purposes. Out behind, a 2.7 tonne towing capacity means that the Korando Sports should be able to handle the biggest caravans, horse boxes and fully-loaded vehicle transporter trailers, while staying within the law.

SsangYong Korando Sports 1-tonne payload

As you’d expect from an Asian budget model, the Korando’s standard specification is generous. There are only two models to choose from — the SX and the more upmarket EX.

The SX includes 16” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity as well as speed sensitive power assisted steering.

The EX has 18” alloy wheels, and features leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors.  6 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.

Under the bonnet

The Korando Sports is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel, which — on paper — compares very well to the entry level engine offering on the Volkswagen Amarok:

Korando Sports Amarok
Power 155PS 140PS
Torque 360Nm 340Nm
Combined cycle mpg 37.7mpg 36.2mpg

Our verdict?

Perhaps tellingly, SsangYong didn’t include any interior photos in their press release. I’d expect it to be less sophisticated than its Japanese and western peers inside, and the handling probably isn’t as sharp as current premium models, either.

On the other hand, who cares? At this price, the numbers stack up in favour of the Korando Sports, especially given SsangYong’s impressively comprehensive 5-year warranty (check the the detailed comparison versus Hyundai and KIA here).

If you want a proper pick-up for a mixture of on and off-road use, towing, load lugging and general abuse, the SsangYong Korando Sports could be a very sound buy.

1 thought on “New SsangYong Korando Sports pick-up offers excellent value

  1. Pingback: SsangYong offers updated Musso pickup from £15,995 +VAT | Van News: The VanRental.co.uk Blog

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