The new Korando C, which has been penned by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and features a European designed two-litre turbo diesel engine, is set to be launched in Australia in January.
Guigiaro’s credentials as a car stylist marks him as one of the world’s great designers, a factor which was borne out by an international jury of 120 journalists who voted him as Designer of the Century.
Korando C uses advanced design based on a monocoque design utilising the latest materials and technologies including a new electronically variable geometry turbocharger.
The all new Korando C incorporates a full suite of the latest safety innovations including Multifunction Electronic Stability Program (ESP) integrating active rollover protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system and full traction control hill start assist into one seamless, comprehensive vehicle safety system.
Additionally Korando C comes equipped with six SRS airbags, electronic active head restraint for the front seats and multi load path body construction to evenly distribute collision energy throughout the vehicle structure for the best possible occupant protection in the event of an accident.
The Korando C’s all new powertrain meets the yet to be introduced Euro 5 emission regulations while delivering 129kW of power at 4000rpm and a whopping 360Nm of torque at just 2000rpm.
The turbo diesel engine boasts impressive efficiency and can achieve average fuel economy of around 6L/100km with emission levels of just 157 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
In Australia the Korando C will be available in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive and with a choice of both manual and automatic transmissions.
Ssangyong Australia general manager, Jeff Barber, says the Korando C is a vital new model for the company and signals a new direction for Ssangyong as an environmentally aware specialist SUV maker.
“From a styling and quality perspective Korando C will redefine the way people view Ssangyong as a brand and will attract buyers who may not have considered the brand before,” said Jeff Barber.
“Korando C will be the turning point for Ssangyong delivering mass appeal to the marque with a package that is competitive in the rapidly expanding compact SUV market,” he said.
The interior of the Korando C features a choice of either leather or cloth trim as well as a six-way power driver’s seat and 60:40 split folding rear seats along with a folding centre armrest and a massive 486 litres of space in the rear load compartment, ranking it above many popular small SUVs currently on the Australian market.
Australian pricing and specifications will be revealed at the launch of Korando C in January.