Date: March 2012

NEW KORANDO LEADS SSANGYONG’S RETURN TO THE UK

• Korando heads SsangYong’s UK relaunch
• Prices from only £16,995 make the new crossover best in class for value
• 5 year limitless mileage warranty
• Designed in Europe for Europe by Giugiaro
• Front wheel drive and four wheel drive
• Two tonne towing capability

SsangYong Korando	SsangYong Korando
Download hi-res version Download medium-res version	Download hi-res version Download medium-res version

SsangYong returns to the UK with a model line up featuring a range of high quality, top value models.  Leading the Korean brand’s relaunch is the new Korando crossover, offering European styling, superb versatility and efficient engineering from as little as £16,995.

Designed to cut straight into the fast growing crossover sector, the Korando offers the high riding position and all-weather, off road ability that many drivers look for along with compact dimensions, low emissions and affordable running costs.  SsangYong’s advantageous pricing and comprehensive specification gives the all-new Korando best in class value compared with cars such as the
Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Qashqai.

The key to the Korando’s visual appeal is the renowned Italian car designer responsible for the SsangYong’s looks - Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design.  Muscular yet svelte, the bodywork embraces a monocoque platform to give this all-new SsangYong highly competent off road handling with on road refinement.  With the practicality of a 4x4/SUV and the accessibility of a family hatchback, Korando has the capability to go from a muddy campsite to the motorway or an icy country lane to the urban school run, all in complete comfort.

Commented Paul Williams, CEO of the UK importer, SsangYong Motor UK:  “Korando is a great value proposition, and arrives in the highly competitive crossover market at absolutely the right time.

“Very keenly priced, a comprehensive list of standard equipment, market leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty, excellent towing capability and thanks to its long wheelbase, a spacious and airy interior, Korando is the clever choice for families and those who tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer.”

With a Korando to suit all buyers, SsangYong will offer a choice of trim levels, two gearboxes and the option of either front or four wheel drive.  All models are powered by an advanced Euro 5 175PS 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions from only 157g/km.

The Korando has an 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 100 per cent of the engine’s torque is driving the front wheels so the car can run with the efficiency of a family hatchback.  However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is resumed with grip to all four wheels.  An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to deliver 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 sodden field when towing a caravan or horsebox.

With a choice of six speed manual or automatic transmissions, buyers can opt for S or ES trim in their front wheel drive Korando, or top of the range EX specification in four wheel drive models.  Even the entry level variant comes equipped with cruise control, ESP with Hill Start Assist and reverse parking sensors as standard, while the ES and EX come with sunroof, climate control, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.

Korando pricing and specifications

For full details of the Korando equipment list click here: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/Korando-Equipment and for technical specifications click here: http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/Korando-Technical

SsangYong Motor UK

Following a 70 per cent acquisition of SsangYong by Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, the Korean car maker’s future in the UK is assured thanks to new investment in the importing company.

Led by Paul Williams, SsangYong Motor UK has been created from the purchase of shares in the previous importer, Koelliker UK, from the Italian based Gruppo Koelliker by the European automotive distribution company, Bassadone Automotive Group.

The present network of 52 dealers is to be expanded to 65, selling a range of the following SsangYong models:

• Korando - contemporary crossover model, from £16,995
• Rexton - rugged 4x4 with ground breaking towing and off-road abilities, from £19,995
• Rodius - spacious seven-seat MPV available in front or all-wheel-drive form, from £14,995
• Rexton CV - commercial version of the Rexton 4x4, from £16,399 (excluding VAT and on the road charges)

The relaunched SsangYong model range is now on sale in the UK, and further information is available from: www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

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Ref: SY27/2012