SsangYong has upgraded the Korando SUV with a new makeover inside and out and claims of enhanced driving refinement. The changes include slight re-design to the outside and changes in the interior layout and use of materials. SsangYong is also claiming that the engine noise level is lower in the new Korando.

The Korando comes in two spec levels, ES (standard) and EL (luxury). ES retails at €25,995 while EL retails at €29,495. Prices are expected to be starting from €25,995 incl. VAT for the AWD commercial model, while a 2WD version will cost €23,995 incl. VAT.

The changes at the front of the Korando include a tapered black mesh radiator grille, more contemporary headlights and a wider, low level air intake. The new headlight units now comprise of projection lamps and LED daytime running lights, surrounded by a stylish black and aluminium surround.

At the rear, the design changes include improvements to the rear light cluster, which now includes LED lights. There are new designs for both the 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, and three new exterior colours, Sunrise Red, Cosmic Blue and Carbonic grey. On the inside, the Korando has a more modern look with more wood grain detail.

The new Korando continues to be powered by a 149bhp, 2.0-litre Euro 5 turbo-diesel engine. SsangYong claims improved noise reduction in the car to make it more refined. This is matched to the existing 6-speed manual gearbox.

SsangYong claims that using stronger, reinforced mounting brackets has allowed them to reduce engine noise levels by up to 9.3%. The Korando is fitted with Macpherson struts to the front and multi-link suspension to the rear to provide excellent ride comfort, and the three point mountings to the rear axle claim to minimise noise and vibration. New rubber bushes have been fitted to the Korando’s reinforced sub frames, which claims to further minimise intrusive vibration and noise from the road surface and engine.

The first models will be two-wheel-drive versions with all-wheel-drive versions to follow. With a ground clearance of 180mm, an approach angle of 22.8 degrees, 28.2 degree departure angle and a ramp angle of 18.5 degrees, the new Korando is as at home off-road as it is on the road, and a highly capable off-roader.

Both the 2WD and 4WD versions come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with emergency brake assist and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) are also included. A space saver spare wheel is also standard.