It would appear to MotorMartin that in only a few short years and with an awful lot of hard work behind the scenes, the vehicles now sporting the SsangYong badge, bear little or no resemblance to their previous generation. SsangYong is earning a solid reputation for value and quality, and nowhere is this more evident than with its Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up which can be seen in this film provided by Ssangyong’s own YouTube channel.
SsangYong have every right to be proud of their Korean engineered and built products, especially the Korando Sports, which has earned its reputation for durability and is the only pick-up to come with a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. The range now comprises three models, the S, SX and EX with prices from just £14,495 – £18,195 (ex VAT).
Limited edition DMZ
SsangYong have now created the Limited Edition DMZ which is based on the top of the range EX automatic, the new Korando Sports DMZ is a limited edition model featuring full camouflage paintwork, roof rails and 18” alloy wheels, and priced at £19,195 (ex VAT). And you know what? In MotorMartin’s eyes it really works.
Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK shared with MotorMartin that: “With its keen price and comprehensive list of standard equipment, Korando Sports gives you a lot of vehicle for the money – from £14,495 (ex VAT), and the reassurance of a 5 year limitless mileage warranty for complete peace of mind. It can be loaded like a truck yet still drives like a car, and really is the best value pick-up you can buy!”
“The DMZ is a bit of fun. We ordered a short run initially but they were instantly snapped-up by our dealers, so we think it could prove particularly popular with owner drivers.”
SsangYong have informed MotorMartin that the Korando Sports is powered by their e-XDi 2 litre diesel engine, and provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road, and fuel economy of up to 37.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle. The vehicle has very good levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and comes with on-demand 4-wheel drive, a full 1 tonne payload and a towing capability of up to 2.7 tonnes. Blimey.
A real workhorse, the pick-up features a large, flat rear deck giving a 2.04m2 load area to take a Euro pallet, and fitted with load deck liner and anchor points. A range of optional rigid hard tops to provide weather protection and security to the load area is also available.
SsangYong go on to say that rather unusually for the segment, the Korando Sports features a live rear axle supported by a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension system with progressive coil springs to give a comfortable, car like ride, instead of the more dated leaf springs employed on many other pick-ups.
Three models – S, SX & EX
In addition to DMZ there are three models to choose from. The S is the lowest priced double cab pick-up on the market at just £14,495 (ex VAT). The SX is a step up and extremely well equipped with 18” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, an MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity as well as speed sensitive power assisted steering. The Korando Sports SX costs £15,395 (ex VAT). That specification list wouldn’t appear surprising if it was on a car costing closer to £20,000 rather than the £15,395 list price.
It’s also pointed out that the EX also features 18” alloy wheels, and adds the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors. A Mercedes-Benz 5 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option. The EX with manual transmission is £16,995 (ex VAT), and with automatic transmission, £18,195 (ex VAT). I think you’ll all agree, that appears to be extremely good value for money.
5 year limitless mileage warranty
Sharing with MotorMartin, SsangYong say that as with all models in the SsangYong range, the new Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up is covered by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty.
Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.
All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system. Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years. All in all, with hardworking vehicles such as the Korando Sports, the benefits that such a comprehensive warranty brings are an added bonus well worth seeking out.
Looking at the video and pictures, it’s quite clear to MotorMartin why the Korando Sports is such a popular choice and in it’s new, camouflage guise, looks fantastic as well.
Where will you go?