SsangYong Korando Sports 2.0 e-XDi EX: Payload and affordable prices make an attractive pick up package

SsangYong Korando Sports 2.0 e-XDi EX:

What’s hot?

• Gone are the old Mercedes diesel engines, instead the Korando Sports is powered by SsangYong’s own 153bhp, 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel which is pleasingly smooth. Our test Korando had this engine matched to the optional, slick-shifting six-speed auto box. Even with the auto box, the Korando Sports is still capable of 35.3mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 212g/km – impressive when compared to rivals.

• Our test pick up was the range-topping EX version, which had an notably high level of standard kit including leather trim, heated front seats, power operated and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and electric windows – all for £18,495!
• If all the standard kit inside the Korando Sports doesn’t appeal, the impressive interior refinement will – we reckon it could be better than our favourite pick-up, the latest Mitsubishi L200!
• Okay, the Korando Sports hasn’t got the biggest load area in the all important 1,000kg threshold (it can carry up to 1,050kg!); still the 2.04 square metres is big enough to fit a Euro pallet and on our test car was made more practical with the fitment of £1,995 worth of ‘Elegance’ hard top.
• The interior quality might be disappointing, but the Korando feels durable enough and built to last. There’s also the reassurance of an industry-leading five-year warranty.
• This Korando’s driving position is comfortable enough, all the switchgear is logically placed and there’s enough space for four.

What’s not?

• Nowhere near as bad to look at as some of SsangYong’s previous efforts, but the Korando Sports is no beauty. In fact, the Korando proves that a lot of surface detailing does not a good-looking pick up make.
• We like the amount of standard kit in the Korando Sports, but we wish the interior was better finished. The faux carbon fibre around the gear change, the brittle-feeling column stalks and hard, scratchy plastics are particularly disappointing.
• It is a good thing the Korando Sports’ interior is so refined, because the 2.0-litre e-XDi diesel is very noisy from cold and when revved hard.
• The six-speed automatic transmission isn’t quick off the mark either – our test pick-up seemed to have plenty of accelerator travel before we actually got going.