SsangYong Korando (2011 - 2019) 2.2 ELX4 5d Owner Review

Purchased at just under 3 years old and traded in 09 old style Sorento. Very similar in many respects but more SUV than 'proper' 4x4. Trade reviews; Yes, a touch noisy at start up. Gearbox a little baulky particularly from 1'st to 2'nd. Interior looks good at first viewing but some plastics are a bit 'cheap' looking on close inspection. Neighbour has roughly equivalent Quaskai in terms of spec and the Korando does not stand up to close scrutiny by comparison. But then, I could drive across a ploughed field, wander around a bit and get back in with my claggy wellies and still clean up to have a decent looking car. He could do none of that. Horses for courses. Oh, and of course, he would have paid twice the price for his car and would have never got to the other side of the field. On a whole, much more refined and car like than the reviewers would have you believe. Economy wise, well If there's a job to be done then there will be a consequential price. If you are overly worried about that buy a Prious and never stray outside the London Congestion Zone. I have used hired one litre petrols and not achieved better MPG figures in the real world. And no, I am not hard on a car. I just keep up with the traffic. Tow's well stability wise. 1800KG C'van, does not feel as though it has the quoted power outputs but not disastrous. "There ain't no substitute for cubes". Flip side, really quite quick solo. Plenty of grunt at anything above idle but an annoying tendency to stall at very low revs. Consequence of modern electronics/quest for ridiculous C02 figure on modern diesels. I've known worse though it still doesn't sit easily. Room, not great but then it isn't a big car. And size for size much better than old Sorrento. Dealership (Stoke) Excellent! Nissan dealer(Telford) I purchased from a waste of time. Went back for poor cold starting (In January) no fault found. All glow plugs replace under Warranty by Ssang Yong dealer no questions asked. Servicing, well , pricy but no worse than most main dealers I've experienced. Not many dealers so a bit of a trek but so far better service than the Kia dealer 10 miles down the road. Well worth the trip and the odd day off. In brief. I can't speak with any authority on the 2.0 Korando (or Sport) but if possible I would go for the 2.2 if possible. I get the feeling it's worth the extra. The hatch may be a little crude by comparison to the Japanese rivals, but in the final analysis They really are not up to the job the Korando will do off road and for towing. However, if you want a real 4x4, go for a Musso. I am looking for one now. But I would happily buy my car again.