Should you buy one?

Lower-specification, petrol, manual models are the sweet spot of the range, as the high-end diesel automatics we’ve driven so far are just far too expensive to compete with the incredibly broad and talented SUV market.

The Korando does have its strengths – it’s very spacious, packed with equipment and should prove a good towcar thanks to its combination of high towing limit and high kerbweight. SsangYong’s so confident that the towing community will love the Korando that it’s aimed a trim level specifically at them.

The new styling and interior are a real step forward for the brand, and should help catapult it further into the mainstream with a view to sitting alongside fellow countrymen Hyundai and Kia.

It’s really only the price that holds the Korando back. For the near-£32,000 price tag of the Ultimate diesel automatic, it’s possible to get more dynamic, spacious and talented rivals from many manufacturers.

Comparing the Korando to a Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq in equivalent engine and trim, it’s very difficult to justify the SsangYong, even with its slightly greater level of standard equipment.

So, the SsangYong Korando could yet prove itself a worthy budget SUV in lower specifications and when fitted with the petrol engine, and we’re looking forward to trying these out. As it currently stands though, it’s very difficult to recommend.