Ssangyong has increased the payload of its pickup truck, the Ssangyong Korando Sports, from 643kg to over one tonne. The increase means the pickup now qualifies for VAT exemption from HMRC, meaning it is a more attractive purchase for businesses.
Engineers have uprated the coil springs used in the multilink suspension to achieve a payload of 1,050kg. While the rest of UK pickups use the utilitarian leaf spring, Korando Sports customers continue to enjoy the comfortable, car-like ride of this design. However, the 2016 Nissan Navara and 2016 Renault pickup will also use multilink.
“This is great news for the one-man-band business, SME and fleet operator,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “The keenly priced and comprehensively equipped Korando Sports not only gives you a lot of vehicle for the money – from £14,995 (ex VAT), but also the reassurance of a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its LCVs, and gives customers complete peace of mind.”
Poor productivity
Towing capacity, however, remains at a fairly poor 2.7 tonnes, which is behind most of the competition (the Isuzu D-Max leads with 3.5 tonnes). The 1,275 load length also falls short of much of the competition, which have load lengths of around 1,500mm, and the liner is made of very weak and cheap plastic.
Respectable engine
We have to say, we are impressed with Ssangyong’s first go-it-alone attempt at an engine though. The 153bhp, 2-litre is a perfect companion, both on the short and long haul, and is spritely even with a full load thanks to 360Nm of torque. Unlike the only other 2-litre in this segment (Volkswagen Amarok), the torque band is wide and provides peak torque between 1,500 and 2,800rpm.
Pricing and availability
The uprated Ssangyong Korando Sports will be hitting dealerships this month, with pricing for the SX trim level starting at £14,995, excluding VAT. The EX with manual transmission is £16,995 (ex VAT), and the EX with automatic transmission, £18,495 (ex VAT).
