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Ssangyong re-launches in UK with stylish sub-160g/km Qashqai rival
Date: 01 October 2010 | Author: Guy Bird
Forgotten Korean brand Ssangyong is re-launching its marque in the UK with a remarkably stylish new mid-sized crossover penned by legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro (behind the VW Golf MkI and Alfa Brera among many others).
Ssangyong is not an obvious fleet choice but the new Korando has been deliberately tweaked so its best-selling version emits only 157/gkm of CO2 to duck under the 160g/km UK tax threshold to benefit user-choosers wanting to lease their vehicle. As Paul Williams, MD of Ssangyong's distributor, told BusinessCar: "We won't be able to offer a price that is attractive to a fleet who wants 50 cars, but if a single business user wants an alternative to a Hyundai or a Ford I'm not going to be able to offer a competitive lease rate unless I've got good CO2 levels and operating costs."
Parts prices have been trimmed and a new five-year, 250,000-mile warranty announced. The Korando will be offered with just one 175hp 2.0-litre diesel engine in two- and four-wheel drive with manual and automatic gearbox options from a predicted £17,500 to take on upper-end Qashqais and Hyundai ix35s - but with more kit promised from its two high-spec trims. First deliveries are due in late 2010 with a lower-powered 2.0-litre diesel of around 130hp to follow.
