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Since Ssangyong started licensed production of the Jeep CJ-7 in 1983 calling it the Korando, which will be the fifth generation of the SUV to adorn the moniker. Expected to be showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, the Korando C will be the second offering from the Mahindra-owned Korean brand, after the Rexton. Priced in the Rs 15 lakh to Rs 18 lakh bracket, it will fill the void between the top-end Mahindra XUV500 and the Ssangyong Rexton RX-5.
Unveiled at the 2010 Busan Motor Show, the Korando C has been around for some time now, selling quite well in Korea. Though the car looks decent, we can see that Ssangyong has played safe with the design, as there is nothing spectacular about it. The front of the car carries a double section grille, wraparound projector headlamps with LED inserts and hexagonal fog lamps. The rear features chromed dual-exhaust pipes, C-shaped guide lights in the tail lamp assembly and a tailgate-mounted roof spoiler. A black plastic cladding envelops the lower part of the car on all four sides.
Like most other Korean cars, the Korando will come loaded with a host of creature comforts like a touch screen sat-nav system, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, 60:40 split- folding second row, alloy-wheels, and climate control among others. On the safety front, the car will have two airbags and ABS with EBD. In India, we can expect Mahindra to offer the Korando C with only a 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine which churns out 175bhp and 360Nm of torque. Available with the option of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, it will be available either in front-wheel-drive or permanent all-wheel-drive.
The Rexton is currently being built in India with 22 per cent localisation at Mahindra’s Chakan plant and the Korando is expected to follow suit. This will allow Mahindra to price it competitively against its other five-seater rival, the Skoda Yeti.
