SsangYong Korando Sports pick-up prices revealed

THE new Korando Sports pick-up from Korean car maker SsangYong will cost from £18,295 when it hits the streets during the autumn.
The only pick-up on the market boasting a limitless five-year warranty, the new model is aimed at combining passenger car finesse with the rugged ability of a commercial pick-up.
It will particularly suit those who need a four-wheel drive working vehicle, the towing capability to haul up to 2.3 tonnes and the comfort of a family car.
Beneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre e-XDi active diesel engine producing 155PS and, says SsangYong, is capable of returning a Combined 37.7 miles per gallon.
Styling wise the Korando Sports features a mesh grille, trapezoidal bumper and black headlight bezels, while inside there’s a blend of black and metallic finishes along with an LED illuminated instrument cluster.
There’s also space for five adults – the rear passenger seats can be reclined by up to 29 degrees – aircon and Bluetooth connectivity.
Two models make up the range, and while the SX is already well kitted out, the EX adds leather upholstery with seat warmers, powered driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors, and rear parking sensors.
A six-speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.
Practicality, though, is what’s at the core of the pick-up’s likely appeal, a large, flat rear deck provides a vast load area complete with deck liner and anchor points.
An optional rigid hard top is available to provide weather protection and security to the load area, and comes with a hinged rear window that closes behind the tailgate so that the car’s central locking secures and protects the contents.
It is also styled and colour matched to complement the rest of the car, so avoiding the ‘tacked on’ afterthought of some retro-fit hard tops. There will also be a range of other accessories available from launch including two further load covers.
SsangYong UK chief Paul Williams said: “This is more a passenger car with pick-up versatility and consequently it offers refinements that few of our competitors can match.
“SsangYong has a growing reputation for building extremely competent off-road vehicles, and the new Korando Sports draws on this pedigree. It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable vehicle yet extremely well equipped, and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.”
Prices including VAT are £18,295 for the Korando Sports SX, £19,995 for the EX and £21,245 for the EX auto.
The entry grade EX model is £15,291 excluding VAT, which VAT registered businesses can recover from the purchase of an LCV used for business purposes.
Korando Sports is registered as an LCV and VAT may be recoverable depending upon the circumstances of the business concerned.