SsangYong Korando 2.0 Diesel

SsangYong

I have driven the SsangYong and I think you are being very hard on it. It is one of the most powerful engines in it's class and you do not refer to its excellent towing capacity that Ssangyong is renouned. I think you are being hard on it as there is no way with the volume they are selling that they can match the advertising spend of the bigger names. Kia was critisised in the early days and look at them now, I say watch this space, the value for money SsangYongs are on their way!

By cambiec on 10 November, 2011, 8:55am

Value is an illusion

The purchase price only offers value if you intend to keep the car for its lifetime. If you keep this for 3 years it is likely to cost you considerably more in depreciation than some much nicer machinery.

Smart people buy German and Japanese cars for a reason. The are usually cheaper to own than rubbish like this.

By IronChicken on 10 November, 2011, 9:19am

SsangYong

German and Japanese cars are loosing their value more than ever as there are so many overpriced extras including 20% VAT. The Japanese used to offer everything as standard and now you have to turn to the Korean's for real value and many people are doing so. SsangYong has a very strong following and excellent reliability, ironchicken has obviously not driven the latest offering and from his remarks does not want to. Many people now keep their cars for five years or more at which point even the designer brands value drops like a stone. The more you pay in this market the more you loose, badge snobbery is very expensive and there is always an alternative.

By cambiec on 10 November, 2011, 9:47am

VAT

I'm interested that cambiec believes that SsangYong cars are exempt from VAT. I'm not sure I follow your logic.

I'm not a great fan of German cars myself but economically, when you look at the three or even five year values they do make better sense than a lot of the apparent bargains.

Brands like Hyandia and Kia have made some pretty awful cars in the past that have depreciated like the junk that they were. However, their latest ranges are different and will no doubt hold their value well.

Skoda has proved that a shockingly poor brand can turn itself around. Kia and Hyandia are on their way.

Judging by the dogs dinner of a car though, Ssangyong may be some way off. Wake up cambiec (unless you happen to work for the importer which I suspect) - there is better stuff out there for this sort of money.

By IronChicken on 10 November, 2011, 9:51am

SsangYong

My point regarding the VAT is that with Korean cars you do not have to buy factory 'Options' at great expense. Skoda is the perfect comparison, although SsangYong is not backed by Volkswagen. I do not work for the manufacturer and I have driven the Korando 4X4 auto, there was no mention of the winter setting for the gearbox or the four wheel drive diff lock and it even has heated rear seats.

By cambiec on 10 November, 2011, 9:59am

Cambiec's comments remind me of the old radio Tirana propaganda from Albania.Tractor production at record levels etc.
Very easy to see through.

By m444uk on 10 November, 2011, 12:18pm

And...

...the dashboard reminds me of the old Toyota Corolla. I've just looked at a photo of it and they're very similar. Other than that, I can't think of anything else!

By nhunt2 on 10 November, 2011, 1:37pm

Giugiaro

Giugiaro appears to be losing his touch. This can't be by the same people that did the original Golf can it? It looks like a 1990's RAV4 with a dashboard copied really badly from a Jag XF.

By IronChicken on 10 November, 2011, 1:42pm

Mr C

Pointless

By STILLO52 on 10 November, 2011, 4:08pm

Comments above from 'cambiec'

'cambiec' you say you dont work for the manufacturer, but I have a strong suspicion you maybe a dealer!
To be fair to Ssangyong the Korando looks quite smart and appears to be their strongest offering yet but even from the pictures above I get the impression the interior has cheap shiny plastics. At the end of the day though I think £17k for a 2WD crossover from Ssangyong is pricey - and not really the bargain that it seems - I would much rather have a second hand RAV4, CRV or Subaru Outback - all of which have proven engineering and pedigree.

By cousins11 on 10 November, 2011, 5:02pm

Mr T

Not the worst looking car in the world, but certainly very, erm..gippo.

By Kingbob12 on 10 November, 2011, 5:35pm

At least ditch the badge

Why do they continually try to push Ssangyong in the UK? it's an awful brand name

By JamesRiley on 10 November, 2011, 9:38pm

Lol

I hope some people buy one - it will make a nice change to all the Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35s, etc that seem to be appearing all over our roads.
Although it will take a very brave/rich/stupid person to part with that amount of cash for this bit of metal and plastic. But still - I will commend such a fool!

By AJD_84 on 14 November, 2011, 6:24am