Until now, SsangYong has offered big cars with little price tags, but too many rough edges. The Korando promises the same value but with fewer compromises. If this two-wheel-drive model is anything to go by SsangYong is part-way there.

The steering has an over-strong self-centring action and the engine is noisy, but otherwise the Korando makes a decent tow car. Straight-line stability stands comparison with many more expensive cars, and the 30-60mph time of 13.1 seconds shows that while the engine may be noisy, it’s not short of pulling power. The 30-0mph stopping distance of 10.8 metres is on the money, too.

Pushed hard through the lane-change test the Korando was less assured, as the stability control cut in suddenly at high speeds whenever the outfit got out of shape.

It’s a mixed picture inside the cabin. There’s plenty of space, but the finish still feels downmarket.

There’s 486 litres of luggage space – not quite enough for every item in our test load of holiday luggage but not far off. The handbook has useful information on towing, and we’re pleased the Korando has a full-sized spare.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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