Mahindra & Mahindra owned SsangYong Motors – a South Korean carmaker – will launch the much-awaited Korando SUV in the country this year only, claims a report published in Financial Express. The vehicle is already on test in India, and might launch by the festive season.
With the Auto Expo dates getting closer, carmakers across the globe has started doing preparations to showcase their vehicles. It is a well known fact that a Motor Show is the perfect platform to present new cars, as it helps a brand get closer to its perspective buyers. Like other carmakers, Mahindra & Mahindra also has plans of introducing a couple of new products in the market including updated Scorpio and Verito electric. Our sources also reveal that Mahindra owned korean automaker Ssangyong too will showcase Korando SUV at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, and launch might happen later.
The Ssangyong Korando is a five seater SUV, which comes equipped with aggressive and muscular looks. The front fascia of the car features hexagonal shaped fog lamps, double section grille which incorporates a large Ssangyong badge. The stylish headlights get LED treatment, and the front bumper features prominent angular lines. The side profile of the SUV is dominated by the prominently flared wheel arches. At the rear, the Korando SUV comes equipped with dual exhausts with chrome touches, high mounted stop light, rear spoiler and a black plastic cladding. What adds more to its aggressive stance are the body coloured roof rails and antenna, positioned above spoiler.
Ssangyong Korando will be loaded with several comfort and safety features including automatic AC, touchscreen with satellite navigation system, steering mounted audio controls, Anti-Lock braking System (ABS) with Electronic BrakeForce Distribution (EBD) and several others.
Under the hood, the Korando SUV will get the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 175bhp and 360Nm of torque. Will be made available in both six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission, and it will come with both front wheel drive and all wheel drive system.
In India, it will compete against the likes of Skoda Yeti, Chevy’s Captiva and Renault Koleos. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 15-18 lakh. It will be the company’s second SUV after Rexton for the Indian market and will be produced at the Mahindra’s Chakan production unit.
