KOREAN WORKHORSE

4x4magazine | 18/11/2012 | 0 Comments

SsangYong is adding a new low priced 4×4 light commercial model to its Korando range – the Korando CSX.

Ideal as a small delivery van, go-anywhere vehicle for service engineers or simply a light commercial to ensure you reach your destination whatever the weather or terrain, the 4×4 Korando CSX makes the perfect business partner.

Arguably one of the best looking light commercials thanks to Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design who penned its lines, this latest addition to the Korando range is also a highly practical workhorse. The completely flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors, and packs a useful 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There’s a load deck length of 152.5cm, and 96.5cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433kg payload, and willingly pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

Under the bonnet, the Korando CSX is powered by a new lower CO₂ version of the Korando power unit. Developing 149ps@4,000rpm, this advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 360Nm of torque with CO₂ emissions reduced to 157g/km.

And for when the weather turns nasty and the going gets tough, the Korando features an impressive Torque on Demand 4×4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard. This four wheel drive system constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback. However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels. An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a muddy building site towing a work trailer.

The low price doesn’t mean basic though, and drivers will enjoy the luxury touches of roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there is a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.