SOUTH Korean-based carmaker SsangYong launched its all-new Korando model at last week’s Geneva Motor Show – the fourth generation to carry the name, and follows on from the SIV-2 design concept first seen at the 2016 show in Switzerland.

The Korando SUV has been completely revised for 2019, with an all-new contemporary exterior design, a refined, premium quality and spacious interior, enhanced driver assistance and safety systems, plus state-of-the-art connectivity.

The car sports a new-look throughout which has been designed to maximise its robust character with a distinctive new grille and headlight treatment at the front.

Longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces, the new Korando measures 4.5m long, 1.8m wide and 1.6m high, and with a wheelbase of 2.75m, one of the longest in its class for increased comfort. Luggage capacity ranges from 551 litres with all seats in position, up to a huge 1,248 litres with the rear seats folded.

Inside, the spacious interior provides better head-room and rear seat space than its competitors, with a high-tech premium feel interior. It is also driver-orientated, with a range of features such a 9ins AVN (audio visual navigation) screen and 10ins full colour LCD cluster dual navigation to provide all the information needed, and four-way adjustable seat with lumber support for comfort.

Meanwhile, passengers also benefit from features such as colour-changeable ambient lighting, and doors that are designed to cover the sills along the lower part of the body to ensure they don’t pick up dirt from the side of the car when getting in and out. Thanks to a comprehensive suite of passive and active aids, including all the latest features technology can provide, and with multiple airbags including a driver’s knee airbag, Korando will be one of the safest cars in its segment.

The advanced driver assistance and safety systems featured on Korando include advanced emergency braking system (AEBS) supplemented with a camera and radar, lane keep assist, vehicle ahead moving alert, safe distance and driver alerts, intelligent and adaptive cruise control and high beam assistance. It also features blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert with automatic brake activation linked to all three if the driver doesn’t apply the brakes first.

The car will be offered with the option of two Euro 6d engines from launch, an all-new 1.5 litre petrol GDI-turbo engine, and an updated 1.6 litre diesel engine. An EV is planned to follow in due course.

The new Korando will go on sale across Europe from mid-2019, with an EV based on the e-SIV concept to follow.