Could this be Australia's new cheap electric car? Detailed 2022 SsangYong Korando e-Motion Targeting MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric
The SsangYong Korando e-Motion is equipped with a 61.5 kWh battery providing a range of 339 km.
SsangYong has finally revealed the full details of its Korando e-Motion (EV) electric vehicle, confirming key powertrain details and a timeline for overseas markets.
Due to launch in Europe, including the UK RHD market in early 2022, the exhaust-free Korando has yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Can the beleaguered brand, which filed for bankruptcy late last year and then taken over after parent company Mahindra & Mahindra failed to find a buyer, and is now in the process of being bought by bus maker Edison Motors, Korando e-Motion, from local dealerships? amidst the behind-the-scenes turmoil remains to be seen.
In the past, SsangYong has voiced its desire to bring an electric SUV to Australia if it can get a model at the right price, but the brand's new owners may impose their hand as Edison Motors looks to go all-in on electric vehicles.
Either way, the Korando e-Motion could be one of the cheapest EVs in Australia, threatening even the pricey MG ZS EV ($44,990).
The Korando range starts at $26,990 for the EX petrol version with manual transmission and up to $39,990 for the Ultimate automatic diesel version.
Prices are rumored to start at around £30,000 in overseas markets, which is around AU$55,000, but details have yet to be confirmed.
The Korando's advantage over the ZS small SUV is its size, which puts it in the midsize SUV segment compared to cars like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
Another benefit of the Korando e-Motion is a large 61.5 kWh battery that delivers a range of 339 km when tested to the stricter WLTP standards.
That's better than the ZS EV's 44.5Wh battery and 263km range, and the Nissan Leaf's 40Wh battery and 270km range.
With 100kW DC fast charging capability, the Korando EV can charge up to 80 percent in just 33 minutes, while using a standard charger it takes about 11 hours to go from zero to full charge.
The SsangYong electric motor also produces 140kW/360Nm, which is sent to the front wheels.
In addition to the powertrain, the Korando e-Motion also features a closed front grille, unique 17-inch wheels and blue exterior accents.
Inside, equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a 9.0-inch multimedia screen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
There are also paddle shifters that allow drivers to adjust the level of regenerative braking.
On the safety side, the usual array of advanced driver assistance systems features, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning and traffic sign recognition.
