Test drive SsangYong Korando Sports: another pickup
An interesting car that can make you seriously reconsider your views on this type of transport.
To be honest, I'll start by saying that I've never been a fan of pickups. I just always thought that this type of vehicle has its place in three main areas: in agriculture, in various specialized services, or among people who need such a professional machine. In this regard, pickups are undoubtedly valuable and very useful assistants in the work of many people, but in my opinion they have always been closer to trucks than cars. That's why the idea of a pickup truck built for fun strikes me as odd, to say the least. Well, it's true that dozens of kilos of chrome-plated creations of the American automotive industry sometimes look really funny, but still this breed is very different from my idea of \uXNUMXb\uXNUMXba pleasure car - at least when it comes to the pleasure on four wheels experienced on the Old Continent. .
In most European markets, pickups remain fairly exotic and are most often used in professional applications. However, there is a specific and not very densely populated niche, which is inhabited by luxury versions of models such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara and VW Amarok - cars that can be used for leisure in addition to work. This category also includes SsangYong Korando Sports, the successor to Actyon Sports. In fact, such a model can be useful and interesting. Dual drivetrains, high ground clearance and reliable technology make them suitable for tougher conditions, while the ability to haul or tow heavy loads further enhances functionality.
Reliable technology for all occasions
In the case of Korando Sports, we have a very serious technique to solve any situation - the always-on dual transmission provides a choice between 3 modes: 2WD - economical mode with rear-wheel drive for normal road conditions only; 4WD High for bad road conditions and 4WD Low for extreme situations. The two-liter diesel develops a maximum power of 155 hp. and provides a maximum torque of 360 Newton meters in the range from 1800 to 2500 rpm. Buyers can choose between a manual or automatic transmission, with six gears in both cases. The cost of a mixed driving style is absolutely adequate for a car of similar size, weight and power, which drives about ten liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers.
Unexpectedly grown on asphalt, expectedly capable outside of it
The test car was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts gears smoothly and smoothly, and its settings bring out the best of a cultured turbo diesel. Of course, it would be at least inappropriate to expect a five-meter pickup with a curb weight of more than two tons to behave on the road like a nervous sports car, but objectively, acceleration traction is even much more confident than the transmission characteristics suggest. paper and road behavior is typical of a car with such a high center of gravity, but by no means wobbly or unstable. In rear-wheel drive mode, the car behaves predictably, and in a sportier driving style, it even allows an entertaining but safe "play" with the rear wheels. With the dual transmission engaged, traction is now impeccable, and the presence of a downshift promises to handle even really tough situations.
It's nice to note that although it exhibits the typical tendency for this type of machine to noticeably tilt the body both in corners and when starting off and stopping, the Korando Sports suspension does not allow for unpleasant swaying or excessive stiffness when passing bumps. - "symptoms" that most competing models suffer from. The Korean pickup truck manages to surprise even with an unexpectedly pleasant trip on a long journey, regardless of the type and condition of the road surface - an advantage that, given the peculiarities of native reality, deserves appreciation. The biggest surprise about this car, however, is the fact that regardless of speed or road surface, the cabin remains surprisingly quiet - soundproofing is fantastic for a pickup truck in this price range and far outclasses the range (and more). expensive) competitors. The steering also has the usual off-road characteristics and is not sporty or particularly direct, but it is nonetheless quite precise and gives satisfactory feedback as the front wheels make contact with the road, allowing the driver to accurately and smoothly set direction - without drowning in ignorance of the vehicle's intent. as is often the case with this type of vehicle.
Practical cargo compartment
The area of the cargo compartment is 2,04 square meters, and the compartment cover can withstand loads up to 200 kilograms. There are also many options to model the rear of the car to suit the specific needs of the customer - with various roll bars, a sliding roof, etc. Korando Sports has a load capacity of about 650 kilograms, so transporting motorcycles, ATVs and other similar entertainment equipment is not a problem - and if you need more serious transportation options, you can also install a towing device and trailer towing. with which the Korean copes easily.
Conclusion
SsangYong Korando Sports
Korando Sports has all the benefits of a classic pickup truck - a large and functional cargo area, the ability to carry and tow heavy loads, and equipment strong enough to handle almost any terrain and surface. However, the real surprise of the new SsangYong model lies elsewhere - the car is surprisingly pleasant to drive and boasts excellent driving comfort and especially fantastic soundproofing that surpasses some of its much more expensive competitors in the market. In fact, this machine really delivers on its promise to serve both work and pleasure.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Iosifova
