Ssangyong reveals new Korando SUV ahead of Geneva Motor Show

The new fourth-generation Ssangyong Korando SUV has been revealed ahead of the Geneva motor show, with the company confirming that a full electric version will follow in 2020.

The firm has released a single image of the Nissan Qashqai rival, showing the new exterior look of the car with a redesigned front end with a new grille and headlights, and sharper sculpting on the side. The new Korando takes inspiration from the e-SIV concept, which previewed a future electric SUV from the firm.

According to Ssangyong, the new model is 4452mm long and 1870mm wide, dimensions that largely match the previous Korando, but at 1620mm, it is fractionally lower. Ssangyong says that the ‘robust’ exterior is accompanied by a new-look interior that will feature more head room and rear space, with a 10.25in LCD instrument display.

The Korando will launch with a choice of 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines, with Ssangyong saying that a full electric version “will follow”. Last year, Ssangyong UK boss Nick Laird told Autocar UK that the EV – pencilled in to launch in 2020 – would be a “huge step forward, even over the current model”, and pledged it would remain a “proper 4x4” with off-road capability.

The e-SIV concept featured an electric range of up to 280 miles (450km), with a 61.5kWh battery pack driving a 188bhp electric motor. 

The Korando is also set to be offered with a hybrid powertrain in the future.