All-New SsangYong Korando Will Usher In New Design Language

There’s a new generation SsangYong Korando on its way, and it will look unlike any current model from the Korean automaker’s crossover range.

The Korando nameplate was previously updated back in 2017, when the compact SUV received a new grille, new headlights and fog lights, new bonnet, 18-inch diamond-cut wheels, daytime running lights, a new steering wheel and improved connectivity.

However, one need only look at the SsangYong e-SIV concept from this year’s Geneva Motor Show to know that a brand new and for the first time ever, electrified Korando is on its way. The EV version of the crossover will join the ICE model at a later date.

It doesn’t seem to look like the e-SIV

Granted, that body cladding is annoyingly thick, but if we really use our imagination, the overall shape, as well as one or two details (such as the area between the side mirrors and bonnet edges), point to this being slightly more similar to the older, XAVL Concept, which was supposed to set the tone for a production model that sat between the Korando and the Rexton.

Either way, the styling might just be a little too unorthodox for some, unless those people are actually fans of quirky Korean SUVs.

We suspect it features the XAVL’s steering wheel

You heard it here first! Even though we only get a partial look at the steering wheel, it’s obvious that it features the thumb pads and the same below mid-section cut of the XAVL Concept’s steering wheel. It’s a surprisingly sporty design, one which should be to the liking of many potential customers.

Unfortunately the rest of the new Korando’s cabin remains hidden from us.

Diesel, petrol, hybrid and full-electric?

We pretty much need to spin the wheel on this one, because we don’t know which way “it” will land. SsangYong is expected to make a 1.6 diesel-powered version of the all-new Korando, but whether the 1.5 petrol model will use only ICE tech or feature a mild-hybrid setup, remains to be seen.

As for the all-electric version, it should arrive later on, allowing users to monitor the car’s battery via a smartphone app. If it’s anything like the e-SIV concept, then it will feature a 140 kW motor paired to a 61.5 kWh battery, allowing for a range of anywhere between 200 and 280 miles (322 km to 450 km).

The all-new SsangYong Korando is expected to go into production sometime before 2020.