- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
2019 SsangYong Korando e-Motion SUV. 4th generation
Despite the deep financial pit, SsangYong has unveiled a new model, or rather an electric modification of its Korando SUV, which was once an off-road vehicle. In December 2021, the production of the first electric vehicle of the South Korean brand started. As promised earlier, the first electric SUV will appear not only in Korea, but also in Europe, specifically in Spain. It will be on sale in early 2022. The vehicle was given a slightly banal name ‘e-Motion’, which ‘will be suitable for overseas markets’.
SsangYong has no funds to repay its debts, because Mahindra & Mahindra (India), the owner of the Korean brand (it owns almost 75% of the shares), refused to finance it. The manufacturer is currently looking for a new investor, but for now the company needs to cut its expenditures (for example, to cut wages and social benefits, transfer the plant to one-shift work). The Korean company Edison Motors (produces electric buses and light trucks) may become the buyer, but the deal has not yet been officially announced.
The SsangYong Korando e-Motion is a new, all-electric, version of the compact 5-seater Korando SUV from SsangYong. Israeli buyers can purchase the ‘regular’ fourth-generation Korando with four-wheel drive and two turbocharged engines to choose from: 1.5-liter gasoline (163 hp) and 1.5-liter diesel (136 hp) units, both equipped with front-wheel drive and 6-speed automatic type-tronic (automatic with manual mode) transmission. In anticipation of the electric Korando in our market, we will study it more closely. Most importantly, how much will it cost? Prices are known so far only for Spain, where the new Korando e-Motion is available in two trim levels for 36,000 and 39,000 euros.
Exterior
The SsangYong Korando e-Motion looks exactly like its counterpart with internal combustion engines. However, the electric version features a solid panel at the front instead of a radiator grille, a redesigned front bumper, ‘blue’ rear-view mirrors and other indigo-colored elements, as well as a charging slot in the front fender on the right. Of special note are the wheel rims with a different pattern, as they have improved aerodynamics. The vehicle features LED running lights. The length of the Korando e-Motion is 4,465 mm, which is 15 mm longer than the standard version, and the other indicators are the same: the wheelbase is 2,675 mm, and even the trunk volume is the same 521 liters.
Interior and equipment
The interior of the electric SUV is exactly the same as that of a regular SUV. The vehicle comes with a multimedia system with an 8-inch or 9-inch screen with the support for Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto, as well as a digital dashboard. The list of equipment includes a dual-zone climate control system, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking systems, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring system. The new Korando e-Motion will offer two trim levels. The list of options includes heated and ventilated front seats, an electric parking brake, and more.
Powertrains
The 2022 SsangYong Korando e-Motion’s performance is not brilliant. In Europe, it will only be offered in a mono-drive version. An electric motor with an output of 190 hp is installed on the front axle. The peak torque is 360 Nm. The LG Chem battery with a capacity of 61.5 kWh is hidden in the bottom. The SsangYong electric SUV will be able to travel only 340 km on a single charge (WLTP cycle). It will take you 11 hours to charge the battery from the 220 volt network or only 45 minutes if you use the fast charging station.
The Hyundai Kona Electric comes not only with a 39 kWh battery (driving range - 305 km), but also with a 64 kWh battery, which will provide a driving range of 484 km. The Citroën e-C4 with a weaker battery than the Korando e-Motion (50 kWh) promises a driving range of 350 km. And the Volkswagen ID.4 can be equipped with a 77 kWh battery, which provides a driving range of 522 km.
