- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
SsangYong Korando Turismo Minivan. Korean full size
The SsangYong Korando Turismo is a large 4-row minivan, designed to carry 9-11 people. It has been produced since 2013. At the same time, it does not look like a minibus, but rather resembles an elegant SUV. The Korando Turismo, also known as the Stavic, doesn’t only represent the result of serious modernization of the Rodius minivan, but it also shows us how the Koreans see the “full size” concept. The vehicle is not just big, but giant (5,150 mm long!). At the same time, the minivan has a traditional and harmonious design. And the word “Korando” in the name hints at the excellent reputation of the well-known Korando SUV. The SsangYong Korando Turismo is not officially available in Israel, which is a pity… After all, it is great for a large family or even for a football team.
The first generation
The Korando Turismo resembles an elegant SUV. Like the Rodius, its ground clearance is 185 mm. The vehicle offers an all-wheel drive system with a reduction gear. The huge body houses an integrated frame inside. This minivan can handle any road. The minivan is 5,150 mm long. The wheelbase reaches 3 meters. The large and luxurious interior has 4 rows of seats, which makes it possible to carry from 9 to 11 people, as well as use the wide possibilities of transformation. The capacity is really great: there is still some space behind the four rows, much like in the trunk of a hatchback. If you completely remove the rear seats, you can get more than 3,200 liters of cargo volume.
The minivan has received fuel-efficient diesel engines. Initially, it was equipped with a 2-liter e-XDi200 LET engine with 155 hp, which developed a torque of 360 Nm at just 1,500 rpm (peak value reached up to 2,800 rpm). It was complemented by a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The minivan had both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions with a hard-wired front axle, the latter having only an automatic transmission. In 2015, more powerful modifications with a larger engine appeared: the e-XDi220 LET engine developed 178 hp and 400 Nm in the range of 1,400-2,800 rpm and was complemented by the latest 7-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz. In export markets, the new SsangYong Korando Turismo was also equipped with a 3.2-liter (220 hp) 6-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with a simple 5-speed automatic transmission.
The SsangYong Korando Turismo is not just big, but giant with its 4 rows of seats and 5,150 mm in length!
As for driving characteristics, the large and heavy minivan is clumsy and prone to roll. The maximum speed reaches 180-187 km/h, and fuel consumption is 7.5-8.3 l/100 km in the combined cycle. Its turning radius reaches 6.1 meters. The steering wheel used to make 3.5 turns from lock to lock. Therefore, in 2014, the car received an upgraded steering with a speed-sensitive amplifier, and the minimum turning radius was reduced. The entry-level Korando Turismo offeres numerous safety systems: front airbags, an ABS system with electronic brake force distribution depending on the wheel load in corners. The top-end version comprised ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ARP (Active Rollover Protection), side airbags, parking sensors, light and rain sensors, cruise control.
2018 restyling
Released in 2018, the new SsangYong Korando Turismo features an updated ‘face’ similar to the latest generation Rexton SUV. The minivan has a new optics with LED running lights, a different front bumper and radiator grille, different front fenders and hood. But the rear end remains the same. In general, the bulky Korando Turismo has become prettier, but technically it has not changed.
The vehicle has acquired a new-style heated steering wheel, a media system with a 7-inch screen, voice control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, and most importantly, modern ‘brains’. The list of equipment also includes all-round cameras, adaptive cruise control with a collision avoidance function. As before, in Korea, the 2020/2021 Korando Turismo is offered with four rows of seats for 9 or 11 passengers, but mainly 3-row modifications are exported.
The Korando Turismo has two unusual versions. The ‘off-road’ Outdoor Edition has bumper pads, additional sills and a roof rack. The luxurious version Chateau can be 9-seater only. It has a 200 mm raised roof (total height – 2,050 mm), rich interior trim, built-in mini-bar, window curtains, JBL sound system and a large ceiling-mounted TV. Such a minivan costs at least 38 thousand dollars.
