By Ulysses Ang

REMEMBER the SsangYong Korando? The compact SUV whose name means, “Korea Can Do” and whose styling resembles a suppository? No? Well, don’t worry, because the all-new 2020 version is here, and this time, it’s got some killer looks to take on the world. And the best part? Prices start at just P1.290 million.

The fourth-generation Korando gains the new angular family look. With that, it’s got the “birds wing” front grille, curved shoulder lines that taper towards the rear of the car, and available LED headlights and LED fog lights. Ground clearance ranges from 172 to 182 mm depending on the variant, while at each corner are either 17- or 18-inch wheels (225/60 R 17 or 225/55 R 18). And despite its modern design, it still has an 18-degree approach and 24.5-degree departure angle.

Inside, the all-new Korando features enriched interior materials combined with cutting-edge design technologies. Available features include the full 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-inch Smart Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual zone climate control, and leather seats with power movement for the front occupants.

More than just style, the 2020 Korando also seats 5 comfortably with an enlarged cabin, while the cargo hold can fit up to 1,248 liters of stuff.

Powering the Korando is either a powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a punchy 1.6-liter turbodiesel. The base 1.5T Sport has 163 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, while the 1.6 Diesel Sport and 1.6 Diesel Premium both have 136 horsepower and 324 Nm of torque available on tap. This is mated to a third-generation Aisin 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, cruise control, and selectable driving modes. Power is routed solely through the front wheels.

In a first for SsangYong, the Korando uses structural adhesives to improve monocoque rigidity, optimizing noise, and tonal qualities. Its work has paid off: its cabin noise at idle is just at 44 dB compared to the Kia Sportage Diesel’s 45.6 dB. Meanwhile, its chassis vibration is at 95 Hz to the Sportage’s 97 Hz.

In terms of safety, the 2020 Korando comes standard with dual SRS air bags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability control. Front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera is standard on all but the base trim.

The 2020 SsangYong Korando is available in three variants: the 1.5T Sport at P1,290,000; 1.6 Diesel Sport at P1,578,000; and the 1.6 Diesel Premium at P1,770,000.To make the Korando even more enticing, SsangYong Philippines is adding a P30,000 discount for all who reserve a unit until the end of November. SsangYong currently has three dealerships: Sta Rosa, Laguna; Otis, Manila; and Cebu.

SsangYong Tivoli

SSANGYONG TIVOLI
While the Korando has certainly taken the spotlight over at SsangYong, its subcompact crossover, the Tivoli also gets a makeover for 2020. The most notable change? A swapping from gasoline to diesel power.

For 2020, the Tivoli keeps its two-variant lineup, the 1.6 Sport and 1.6 Premium. However, pop the hood and the old gasoline mill is gone. In its place is SsangYong’s e-XDi160 turbodiesel engine making 136 horsepower and 324 Nm of torque (same as the Korando). The engine itself is the same one found in the Tivoli XLV, but a new turbocharger bumps the power figures up. The sole transmission option is a 6-speed automatic with a Drive Mode selector.

Its swap to diesel power aside, the 2020 Tivoli gets a refreshed exterior and interior.

Outside, the most notable one is the revised front clip with a new grille, headlights, and fog lights. Towards the side, there are more gloss black garnish, while at the back are LED combination lamps. Wheel sizes are either 16 or 18 inches depending on the trim.

Inside, the Tivoli benefits from better materials. The entire center console is new with easier-to-use climate control switches. The top-of-the-line Premium adds leatherette seats, a 10.25-inch full digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch Smart Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

For safety, dual SRS air bags, ABS with EBD, and a rear parking camera are standard. The Premium bumps it up to include a full suite of 6 air bags as well.

The 2020 SsangYong Tivoli starts at P1.180 million for the 1.6 Diesel Sport, while the 1.6 Diesel Premium ups the price to P1.290 million. All reservations done from today until the end of the month come with an additional P30,000 discount. All SsangYong models come with a 5-year/100,000-kilometer warranty and a 3-year/60,000-kilometer free PMS package.

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