SsangYongs have been on sale in the UK since the ’90s – the company usually offers big SUVs for less than the majority of their competitors. Sadly, most of their models have proved to be lacklustre alternatives to the likes of the Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Qashqai. To drive, the Korando isn’t much fun, but most people buy one because they need an SUV either for tackling rough terrain or towing – two roles the SsangYong is perfectly suited to.
Pros Lots of space Relatively economical Generous standard kit
Cons Fast depreciation Dull styling Cheap feeling interior
The SsangYong Korando gives you a lot of car for your money – but nowhere near as much as a Dacia Duster.The SsangYong Korando is the brand’s mid-size SUV, pitched as a low-cost rival to the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. On the move, the Korando isn’t as stable as a lot of its rivals, either – it tends to wallow about when going around corners and has an uncomfortable ride.
Pros Good value for money Spacious interior Low emissions
Cons Noisy diesel engine Poor-quality plastics Uncomfortable suspension
Not only was it a handsome addition to the compact crossover market, it was also the firm’s very first monocoque model – meaning it delivered a far better approximation of a car’s handling characteristics than any of the body-on-frame SUVs that continue to fill out the firm’s modest lineup. On the plus side, the Korando gets large storage bins, reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel and generous equipment levels on higher-spec models. It is also competitive on interior space; offering decent leg and headroom for rear passengers, and acceptable luggage space. The interior is slightly less forgettable, but only because it comes partly clad in the kind of cheap plastic which cannot otherwise find a home in this class. The redesigned dashboard makes ergonomic sense, although it hasn’t lost any of its brittleness.
The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed automatic.Revised exterior styling, a new base trim and an optional mild hybrid engine.Improved interior materials and additional tech features.
Pros Above-average off-road and all-weather capabilities Available third-row seating Plenty of passenger and cargo space Quiet and smooth ride
Cons Seats may be too big for smaller drivers The more powerful engine upgrade is only offered on the top trim
The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a super-competent seven-seater in a hotly contested luxury medium-SUV segment. It’s technically an update to the model that came out in 2015, one which this author actually bought and owned for some time.
Pros Seven seats, super versatile and practical, Range Rover-like interior, great packaging, much better looking than before
Cons Initial lag from drivetrain on take off, still needs some options ticked, no USB C
Land Rover promises luxurious treatment and off-road capability, and the 2020 Discovery Sport brings these qualities to the masses. The downsized Discovery is the most affordable model to wear the Land Rover badge, but it still boasts myriad features as well as a refreshed design for 2020. The updated styling helps align the Sport with bigger and ritzier Rovers such as the Discovery and the Range Rover Velar.Every Discovery Sport is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes between 246 and 286 horsepower depending on the model. However, the more powerful engine utilizes a 48-volt hybrid system that aims to improve fuel economy and aid acceleration.
