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 Volvo XC40 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Leather upholstery replaced by a cloth and faux-leather combo on base trim.More standard features for the R-Design and Inscription trims.
PROS Pleasing interior with premium materials Clever small-item storage and cargo solutions Plenty of standard and available safety features
CONS Steep learning curve for touchscreen interface Cargo area is small for the class
As with other 2020 Volvo models, all XC40s come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Cloth seats replace the previously standard leather on the base Momentum model, though it remains available as an option; leather remains standard on the R-Design and Inscription models. The Momentum now features power child locks for the rear doors, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, and heated windshield wiper blades. A panoramic roof is standard on the R-Design. The ability to power fold the rear seats has evaporated from the XC40 lineup.
Pros Fun and funky styling, refined interior, technologically advanced features.
Cons Coarse engine sound, unexceptional fuel economy, slow-to-respond infotainment system.
The 2020 Volvo XC40 ranked #3 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Volvo XC40 has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Solid engine options Nice interior Roomy seating Long list of standard features
Cons Subpar cargo capacity Some tricky infotainment functions