Daewoo Korando Estate 1999-2002

The Daewoo Korando, formerly know as the SsangYong Korando, is a 4x4 that was originally based around Jeeps CJ-7 design. The main attractions of the Korando are that it is affordable, stylish and luxurious with reliable engines. It has plenty of space for four, however, it's too small to get five in and you would be hard pushed to get enough luggage in the boot for four.

Pros and Cons:

• It is affordable
  Has enough space to comfortably fit four
  Uses the reliable Mercedes engines
  Good off-road

• Ride quality is poor
  Is noisy at speed

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Exterior and Interior

The Korando was originally based on the Jeep CJ-7. However, with the restyling in 1996 it now barely resembles it. The Korando comes only as a three door and even though it looks a lot bigger than its rivals, like the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V, it is very small inside. There is loads of room up front for both the driver and passenger but it would be a tight squeeze trying to fit three people onto the back seat. It does comfortably fit two though with plenty of legroom. The extra leg space takes away room from the boot making it barely big enough to get luggage in for two let alone four. The interior isn't as impressive as one would hope and fairs badly compared to its rivals as it comes with a steering wheel arch being on both sides of the dash so that they didn't have to redesign different dashboards for right and left hand drive vehicles.

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Engines

There are only two engines available in the Korando; the 2.3-litre petrol and 2.9-litre diesel. Both of the engines were made by Mercedes-Benz and are the same ones used in the Musso, the Korando's bigger brother. There is the option of an automatic gearbox but it is only available on the 2.3-litre petrol.

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Performance and Economy

The Korando performs poorly compared to its rivals the Rav4 and Honda's CR-V when it comes to pretty much everything. The more fuel efficient diesel engine only manages 29mpg which is worse than the petrol versions of the Rav4 and CR-V. It is also more costly to insure falling into group 12. The redeeming factors for the Korando though are that it is significantly cheaper than its rivals and is excellent off road with its low range gearing which is essential for any serious off-roading. Its diesel engine is also extremely powerful and is perfect for towing both boats and trailers. The two engines are also used in the Musso and have proved to be very reliable over the years.

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What it's like to Drive

The Korando is not the most enjoyable vehicle to drive as the ride is too firm, it feels big and unwieldy with lots of body roll in the corners, lethargic steering and the positioning of the drivers seat makes you feel like you're driving a truck. However, it does feel like a completely different vehicle off-road as it copes with everything that you can throw at it with ease. The only thing you'll be worried about is damaging the body work as it's not as rugged as a Land Rover Defender.

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Faults and Repairs

There has been only one recall over the years for the Korando which happened in 2001. They were recalled because the automatic gearboxes fitted into cars during 1999 and 2000 didn't engage 'Park' properly.

There have been few repairs over the years especially with the engines which have proven to be reliable and rugged. Faults that have been flagged have been with the suspension, steering and electrics and you should look out for all of these.

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