By Breda Corrigan
The South Korean vehicle manufacturer previously known as SsangYong has now rebranded as KGM following an acquisition by the KG Group in 2022. In keeping with SsangYong’s recent history, the new company’s main focus is on the development and manufacture of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Crossover SUVs, along with its transition to battery-powered vehicles. The Korando e-Motion is the first fully-electric vehicle from KGM, and its presents itself as a competitively-priced mid-size SUV that offers a perfect balance of performance, practicality and comfort.
Spacious & Practical Cabin.
The new Korando is far removed from its predecessor and is decidedly more capable and likeable than before too. With an overall length of 4.45m, a height of 1.63m, a width of 1.87m (excluding door mirrors), and ground clearance of 17cm, the new Korando makes quite an impact on the road. Externally, the e-Motion distinguishes itself from its petrol and diesel counterparts with a smooth front panel in place of a traditional grille, aerodynamic bumpers, and blue trim accents. Inside, the car features a spacious and practical cabin with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and centrally-located touchscreen. With lots of head and leg room for all occupants, along with a 551-litre boot volume that can be expanded to 1,248-litres with the rear seats folded, the e-Motion is sure to appeal to families as well as drivers who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Best-In-Class Body Structure.
In terms of safety, the Korando e-Motion benefits from a best-in-class body structure that is composed of 77% high-tensile strength steel for enhanced crash protection and occupant safety, while 8 airbags also come as standard. Additionally, a host of safety and driver assistance systems have contributed to the Korando being awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Such systems most notably include Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) which is operated through a camera and radar set-up to apply brakes automatically in the event of an emergency. Also included is Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert in an effort to further assist the driver and provide peace of mind.
Performance and Range.
The Korando e-Motion is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor delivering 188bhp and 360Nm of instant torque, and it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in under 8.5 seconds. This performance is perfectly adequate for everyday city and motorway driving, and drivers can choose between Eco, Eco Plus, Comfort and Sport drive modes if they wish to sharpen the driving experience, prioritise comfort or enhance battery efficiency. The car features a 61.5kWh battery (55.3kWh usable), offering an official WLTP range of up to 344kms, which is competitive in its market segment. With a maximum charging rate of 100kW, the e-Motion can complete a 10-80% charge in approximately 33 minutes, with a 30-100% charge at a domestic (7kW) wall box charger taking around 7 hours.
Test Car.
My KGM Korando e-Motion test car was finished in Grand White paintwork with contrasting black leather upholstery. The electrically-adjustable leather seats up front can be heated or cooled, and it is easy to find a comfortable driving position too. The spacious cabin is impressive in terms of its construction, with plenty of soft-touch materials used throughout. There is ample room in the second row of seats for three adults, and both outer seats are fitted with ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points. The layout of the dashboard is uncluttered and logical, and it is clear to see that the interior features are centered on driver comfort, safety and satisfaction. The customisable digital information screen in front of the driver is very clear, and the centrally-located infotainment screen blends in seamlessly with the coherent cabin design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes as standard, as does HD navigation, Bluetooth and a six-speaker smart audio system. Thankfully, the temperature control system in the Korando is accessed via dash-mounted dials and buttons, so changing the temperature and the direction of air travel is a simple and effective task.
The Korando e-Motion offers an impressive driving experience with responsive steering and a slightly firm ride, which provides good body control when driving on twisty back roads. It includes a three-stage regenerative braking system controlled via steering wheel paddles, although it lacks a full one-pedal driving mode found in some other EVs. The Korando’s overall ride quality is quiet for the most part, and driving at slow speeds is effortless. Wind and road noise does become more evident at motorway speeds, but it is nothing more than is to be expected from a relatively high-riding SUV.
Verdict.
The refined, spacious and well-equipped KGM Korando e-Motion provides buyers with the practicality and versatility of an SUV, along with the low running costs related to EV ownership. A 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard, along with a comprehensive 7-year EV battery warranty. Contact any one of KGM’s 21 dealerships nationwide to arrange a test drive. The Korando e-Motion is priced from €37,500 (inclusive of current Irish Government EV incentives).
