KGM (Formerly SsangYong) Korando e-Motion Review

KGM Business,KGM Offers,KGM Motability,KGM Retail,KGM News

12 October 2023

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling automotive journey? Look no further than the KGM Korando e-Motion, all the practicality of an SUV, with all the sustainability of an electric vehicle (EV). In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key features, design, performance and sustainability of the Korando e-Motion. Discover why this SUV is poised to redefine the way you experience driving and elevate your lifestyle.

STRIKING DESIGN

The KGM Korando e-Motion is an epitome of modern design with a refined, energetic style. From the moment you lay your eyes on it, you'll be captivated by its sleek lines, distinctive blue accents, and dynamic stance. The e-Motion's aerodynamic wheels don’t just project a futuristic image synonymous with EVs, but also increases vehicle efficiency with low-resistance tyres. With a wide-opening power tailgate and substantial load space, the Korando is designed to cater for the family’s needs. This SUV displays a harmonious blend of style and functionality that is sure to turn heads on the road, and what’s more – it boasts a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes.

The e-Motion's interior is equally impressive, with a spacious cabin adorned with premium materials and sophisticated finishes. The ergonomically designed cockpit ensures that the driver is in complete control, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system on a cool-blue digital display. It’s roomy and comfortable, with more than enough room for the whole family in the back, making long journeys a breeze. Heated seats make any winter journey more enjoyable, with heated rear seats in the Ultimate model for comfort all round. The rear seats also recline so that your passengers can savour the comfort of all-electric driving.

HIGH EFFICIENCY. HIGH OUTPUT.

Under the hood, the KGM Korando e-Motion is powerful and quiet, smooth and efficient. The electric battery is engineered for efficiency and performance, delivering a thrilling driving experience whilst remaining sustainable. With a range of up to 211 miles, the e-Motion has more than ample range, whether you’re on the daily commute or going further afield.

With rapid charging (100kW), you can charge your battery from 20% to 80% in just 33 minutes. Connected to a 50kW and you’ll have similar levels of pure energy in just 54 minutes. Overnight you can charge the Korando e-Motion using a 7kW home charger, taking you from zero charge to a fully loaded power pack in 11 hours.

The choice of drive mode has a major influence on the e-Motion and how it performs. Everything from acceleration, regenerative braking, and ultimately the battery range are influenced by the drive mode selection. Regenerative braking harnesses the energy used by the motor when decelerating and converts this into power to recharge the batteries.

Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling rugged terrain, the e-Motion's advanced suspension and capabilities ensure a smooth and stable ride. It handles corners with precision and offers exceptional manoeuvrability, making it perfect for both urban and countryside adventures.

korando e-motion charging graphic 20% to 80% in 33 minutes (110kW)

YOUR PEACE OF MIND

Safety is a top priority in the KGM Korando e-Motion, and it was awarded 5 stars in the rigorous Euro NCAP tests. Equipped with an array of advanced safety features, this SUV offers peace of mind for you and your passengers. Some key safety technologies include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, safety distance warning, and autonomous emergency braking.

In addition to these cutting-edge safety features, the e-Motion boasts a robust body structure designed to provide maximum protection in case of an accident. It's no wonder that it has earned the highest Euro NCAP rating, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals alike.

SAFETY DISTANCE WARNING

Alerts the driver when another vehicle or pedestrian appears in the path of the vehicle.

AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING

When a frontal collision is anticipated, this function automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision.

FRONT VEHICLE START WARNING

Alerts the driver when the preceding vehicle begins to depart.

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING

Notifies the driver when the forward camera module detects an unintended lane departure by the vehicle.

LANE KEEPING ASSIST

Front camera helps prevent unintended lane departure by making a corrective steering adjustment.

SMART HIGH BEAM

Switches between high and low beams by analysing ambient light levels and monitoring the headlights of oncoming vehciles and the rear lamps of vehicles ahead.

SPEED LIMIT WARNING

Displays traffic information, including posted speed limited to maximise driving safety.

PROTECTING YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES

Safety is built in with a best-in-class body structure of 77% high tensile strength steel.

SIX AIR BAGS

Front seat passengers have front and side airbags with additional side curtain airbags at both front and rear.

TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY

Staying connected on the road has never been easier thanks to the KGM Korando e-Motion's advanced technology. The 9” HD display features DAB radio, TomTom Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can access your favourite apps and music library, all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The Ultimate model also features a built-in wireless charger, so you can stay connected on the move.

KORANDO E-MOTION TRIMS

ELX

17” Alloy Wheels
12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Rear View Camera
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

VENTURA

Heated Front Seats
9” HD Infotainment Screen
TomTom Navigation
Rear Parking Sensors
Charging Cable

ULTIMATE

Heated Front & Rear Seats
Power Adjustable & Ventilated Front Seats
Power Tailgate
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Wireless Charger

WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING

KGM Korando e-Motion drivers applaud the overall driving experience, luggage space, and the convenience of home charging. However, no review would be complete without hearing from the car experts, so we have gathered feedback from the top automotive platforms to gain a full understanding of the e-Motion.

The Korando e-Motion is another curio from the SsangYong stable, but it’s not without appeal. Its average driving dynamics and cabin finish could well be outshone by practicality and charging capability matched by few EVs at this price. A generous standard equipment list and a lengthy warranty may well seal the deal.

The model's name is familiar because the Qashqai-sized Korando has been at the heart of SsangYong’s line-up since the nineties. And you can still buy conventionally powered versions of the car, with a choice of front-wheel drive petrol and diesel versions, and a four-wheel-drive diesel.

In pure-electric form, though, the Korando looks set to be a typical SsangYong in that it has few direct rivals that can match it for price, size or equipment. None of the regular car’s competitors - Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, MG HS, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson - is available as an EV. Of those models that are - the Peugeot 2008, MG ZS, Hyundai’s Kona and Kia’s e-Niro - are either considerably smaller and/or noticeably more expensive.

There’s a single technical spec of Korando e-Motion, with three trim levels. All cars get a decent-sized 61.5kWh battery (55.3kWh usable), offering a WLTP range of 211 miles. There’s a single 188bhp motor at the front, delivering a 0-62mph time of nine seconds, and you get 100kW DC charging as standard too.

The Korando E-Motion is a far cry from the Korando of old and is a decidedly more capable and agreeable car than any previous Ssangyong.

Its powertrain is acceptable and that 0-62mph time of around 8.0sec is quick enough – despite being down on several rivals such as the Kia Niro EV and the MG 4 EV. It’s comfortable too. I enjoyed the electrically adjustable leather seats, particularly as they could be heated or cooled, and it was easy to find a driving position that suited me.

The Korando also rode well on most surfaces and my passengers rarely had any complaints. Again, the interior was pretty impressive and solid, and there were buttons galore, so I was able to quickly change the climate control temperature, switch off the incredibly annoying lane keeping assistance and control more besides with a single press.

Plus, the boot and cabin had all the space to support me during my house move, easily accommodating all my boxes and other rubbish I lugged to my new home in London.

The Korando is a smooth car to drive around town and is pleasant enough when you pick up the pace on a country road thanks to responsive steering and a slightly firm ride which gives good body control. But where the Korando e-Motion really impresses is with refinement. SsangYong has added a whole heap of sound deadening to the car and even changed some mechanical parts to reduce noise and vibrations, and it has really worked. It's eerily quiet, even at motorway speeds, and makes the Korando feel more expensive than it really is.

The Korando e-Motion arrives into one of the fiercely fought parts of the burgeoning electric car market with prices starting from £31,995 and rising to £37,995. That's hardly a bargain. The smaller MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric all have better ranges, and the Skoda Enyaq is just as big, but not quite as well equipped. But the Korando does have its merits. It's super refined, packed with equipment, covered by a long warranty and is very spacious inside. That alone could sway some family buyers.

The Korando e-Motion has a relatively large 61.5kWh battery, 55.3kWh of which is usable, offering a claimed maximum range of 211 miles. In comparison, the top-spec versions of the e-Niro and Kona Electric use a 64kWh battery but can easily cover close to 300 miles on a charge. Then, there’s the SsangYong’s performance: with 188bhp and 360Nm of torque on tap from a single electric motor driving the front wheels, 0-62mph takes nine seconds, although that is on par with many of its rivals.

The e-Motion also gets 100kW rapid-charging capability as standard, which means a 10-80% top-up from a fast enough charging point will take just over 40 minutes, while fully recharging the 61.5kWh battery using a standard 7.4kW home wallbox will take 10 hours.

Those are pretty par-for-the-course numbers these days, but one area where the Korando bests rivals with ease is practicality. The compact SUV hasn’t lost any interior space in the switch to electric power and feels extremely spacious up front. It’s capable of accommodating four six-footers in comfort and the 551-litre boot is a full 100 litres up on both the e-Niro, and over 200 litres more than the Kona Electric offers.

Overall, the e-Motion’s cabin is functional, with physical switches and rotary controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is not only sharp but features some pretty slick graphics as well.

ELEVATE YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE

In conclusion, the KGM Korando e-Motion is a game-changer in the world of SUVs. Its captivating design, exhilarating performance, and top-tier safety features make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a versatile and luxurious vehicle. When you visit SERE Motors Belfast, you'll not only find a wide selection of KGM vehicles, but you'll also experience exceptional customer service and expertise from their dedicated team.

Don't miss the opportunity to test drive the KGM Korando e-Motion and take the first step towards elevating your driving experience. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with the e-Motion as your trusted companion on the road.

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