SSANGYONG KORANDO

The verdict on this E-Motion electric SUV is in after its 7000-mile real-world test

- JACK WARRICK

WHY WE RAN IT

To see if Ssangyong's first EV can stand out among a slew of reputable rivals and show that the firm has a future 

When I first received the keys to the Korando, my expectations weren't exactly sky high. That's because my own perception of Ssangyong had been tarnished by its history of unsightly machines with little driving ability.

(Remember the Ssangyong Rodius?) So has Ssangyong finally built a car that people might be excited buy? Yes - and no. 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.