SsangYong Korando e-Motion review

Pros: Refinement, space, build quality

Cons: Mediocre range, blue exterior trim, no all-wheel drive

The SsangYong Korando e-Motion is an all-electric version of the South Korean brand’s family SUV. Offering the same space and interior quality as its petrol- and diesel-powered siblings, it’s a budget model designed to compete with the MG ZS EV, Kia e-Niro and Volkswagen ID.4. We got our hands on an early right-hand-drive example ahead of the car’s launch later this year.

SsangYong Korando e-Motion Design

At a glance, the e-Motion looks much the same as the standard Korando, but there are a few key differences. For one, the front grilles have been eschewed in favour of a smooth front end with a small slit at the top – all in the name of aerodynamics. For much the same reason, the company has also installed some 17-inch alloy wheels with fatter spokes.

All that is fine, but there’s some trouble ahead in the shape of the blue trim that has appeared on the door mirrors and the rear bumper. It’s a strange powder-blue shade that makes it look a bit like the protective film has been left on parts that ought to be silver. We can see some customers avoiding the e-Motion simply because of that trim.

SsangYong Korando e-Motion Interior

Those who dislike the e-Motion’s blue exterior trim are going to be disappointed in the cabin, where it surfaces once more. Not only is there some tacky looking blue on the steering wheel, but the top surfaces of the dashboard and doors have also been fitted out with a slightly less gaudy shade of blue. Worse still, the blue plastic isn’t quite as tactile as the stuff found in the same place on conventional Korandos.

But that’s it for complaints about the e-Motion’s interior. The current-generation Korando was a surprise package when it arrived, with material and build quality that’s on a par with Japanese and European rivals, and the e-Motion continues the trend. It isn’t quite as tactile as its petrol- and diesel-powered siblings, but it’s still really solid. It’s also high-tech, with features including a fully configurable digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. It works well and looks good, even if some of the controls are a bit fiddly.

Where the Korando really will win people over is in the back, where there’s bags of space for passengers. Even tall adults will find ample head- and legroom, while there’s also a big 551-litre boot. That’s more than you’d get in a Kia e-Niro, a Ford Mustang Mach-E or a Volkswagen ID.4.

SsangYong Korando e-Motion Performance & Drive

Under the bonnet, the e-Motion comes with a 190hp electric motor, which drives the front wheels. Power comes from a 61.5kWh lithium-ion battery that lives under the floor, although only around 55kWh is available for use. Even so, it allows a range of up to 340km on the official economy test, and SsangYong claims it’ll go even further if you stick to city driving. Our test suggested that those who drive delicately should be able to achieve that sort of distance without too much trouble, although cold weather and a boisterous driving style will reduce the distance it can travel.

Not that the Korando encourages such behaviour. It’s refined and quiet, and though the nine-second 0-100km/h time is adequate, it isn’t exactly an adrenaline rush. Add in some vague, overly light steering and the Korando e-Motion feels nothing like a sports car.

But that doesn’t matter, because it’s so incredibly quiet and, most of the time, it’s very comfortable. Admittedly, the weight of the batteries means it seems to sag and flop into deeper potholes, and it feels slow to recover its composure, meaning really broken surfaces will leave it feeling unsettled. That said, the springs take the worst off most lumps and bumps, so it never feels too jarring or harsh.

SsangYong Korando e-Motion Pricing

SsangYong has not yet confirmed how much the e-Motion will cost when it launches in the coming months. However, we expect it to come in at a similar level to the MG ZS EV and Kia e-Niro, which are also playing at the budget end of the electric SUV market.

Carzone Verdict: 3.5/5

With a sensible real-world range and bags of space, the Korando e-Motion makes a strong case for being the budget electric SUV of choice. The devil will, of course, be in the final details, but first impressions suggest the e-Motion will make for a solid zero-emission family car.