PREMIUM quality at a Poundstretcher prices - that’s what Ssangyong promises with the Korando.

Penned by Italian styling house Giugiaro and rammed with standard equipment, the Korando is already noted for its great value and good looks.

Last year it received a minor cosmetic spruce up - a slimmed down black mesh radiator grille, more contemporary headlights and a wider, low level air intake, projector-type headlight units and LED daytime running lights for increased visibility and safety, surrounded by a stylish black and aluminium bezel.

This refresh brought new 16-inch and 17-inch wheels, and three new exterior colours - Sunrise red, Cosmic blue and Carbonic grey as well as Space black, Grand white and Silent silver.

Ssangyong’s designers also ran the rule over the interior, improving materials and quality. The dashboard featuring soft-touch materials for a greater sense of luxury, complemented by natural matt wood grain insets, and abundant storage space that includes enlarged cup holders, a mobile phone tray and flip-down sunglasses tray.

For 2015 Ssangyong has launched a high-value limited edition featuring 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, rear privacy glass, a rear spoiler and rear parking sensors. Standard equipment includes heated front seats, climate control and an automatic dipping rear view mirror. And you get all this for just £16,495.

The four-wheel drive ELX4 model, priced from £19,995, now comes with a gratis six-speed automatic transmission upgrade worth £1,500.

If you buy one before the end of March Ssangyong will also throw in three years’ free servicing. Sounds like a good deal? Read on...

The ELX4 is available in two flavours – the automatic is matched with the powerful, smooth and efficient 175ps e-XDi200 diesel engine with a maximum power output of 175ps/4000rpm and peak torque of 360Nm/2,000-3,000rpm. Models featuring manual transmission get the 149ps e-XDi200 engine which delivers the same maximum peak torque as the automatic, handy if you’re planning on towing a caravan or heading off road.

These days SUVs are almost as good to drive as a normal hatchback thanks to major advances in suspension design and better noise insulation.

Ssangyong’s engineers have reduced noise, vibration and harshness by specifying reinforced engine mounting brackets which can reduce the diesel din by an impressive 9.3 per cent.

Korando is fitted with Macpherson struts to the front and multi-link suspension to the rear to provide excellent ride comfort, and the three point mountings to the rear axle help reduce noise and vibration. New rubber bushes have been fitted to the car’s reinforced sub frames, further helping to minimise intrusive vibration and noise from the road surface and engine.

There's no denying, however, that the diesel still makes a bit of a racket. It clatters and grumbles, particularly, from cold and even cruising the motorway you're always aware what's beneath the bonnet. The Korando may be improved but it's still a rung below other soft-roaders like the X-Trail.

Ssangyong says the majority of customers choose a Korando with 4x4. The torque-on-demand system senses the road surface and driving conditions and distributes the power to the wheels that need it most.

Under normal driving conditions, 100 per cent of the engine’s torque is delivered to the front wheels so that the car runs with optimised fuel efficiency. On icy or slippery roads or when driving on wet off-road conditions, power is distributed to both the front and rear wheels to ensure a safe, stable and dependable drive. The technology also works perfectly to give a smooth and safe departure when driving away from a standstill on a steep slope, while a lock mode distributes power equally between the front and rear wheels at speeds below 25mph to optimise traction.

With a ground clearance of 180mm, an approach angle of 22.8 degrees, 28.2 degree departure angle and a ramp angle of 18.5 degrees, the Korando is at home off-road.

In conjunction with the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with emergency brake assist and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the four-wheel drive system provides the best possible grip and control whatever the conditions. Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Active Roll-over Protection (ARP) also feature.

The seat back - which splits 60:40 - can be reclined up to 17.5 degrees, while the flat floor and generous legroom make it ideal for long journeys. Lift the tailgate and you’ll find 486 litres with the seats up and 1,312 litres when folded flat. There’s also an under-floor tray for storing valuables out of sight.

Although it costs thousands less than a Qashqai, the Korando feels like the larger vehicle.

With prices starting at £14,995 you get a lot of car for your cash here, but you should be aware that the Korando won't hold its value as well as a mainstream SUV.

VERDICT:

The Korando doesn't quite manage the premium for pennies trick but it's a much improved car. Anyone looking for a 4x4 workhorse at a keen price should take a look.