KGM Korando - LPG included
The SsangYong brand, known above all for its sturdy SUVs and 4×4 vehicles, has undergone a significant transformation. Its cars now go by the name KGM, and the changes extend to the products themselves. The Korando model is now available with an LPG system.
KGM stands for “Korean Genuinely Made”. Under its new strategy, KGM plans to focus on advanced technologies such as vehicle electrification and autonomous driving systems. Although the KGM name will take some getting used to, the company's continuous vehicle production goes back 70 years, as its history began in 1954.
The KGM Korando is a family SUV with a spacious interior, high-quality finishing materials, a capacious boot, up-to-date technology and... an old-school control layout, with a whole array of buttons and knobs at the driver's disposal. Even so, this approach is still appreciated by many drivers who are reluctant to use touchscreens.
Deep Control safety systems
The Korando is KGM's best-known model, and it made its debut in 1983. The current, fourth generation continues the model's traditions and introduces an advanced safety package called Deep Control. It currently includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, a front vehicle start alert and a warning of a potentially dangerous distance to the vehicle ahead.
The manufacturer stresses that, besides advanced “software”, the car also has solid “hardware”. 74% of the body structure is made of high-strength steel, which translates into safety. The car scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests.
1.5 turbo engine and the LPG system
At the heart of the car is a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 163 hp, paired with a six-speed Japanese Aisin automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Its 280 Nm of torque is available across a wide rev range, and the driver can choose from three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Winter. The engine can now run either on conventional fuel or on gas from the LPG system.
Our test showed that with a dedicated LPG system fitted, the distance you can cover without refuelling increases by around 70%, and switching between petrol and gas happens automatically. One drawback is that it confuses the range calculation. Even though there was still enough petrol in the tank once the gas had run out, the car kept signalling the need for an immediate visit to a filling station.
Propane-butane gas is an unleaded fuel with a low carbon content. When burned, it emits around 20 per cent fewer carbon compounds than petrol. Natural gas is extracted from natural resources and used without altering its composition. LPG therefore needs no additional processing and does not require any specialised infrastructure to be built. The manufacturer's warranty on the car - 5 years or 100,000 km - remains valid provided that a dedicated LPG system is fitted at an authorised service centre.
The KGM Korando remains a solid choice in the market for practical SUVs. Each new generation brings ever more advanced technology, especially when it comes to safety. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the manufacturer does not blindly follow trends and keeps using practical buttons, knobs and stalks. Offering an LPG system is another nod to practicality.
