HEAD TO HEAD - SSANGYONG KORANDO SX v HYUNDAI IX35 ELITE
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday March 26, 2011
SSANGYONG KORANDO SX VALUEMost affordable diesel-powered soft-roader in Australia in base form. Mid-level SX offers 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, Bluetooth and a five-year, 100,000km warranty.INSIDEVast back-seat space but cabin design is bland and materials are cheap. Build quality iffy on test car.STYLINGSsangyong has been given plenty of stick for previous designs but credit to the nicely curved Korando.ENGINETurbo-diesel matches ix35 economy (in auto form) and has potent mid-range pulling power but needs better refinement.HOW IT DRIVESLacklustre dynamics, but better steering and ride.VERDICTA promising step for a brand that came close to perishing last year but still plenty of catching up to do.HYUNDAI IX35 ELITEVALUEMore expensive but compensates with extra features and and an unlimited-kilometre warranty. Better resale.INSIDEWell built but still a lack of soft-touch plastics. Stylish dash design. Good legroom. Decent-size boot.STYLINGEdgy lines contribute to a bold design that's far more interesting than its dull and dour predecessor, the Tucson.ENGINENot the quietest diesel but still more refined in comparison. More power and torque. Delays on delivery of the auto though.HOW IT DRIVESFails to cope with rough roads and unsatisfying to drive.VERDICTBetter diesel and better value gives ix35 a deserved win here, but suspension lets it down.
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald