SsangYongs have always been mechanically strong, very well built and extremely capable. Many have employed or been based on Mercedes-Benz mechanicals, helping the company bring world-class engineering to the masses. Ssangyong specialise in 4x4 and understand what is required to tow.

Pulling power (or torque) is more important in daily driving – and especially towing – than maximum power or 0-60mph figures. Because most people don’t use their cars for drag racing, the amount of pull at low engine speeds is a better indication of how well the car will accelerate or tow a load.

The Korando produces a big, constant 360Nm of pulling power from 2000-3000rpm. That’s more than Kuga, Qashqai, Sportage and many other cars with much larger engines. So it’s quick when it’s not towing and unflustered when it is. The Korando's towbar is engineered to withstand up to 80kg. Meanwhile the big Rexton's towbar can carry up to 128kg and the Rodius 4x4’s 140kg. Good luck finding a caravan that's too big for either.

Ssangyong Motor Co is based in South Korea and was formed in 1956 to produce Jeeps for the US military. Since then it has developed its own range of 4x4 vehicles. In the 1990's it partnered with Mercedes Benz to produce drive-trains and engines. The Rexton is still based on Mercedes technology and has a Mercedes engine. Building on Mercedes experience, Ssangyong has developed their own engine factory and designs, which are used in the new Korando model.

In 2010 Ssangyong was purchased by Mahindra & Mahindra, who are a £10bn business. Mahindra are the main producer for Jeeps in India, the world's 3rd largest tractor producer and manufacturing partners for BAe, Boeing and Renault.  The resulting investment allowed Ssangyong to launch a new product, the Korando, and has pushed worldwide sales to 100,000 units per year.

Ssangyong has been present in the UK market for many years but was recently relaunched under the guidance of Paul Williams, who previously oversaw Kia's meteoric rise as their UK MD. Paul has teamed up with ex Land Rover staff to drive Ssangyong sales and launch the Korando in the UK from September 2011. 

Ssangyong UK: www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

Ssangyong Korea: www.smotor.com (in english)