New SsangYong Korando Spied; Could Be The Second-Gen XUV500

Mahindra-owned South Korean carmaker, SsangYong, has started testing the fourth-gen Korando SUV, which is expected to debut in Europe next year. The Korando is to Ssangyong what the XUV500 is to Mahindra - both are mid-size SUVs in their respective product portfolios.

Now, we already know that the XUV500 is due for a generation change and that it is likely to be based on a new platform being co-developed with SsangYong. So, it바카라™s quite possible that both the Korando and the XUV500 will share several parts, including an all-new platform that supports electrification.

Pictured: Current SsangYong Korando

Sharing platform and parts bin not only keeps the development costs in check, but also saves the time-to-market period for a new product. Mahindra, which is more popular than SsangYong in India, is set to launch a rebadged version of the second-gen Rexton as its flagship SUV later in 2018. Similarly, it could also rebadge the next-gen Korando, which is expected to be feature three-row seating, as the new XUV500.

Pictured: SsangYong XAVL Concept

The next-gen Korando will be available in both petrol and diesel versions along with hybrid and EV avatars. While the conventional petrol and diesel-powered Korando is expected to be based on SsangYong바카라™s seven-seat XAVL concept showcased in 2017, the 2020 Korando EV is likely to take inspiration from the 2018 e-SIV concept. Although both SsangYong concepts appear flashy, the spy shots suggest that the new Korando will look relatively understated and mature. We think Mahindra could tone down the XUV바카라™s styling as well and take inspiration from the Korando.

Pictured: SsangYong e-SIV Concept

Taking into account the XAVL바카라™s dimensions, the next-gen seven-seat Korando will be noticeably longer than the current model. It will be longer than the current XUV500 as well. If everything goes according to our hypothesis, the new-gen XUV will be as long as the Korando, and that should reflect in third row-space as well.

Pictured: SsangYong XAVL concept

At the XAVL바카라™s reveal last year, SsangYong mentioned that the SUV will be offered with a choice of a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel engine. A 6-speed manual will be standard, while there will be an optional automatic transmission with both engines as well. These new engines will comply with Europe바카라™s latest Euro 6d-Temp emission norms. Similar norms are set to be enforced in India in April 2020.

Like the new Korando, the second-gen XUV500 is also likely to be powered by these new downsized engines. Both SUVs are currently powered by a 2.2-litre diesel motor. And while the XUV500 is offered with a 2.2-litre petrol, the Korando packs a 2.0-litre motor.

Don바카라™t expect the new downsized engines to compromise the performance of both SUVs. That바카라™s because the new platform is expected to be lighter than before, which should help both SUVs shed a significant amount of weight. The current Korando and XUV500, for instance, tip the scale at 2300kg and 2510kg, respectively (gross vehicle weight). 

Pictured: SsangYong XAVL concept 

Besides these factors, both SUVs could share a similar cabin layout and equipment list as well. The next-gen Korando is likely to feature a dashboard-mounted 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, parking assist system, Wi-Fi hotspot for the second- and third-row, among others.