Mahindra SsangYong Korando to be launched this year

Utility vehicle major Mahindra, has seen its market share in India slipping from 55% to 40% over the last two years. One of the reasons for this drop is that the company does not have any compact SUVs that appeal to the public. Its poorly-styled Quanto failed to compete with products such as the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster. Now, the company is looking to try and regain some of the ground it has lost with the introduction of new models.

According to a report by Financial Express, one of the models expected this year, is the SsangYong Korando. Mahindra is working on maximising localisation of the SUV so as to be able to price it competitively. The car will be launched as the Korando C and is expected to compete against the Duster and upcoming products from Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki.

The Korando C is equipped with 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and 3D maps and an Infinity sound system. Other features include projector headlights, front and rear skid plates, side steps, an eco cruise control a smart key system, and a washer fluid heater. Safety features include ABS and six airbags among others.

In international markets, the Korando C is powered by a 1998 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 173 bhp and 360 Nm of torque. The vehicle gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A 148 bhp version with a 6-speed manual transmission is available as well. The Korando C can also be bought with a 1998 cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.