Ssangyong Korando Crossover (2010): the return

Ssangyong has been on a knife edge for the past year, as the Korean parent company went into administration. But it's bounced back and now has new owners in the shape of Mahindra & Mahindra.

The company's relaunching in the UK with the new Ssangyong Korando crossover, but you'll have to wait a couple more months before its arrival in January.

Designed in Europe by Giorgetto Guigaro, it's the first time Brits have had a chance to buy a Korando for five years.

There's a new, less offensive design for starters. Underneath the sleeker styling lies a new powertrain that will apparently meet forthcoming EU6 emissions regulations.

Three diesel and three petrol engines are available with a maximum muscle of 173bhp, in a mix of 2wd and 4wd, manuals and automatics.

The Korando's off-road capabilites are still intact, with a ground clearance of 180mm, approach angle of 23deg, departure angles of 28deg and a ramp angle of 19deg. All gobbledegook unless you're an off-roading bore, but essentially you'll climb a 48% hill or wade a 300mm river without breaking into a sweat. 

By Sarah-Jayne Harrison