Earlier this spring, SsangYong introduced a new version of the Korando SUV, with more engine power and better economy in an attempt to win over a bigger market share. The Korando has been a key part of the SsangYong revival and there are high hopes for the performance of the new model.

What has changed is the engine. The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine replaces a less economical 2.0-litre version. The engine power has jumped by more than 19% to 178bhp while the engine torque, so vital for good acceleration and towing ability, has jumped by 11% to 400Nm.

That torque figure is as good as the competition, while the towing power of the new generation Korando remains the same at 2,000kg. That’s a typical towing rating for a mid-size SUV, so in that sense it compares well with the competition.

SsangYong has done little to improve the acceleration for the Korando, which is good at 9.9 seconds in a 0km/hr to 100km/hr race. The emphasis has been on economy and lower emissions and that part has been successfully achieved with the new model.

The other big change is directly related to the new engine and that comes in the form of a significant improvement in fuel economy combined with a low CO2 rating. This means more than halving the annual road tax charges to €280.

The official rated economy figure jumps from 16.6km/litre (47mpg) to 18.8km/litre (53mpg), which is a significant improvement. My driving style delivered a slightly poorer result, but it was closer to the official rated figure than I’ve experienced with some of the competition.

The engine is marginally smoother and quieter than in the past and is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. The gear change is a shade rubbery and there was some low-level vibration from the foot pedals. More annoying is the lack of legroom in the foot well and that was something I commented on when I drove the previous generation Korando.

The Korando’s handling is a little vague, while the steering is slow and that is noticeable even at relatively slower speeds, especially on country roads. Other than that, the suspension handles most of the bumps relatively well and is comfortable at motorway speeds.

There are small improvements to the dash area compared with the more basic commercial version that I drove in the past. The control layout remains the same apart from a slightly larger information screen with touch control.

I found it easy to get comfortable in the driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment, as well as reach for the steering column.

The Korando’s cabin area is one of its strong points and is roomy enough for five adults. The wide seating in the rear means that it is better for transporting three people in the back than some of its rivals such as the Ford Kuga. This is because of the wide middle seat and a flat floor.

The boot is large and has a practical shape for easy loading. There is no loading lip and the 60/40 split rear seats fold completely flat to extend the space further. There is a useful space saver spare tucked in under the floor.

In a safety sense, SsangYong has yet to achieve a Euro NCAP crash test result for the Korando. It is, however, well equipped in a safety sense. That includes stability control, hill-start assist, and front, side and curtain airbags. There are ISO-Fix rear seat couplings and the security kit includes an alarm and an engine immobiliser.

The driving specification includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, an iPod connection and roof rails. The test version came with heated leather seats.

The other important feature about the Korando is that it is affordable. SsangYong in Ireland has dropped the price of the passenger version Korando by €1,000 since it was first launched in addition to the lower ownership costs and three years’ free servicing. The entry price is now €24,950 or £17,495 in Northern Ireland, which puts it into the affordable category.

The resale values remain the big unknown with an SUV such as the Korando when we know that Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4 are all attracting good used car prices. When and if SsangYong gets some numbers on the road then values will rise, lowering depreciation levels and ultimately three-year ownership costs for what is an acceptable and affordable mid-range SUV.