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Daewoo Korando KJ 2.3 (143 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Daewoo Korando:
The KGM Korando, formerly SsangYong Korando is a mini SUV or compact crossover SUV built by the South Korean automobile manufacturer SsangYong from 1983 to 2006 and from 2010 onwards. The name Korando is a contraction of "Korea Can Do". The Korando brand is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as Korea’s longest surviving name plate.
In 1964, Ha Dong-hwan Motor Company began to assemble Jeeps, trucks, and buses for the US armed forces and for the United Nations Command.
In November 1969, the CJ-5 entered production with the 75 hp Willys Hurricane inline-four engine and in 1971, a ten-seater version and a pickup model were introduced. In April 1974, American Motors and Shinjin Motors formed a joint venture, Shinjin Jeep Motors, to build local Jeeps. These originally had a locally built AMC 258 ci straight-six engine with 110 hp SAE, but after the oil crises of the seventies Isuzu's 2. 8-liter 4BA1 diesel engine with 85 hp SAE was introduced in July 1979....(Read more on Wikipedia)
KJ Overview:
Daewoo Korando (KJ). With 209 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1780 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daewoo Korando KJ generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the late 1990s, it would likely feature basic safety equipment by modern standards.
2.3 (143 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for most situations, but the automatic transmission makes it noticeably slower and less engaging than the manual version.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption will be higher than the manual, typical for an automatic transmission of this era, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent off-road capability due to robust body-on-frame construction and 4x4 system.
- • Distinctive and unique styling that stands out from competitors.
- • Some engines (like the 2.3L petrol and 2.9L diesel) are Mercedes-Benz derived, offering proven reliability.
- • Good value for money, often more affordable than comparable SUVs.
- • Spacious trunk with good cargo capacity when rear seats are folded.
Cons:
- • On-road refinement and handling are not on par with more modern or car-based SUVs.
- • Interior quality and design can feel dated and utilitarian.
- • Fuel economy, especially for the larger petrol engines, can be high.
- • Limited passenger space in the rear, particularly for taller adults.
- • Lack of modern safety features and no Euro NCAP rating.
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daewoo |
| Model: | Korando |
| Generation: | KJ |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3 (143 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 5250 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 62.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 209 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 2295 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.9 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88.4 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1780 |
| Max. weight: | 2515 |
| Max load: | 735 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1200 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4330 mm |
| Width: | 1841 mm |
| Height: | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2480 mm |
| Front track: | 1510 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1520 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/75R15 |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Daewoo Korando!