Daewoo Korando KJ 2.3 TD (80 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.8 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1750 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 25 s). The top speed reaches 125 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 TD (80 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

While offering diesel torque, the low horsepower means performance will be sluggish, suitable only for very relaxed driving or light utility tasks.

Fuel Economy

Better fuel economy than petrol counterparts, but the lack of power might lead to frequent hard acceleration, impacting real-world figures.

Best Use Case: City / Utility

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 TD (80 Hp)
Start of production:1999
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:80 Hp @ 4050 rpm.
Power per litre:34.8 Hp/l
Torque:195 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 661
Engine displacement:2299
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:9.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:92.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:25 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:25 sec
Maximum speed:125 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:21.9 kg/Hp, 45.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9 kg/Nm, 111.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:23.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1750
Max. weight:2515
Max load:765
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1200 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:350 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4260 mm mm
Width:1841 mm mm
Height:1840 mm mm
Wheelbase:2480 mm mm
Front track:1510 mm
Rear (Back) track:1520 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/75 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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