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Unique and highly distinctive styling combined with a drivetrain of exceptional ability and an engine that is a class leader in terms of power, performance and sophistication make the Daewoo Korando one of the most exciting new releases in the highly contested all terrain market.
The Korando combines the technology of Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Borg Warner and Australian company BTR Automotive Drivetrain Systems with the renowned styling and design ability of Professor Ken Greenley, designer of the Daewoo Korando and Daewoo Musso.
"As we stand on the edge of the 21st century and look back over the last 100 years it is clear that, of all this century's many innovations, it is the car that has had the greatest and most profound social impact," says Professor Greenley,
Speaking at the Australian launch of the Korando, Mr Greenley reflected on his role as course director of the Vehicle Design Division at London's Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom.
"Certainly for the past 50 years all our lives, in the developed world at least, have been shaped by the enormous opportunities that relatively unlimited personal mobility affords. And that freedom has shaped not just our society, our economy and our expectations, but also fundamentally, our environment," Professor Greenley added.
The Daewoo Korando is a short wheelbase all wheel drive powered by a 3.2 litre, six cylinder petrol engine designed by Mercedes-Benz. A choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions compliments the sophisticated electronic management systems that control the Torque-on-Demand, Traction Control and Anti-lock Braking functions.
Specification variations for the Korando have intentionally been kept to a minimum with the simple choice of manual or automatic transmission and body colour.
According to Ross Meyer, Daewoo Automotive Australia's 4WD product manager the standard feature list already includes many items that are optional at an additional cost in competitive vehicles.
"The Korando is outstanding value and we believe offers the highest level of technology available in the highly competitive mid-range 4WD sector," said Ross.
"The heritage of the Korando stands direct comparison with any other 4WD on the market and sets it ahead of the competition. We believe it will quickly establish its own niche because of this individuality and greatly enhance the Daewoo all-terrain product line," he said.
The importance of German engineering excellence through the involvement of Mercedes-Benz is only part of the Korando story. Strength, safety and sophistication give the Korando a level of support and ability that is unmatched in this highly competitive segment.
With its separate chassis comprising a 3-layer frame with five cross members in a ladder style construction the inherent built in strength is added to by side anti-intrusion bars in the doors.
Safety for passengers is assisted by shock absorbing crumple zones in the front and rear of the Korando with air bag supplementary restraint systems for the driver fitted as standard. Xenoy bumpers also absorb minor impact shocks of up to 8kms per hour while strong underbody shields protect components.
Continuing the safety theme the fuel tank is fitted in front of the rear axle to protect it from rear accident damage and is manufactured from high-density polythene material for strength and corrosion protection. A check valve prevents leakage in the event of vehicle rollover.
Add the security of anti-lock braking with discs all round, ventilated on the front, traction control and torque on demand transmissions plus a high performance, 3.2 litre petrol engine and Korando stands comparison with any contender in the market segment.
The highly capable suspension of the Korando features double wishbones with torsion bars at the front with a five-link coil spring design at the rear incorporating stabiliser bars and nitrogen charged shock absorbers. Positive control is assured with power assisted rack and pinion steering and an excellent turning circle of 10.6m.
With cruise control a standard fitment only with automatic transmission, other standard items common throughout the Korando range include air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, tilt-adjust steering column, a 4-speaker stereo radio system with power antennae that incorporates a compact disc player, alloy wheels and side steps.
The approach and departure angles are 29 degrees and 35 degrees respectively while the maximum towing weight is 2,800 kgs (braked) or 750 kgs (unbraked) subject to individual State legislation.
As with all Daewoo products the Korando is covered by Daewoo Free Care. This provides free servicing for three years/100,000 kms with free roadside assistance.
Pricing for the Korando is $39,500 with manual transmission and $42,500 for automatic transmission and cruise control. These prices include dealer delivery charges.
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