Motoring
Motoring Mogul Don Booker MBE
Lancia or Chrysler?
Don Booker searches for the difference...
Ssang Yong returns from Korea
Ssang Yong are based in Korea and during the Korean war they assembled Jeeps for the American Forces. Now their vehicles are returning to our shores after a break of two years. We are all aware of the strengths of the Iconic Jeep so although the company has had a chequered business history, some of the ideas recorded during those war years I feel sure will be part of their new two and four-wheel-drive models now on sale in the UK. Ssang Yong is offering high quality models with a starting price of under £17,000 with brand leader the new Korando crossover which has a five-year limitless mileage warranty.
The Korando looks smart with clean lines the work of the Italian Ital Design studio. It may have a frontal look of the Qashqai, Kia Sportage or Hyundai ix35 but its muscular yet sleek bodywork offers a new look on the road. These Italian design houses get everywhere, even Korea, but they are the best in the world when it comes to motoring looks. With the practicality of a 4x4 sports utility vehicle and the
accessibility of a family hatchback, the Korando is capable to go from a muddy field to the road or motorway in competent fashion. Possibly a few more pounds could have been spent on the interior trim, but there was no lack of comfort. All models get power from a 175bhp two-litre turbo diesel that clattered a bit at the start, but then became smoother and met every call from the pedal. Top speed is 116mph, 0 to 62mph comes in under 10 seconds and consumption nearly 38mpg.
The four-wheel-drive system operates on demand, constantly monitoring the level of grip available and gives power to the wheels that need it most. In normal conditions 100 per cent of the power goes to the front but, if traction is lost, it goes also to the rear.
For those with trailers and caravans, the Korando is worth considering for the all-wheel-drive lock that provides a 50-50 spread of power between wheels at up to 25mph, can get them up a slippery slope or sodden field.
It is a bit of a puzzle that a car maker in America is saved by a famous Italian name, Fiat, and is now on sale in the UK at the
same time as it is on the market in Europe with a different badge. The American car market was in a mess a few years ago, especially Chrysler, but they formed a strategic alliance with Fiat who have vast knowledge of the small and medium-sized car sectors. That link has now borne fruit in the shape of the Chrysler Delta. Although the expertise has come from Fiat, there are Chrysler badges everywhere and the eyes immediately notice the steering wheel boss.
Chrysler brand chief Nigel land knows drivers are aware of the marque for large vehicles like the Grand Voyager and Jeep. He said: “We are transferring the values that lie behind those vehicles to the smaller market segments. It is the start of a journey for the Delta which sees the re-launch of the Chrysler brand with cars more relevant to the mainstream market rather than specialist motors. This attractive newcomer is a challenger in the highly competitive smaller car market. Naturally, Chrysler are keen to attract customers to the Delta so are offering five years free servicing at prices starting at £16,695. I like its aggressive front with projector-style headlamps that
feature daytime running lights and the fog lights have the cornering function. With a high waistline rising to the rear, the car gets a sporty stance from the side. My test included travel front and rear, and I found on-board comfort equal to that in larger expensive cars. The rear bench seat slides backwards and forwards so owners can choose to increase boot space or give passengers limousine levels of leg room.
Chrysler picked the right partner in Fiat and it also gave the latter a foothold in the American motoring arena. There are four trim levels and four engines too.
Petrol-wise, there is the 1.4-litre turbo-jet that gives nearly 45mpg combined consumption and 1.4-litre MultiAir that offers more power but also more mpg at nearly 50mpg.
Diesels, I reckon are only worth buying if you cover 20,000 miles a year, but on offer are a 1.6 MultiJet developing 120bhp and giving 60mpg while a 2-litre MultiJet offering 165bhp still gives over 55mpg.
If you fancy something different, then the Delta could be your car. Remember too, that with the famous Lancia badge it is selling well in Italy.
Behind the badges it is all-Italian.
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aroundtownpublications.co.uk
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