Ssangyong’s Korando is on its fourth generation now and, as with most Korean and Chinese Vehicles, the latest iteration looks nothing like the previous models. But hey, I’m not complaining, the ability to re-invent one’s self every few years to stay relevant is a talent in itself; just ask Madonna.

The new Korando, as with most new mid-size SUVs these days, follows the trend of a rear-ward sloping roofline and a low stance. It has heavily borrowed from its SsangYong siblings it seems – in particular, the smaller Tivoli – and the result is a not at all shabby-looking, well-proportioned beast. Though it must be said, the rear is a bit messy and may turn off fans of uncluttered automotive design.

Hopping inside of our left hand-driven demo car (not to worry, all customer cars will have steering on the correct side), the interior, dash, in particular, is very European, with its screens, switches and knobs all seemingly mounted on to one imposing wall of acceptable quality plastic. The faux leather seats are accommodating without being too soft.

Cabin leg and headspace is very impressive with a six-foot rear passenger able to stretch out while another six-footer occupies the front, in equal comfort. Boot space is another plus point; it’s quite spacious at a class-leading 1248 litres with the rear seats folded, plus hidden compartments underneath the floor. The flat and wide access to the rear and a button-operated tailgate deserves mention too. One major complaint is the lack of rear a/c vents which can lead to rear occupants being a bit hot and bothered, at least early in the drive.

To be fair, the front vents do cool the place pretty rapidly. Ventilated front seats come as standard, as in most models of the previous-gen car – and remains a welcome inclusion in our sometimes-unbearable summer heat. Annoyingly our test car’s infotainment system was locked into a Korean-language-only interface, hence our impressions of it are so-far limited (SLDM cars will have English installed).

From what little we got to work with the 8” touchscreen is very snappy and responsive, even while scrolling through the graphics-heavy navigation maps (which, due to the lack of a satellite link, thought it was still in downtown Seoul). Android Auto and Apple Car Play come as standard. The instrument cluster too is all-screen, which has a sharp resolution, and brightly backlit, therefore easy to read even in broad daylight.

The driving position is high and commanding giving the impression you are in a much more serious off-roader. Our test car was equipped with an adaptable AWD wheel drive system, with power going to the rear only when needed.

Diff-lock and hill descent options are available for when some mild off-roading takes your fancy. Though we would prefer the AWD, we suspect the average Lankan buyer will opt for the front-wheel-drive variant due to the perceived impact on fuel economy. Our test car in front-wheel only mode with the rears kicking in for added grip only when desperately needed, held the road well and it is admittedly enough for pottering about town and the occasional wander into the outstations.

Adding to the upmarket feel, ambient noise levels were kept very low. Engine noise is also kept to a subdued whine, quite an achievement for a diesel. If we were to nitpick, we would have preferred less tyre noise. The 1.6-litre intercooled-turbo power plant and the 6-speed gearbox is a revelation for the segment. The peppy diesel had a lot of grunt at lower revs and had enough left for relatively rapid progress.

The combination was enough to provide almost European levels of refinement when it came to power delivery. SsangYong has taken the trouble to source a capable AISIN gearbox, the same outfit that makes automatic gearboxes for small BMWs, VWs, Toyotas Etc., and it has paid off. Upshifts are smooth and downshifts, though a bit laggy (even in Sport mode), are achieved with a blip of the throttle.

A Paddle-operated manual mode is there for marginally improved driving engagement, but it doesn’t always obey and is best left alone except downshifting for overtakes. Safety-wise, only twin airbags come as standard but is backed up with lane-assist, a reverse-camera, ABS, ESS (stability control) along with a whole abbreviated alphabet full of kit as standard on the base car, which helps the Korando differentiate itself from the Japanese and European alternatives, which are comparatively barren at the same trim level.

Although Korean cars have been warmly accepted into the fold of the highly selective Sri Lankan car buyer, SsangYong is yet to achieve the same levels of brand recognition as its compatriots – Kia and Hyundai, as previous offerings have been hit or miss.

With the new Korando however, it’s time we took the sometimes oddball Korean manufacturer very seriously as it offers good looks, a refined cabin, and bucket-loads of standard kit at a highly competitive price, particularly for those blessed.