Two extremes of SUV appeal to consumers

Turismo, Trax meet diversified demand

By Kim Tae-jong

The Chevrolet Trax

The Korando Turismo

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are popular in Korea with various models available on the market. Ssangyong Motor and GM Korea have recently broadened the scope of this sector by introducing the largest and smallest SUVs, respectively.

Obviously, the companies didn't simply enlarge or reduce their size but have added new features, which existing models may lack. In that sense, the two new models ― the Korando Turismo from Ssangyong and the Chevrolet Trax from GM ― are well worth a look. Both hit the market last month.

First, Ssanyong seems to have completed its lineup to revive its fame as a leading Korean SUV manufacturer by adding the Korando Turismo to its stable, which includes the Korando C, the Korando Sports and the Rexton W.

The Turismo is the biggest SUV at 5.13 meters long, 1.915 meters wide and 1.815 high, which allows it to accommodate 11 people including a driver.

The model was originally developed as the next generation of the Rodius, which is also a spacious multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with huge proportions but has always been criticized for its awkward styling, which was nicknamed a "funeral car."

In contrast to its predecessor, the Turismo has an upgraded, more stylish outlook.

In short, the new model can be described as a large version of a stylish SUV with the practical advantages of an MPV.

The front of the Korando Turismo features gigantic headlamps and an aggressive looking grill. The rear end is far from bland and has stylish tail lamps and integrated reflectors on the bumper.

On the inside, the new model has a better dashboard layout and a large multimedia screen, and of course, offers spacious proportions, which can be utilized for various purposes depending on the seat arrangement.

But the new look and big size isn't all there is to the Turismo. It also promises reliable performances and a comfortable ride.

The Turismo comes with an e-XDI200 LET engine, which is also used in the automaker's other SUVs. It is optimized for the traffic conditions and topography of Korea, and can boast 155 horsepower with a maximum torque of 36.7 kilogram-meters.

Thanks to the engine, drivers can be comfortable at the wheel without any disturbing noises or vibrations, and can also enjoy winding roads and mountainous highways as well as city roads thanks to the reinforced middle and low-speed torque.

It's hard to find flaws in terms of driving this big SUV with only a 2,000-liter engine. It is equipped with an electronic four-wheel drive system which allows safer and comfortable driving even on off-roads.

The prices for the Korando Turismo range from 24.8 million won ($22,859) to 35.64 million won.

Trax

The Chevrolet Trax entered the market as the smallest SUV available here.

It is 4.24 meters long, 1.67 meters high and 1.775 meters wide. It does not look that small, however, thanks to its stylish appearance, and it can easily accommodate five adults.

Due to its small size, it is also the most affordable SUV with prices ranging from 19.4 million to 22.89 million won. It can be very attractive for those wanting to buy their first car or urban commuters who want some out-of-city adventure during holidays.

At first glance, it is immediately identifiable as a member of the Chevrolet family with big headlamps in balance with a prominent grille. Car owners who like other Chevrolet vehicles, such as the Spark and the Captiva, will not be disappointed by the look of the Trax.

The real issue would be its interior space.

In fact, it has a large amount of storage space. For those who travel with leisure equipment such as snowboards, the rear trunk is large enough for bags with the rear seats folded down into different seating positions.

In terms of performance, people may have different views on the Trax.

The model is also the first domestically produced vehicle equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, which can generate 140 horsepower and a maximum torque of 20.4 kilogram-meters.

In urban environments, the Trax is a lovely city car, but on the open road, it suffers a little with its underpowered engine.

Some drivers might find the model disappointing if looking for quick response and power, but it surely performs excellently given its price range. Its performance and power are equivalent to those of compact sedans with 1.6 liter gasoline engines.

Another strength of the Trax is its upgraded Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which can aggregate content from smartphones onto a 7-inch touch-screen display.
MyLink also supports TuneIn Internet radio and BringGo _ a navigation application that can be downloaded onto compatible smartphones, making for an affordable and convenient smartphone-based navigation system.

It is also compatible with the EyesFree mode of Apple's Siri automated intelligent assistant, allowing the driver to perform a number of tasks while keeping his or her eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.