THE unusually named SsangYong marque, meaning double dragons, has made a healthy resurgence in the UK with a range of models including the competitively priced Korando compact SUV.

Although never one of the big sellers in the UK, SsangYong has tremendous manufacturing experience, being the fourth largest South Korean-based auto manufacturer.

It is no newcomwer to Britain having introduced the Mercedes powered Musso 4x4 and the original Korando some years ago.

But the UK operation is now committed to carving a healthy slice of the market and the latest Korando is well-positioned for conquest sales from the big names.

And it is a perfect step up from saloon or hatch motoring, my EX automatic model costing £22,995. Cheaper Korandos start at a low £16,995.

With a much higher build quality and standard of finish than models previously seen from this brand, the latest Korando is also very good looking with styling by Giugiaro.

The EX is exceptionally well equipped with heated front and rear leather front seats. Front seats have electric adjustment with lumbar supports and the leather treatment event extends to the steering wheel and gear knob.

Seventeen inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and roof rails are all part of the package making this a very desirable vehicle for the price.

The 4x4 system in one of the latest electronically intelligent types which makes lightning decisions about power and braking.

The objective is to give the driver and feeling of always being serenely in control and the vehicle does always seem poised with a ride quality that belies is relatively low price. An advanced sub-frame construction adds greatly to this.

Under the bonnet is a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC common rail diesel which pumps out 175bhp with 360Nm of torque.

Although a six-speed manual is standard, my car came with a very smooth six-speed T-Tronic automatic transmission.

On the SX and EX models there is an advanced 4x4 system that operates in two modes, depending on conditions and settings.

In automatic mode and in normal conditions, the Korando remains in two-wheel-drive to optimise fuel efficiency. When sensors detect a potential loss of grip, the system switches to four-wheel-drive mode.

For loose or slippery surfaces, the system can be locked to allocate drive equally between the front and rear wheels. This provides supreme grip and control for low-speed manoeuvres. Hill start assist is also part of the package.

But as with most other SUVs the cruncher is economy and the Korando, due to its compact size and light weight scores well with a combined figure of 37.7mpg. CO2 emissions are not bad either at 199g/km.