SSANGYONG'S Korando started life in 1983 as a cheap but rugged 4x4 but a real ugly duckling.

Now, nearly 40 years later, and in its fourth generation, it's blossomed into a fine-looking, comfortable and well-equipped mid-sized SUV.

It may not have the trendiest name in the car park and it possibly not the most exciting to drive but write it off at your peril. The price, practicality, warranty and level of kit are hard to ignore.

Starting at just over £20,000 the Korando undercuts most of its rivals on entry price and, even once you get up to the top Ultimate spec here, it still offers remarkable value.

The interior is simple and classier than many competitors. Features such as heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, soft leather upholstery, 19-inch alloys, a nine-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, rear privacy glass, mood lighting with a choice of 34 colours, reversing camera and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard.

The Korando's extra size over close rivals like the Qashqai is beneficial for boot space as well as interior volume. It's s proper five-seater, with decent head and legroom and, with the rear seat in place, there's 551 litres of luggage space available. With the seats folded flat, there's an ample 1,248.

The boot also comes with a useful adjustable floor and a powered, gesture-controlled tailgate.

However, the Korando comes with a choice of just two engines - a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel. The petrol is smoother, more refined and more lively due to its 161bhp.

That said, if you want the Korando's maximum towing capacity of two tonnes or four-wheel-drive, the diesel is the only option.

And, even if you decide to stick with the petrol, it officially returns 35.8mpg, which is some way behind the best of its rivals in running costs. I managed just 31.1mpg.

On the major roads the Korando is surprisingly refined, with impressive sound insulation and a comfortable ride. It's set up for comfort rather than tearing round sharp or sweeping corners so there's a little body roll to take into account.

For peace of mind, the Korando comes with a full five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. It comes with six airbags including front, side and curtain airbags and an army of other advanced safety systems such as active emergency braking and lane departure warnings to keep occupants.

A sturdy, dependable and practical choice in the family SUV market with a competitive price and a seven-year warranty, the Korando now deserves your attention.

£28,345

161bhp, 1,497cc, four-cyl turbocharged petrol engine driving front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox

126mph

12 seconds

35.8mpg

24

182g/km

37%

7yrs/150,000 miles