Daewoo Korando

Daewoo Korando: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Daewoo Korando was offered in a single generation from 1999 to 2001, so the buying decision is not between generations but among its three-door SUV powertrains. The main choice is between Gasoline and Diesel, Manual and Automatic, and outputs ranging from 77 hp to 220 hp.

The Daewoo Korando was offered in a single generation from 1999 to 2001, so the buying decision is not between generations but among its three-door SUV powertrains. The main choice is between Gasoline and Diesel, Manual and Automatic, and outputs ranging from 77 hp to 220 hp. Every listed version has AWD, 190 mm of ground clearance, a 70-litre tank, independent torsion front suspension, independent spring rear suspension, and disc brakes at both ends. For maximum performance, the 220 hp 3.2 MT and 220 hp 3.2 AT lead the catalogue; for the lowest measured combined consumption, the 80 hp 2.3 MT Diesel records 8.2 l/100 km.

Generation comparison

There is only one Daewoo Korando generation in the supplied catalogue: the 1 generation, produced from 1999 to 2001 as an SUV 3-doors. The generation contains 32 modifications, of which 12 are detailed here. Because no second generation or restyling is listed, there is no evidence in the data of a later body, engine update, or chassis revision to compare. Buyers should therefore focus on the substantial differences among engines and gearboxes within this generation.

Engine and gearbox specs

Repeated names identify distinct database versions. The 2.3 MT name covers Gasoline models with 140 hp and Diesel models with 77, 80, or 101 hp; the two 140 hp Gasoline entries are separated below by their 102 kW and 103 kW ratings. The 3.2 MT and 3.2 AT versions are likewise distinguished by power.

Power per litre clarifies what the displacement figures deliver. The 2.0 MT produces about 63.1 hp per litre, while both 140 hp 2.3 MT Gasoline entries make about 61.0 hp per litre. The 209 hp 3.2 versions deliver about 65.3 hp per litre, and the 220 hp 3.2 versions reach about 68.8 hp per litre. Among the Diesel choices, the figures range from about 33.5 hp per litre for the 77 hp 2.3 versions to about 43.9 hp per litre for the 101 hp 2.3 MT.

Performance and fuel economy

The 3.2 MT with 209 hp has the quickest measured acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds; the 209 hp 3.2 AT matches that time. The 220 hp 3.2 MT and 3.2 AT have the highest listed top speed at 215 km/h, 39 km/h above the 209 hp 3.2 MT, although their measured 0–100 km/h time is 0.7 seconds slower.

Fuel use makes the trade-off clear. The 80 hp 2.3 MT Diesel uses 8.2 l/100 km combined, which is 5.5 l/100 km less than either 220 hp 3.2 version. The 101 hp 2.3 MT Diesel adds 21 hp and 9 Nm over the 80 hp version, but its combined figure rises by 0.7 l/100 km. Among the Gasoline choices, the 2.0 MT has the lowest measured combined consumption at 9.9 l/100 km.

Dimensions, weight, and practical specs

All detailed versions have 190 mm of ground clearance and a 70-litre fuel tank. Wheel sizes are not measured for every version.

Kerb weight is 1755 kg for the 2.0 MT and the 140 hp, 102 kW 2.3 MT Gasoline, while the 140 hp, 103 kW 2.3 MT weighs 1760 kg. The 209 hp 3.2 MT weighs 1815 kg, and both 220 hp 3.2 versions weigh 1830 kg. The Diesel 2.3 MT versions with 77, 80, and 101 hp each weigh 1750 kg. Kerb weight is not measured for the 77 hp 2.3 AT or the 2.9 AT.

The gross weight is listed as 2515 kg for every version except the 209 hp 3.2 AT, whose supplied figures report a kerb weight of 2515 kg and a gross weight of 1830 kg. Those values are presented as recorded, but their reversal relative to the other entries should be checked before using them for payload calculations.

Weight per horsepower ranges from about 22.7 kg/hp for the 77 hp 2.3 MT Diesel to about 8.3 kg/hp for either 220 hp 3.2 version. The 126 hp 2.0 MT carries about 13.9 kg/hp, while the 140 hp 2.3 MT entries carry about 12.5–12.6 kg/hp.

Which Daewoo Korando version should you buy?

Choose the 2.3 MT with 80 hp if minimum measured fuel consumption is the priority. Its 8.2 l/100 km combined and 6.4 l/100 km highway figures are the lowest recorded here. Its cost is performance: the measured 0–100 km/h time is 25 seconds and top speed is 125 km/h.

Choose the 2.3 MT with 101 hp if you want the strongest listed Diesel torque. It provides 205 Nm, which is 9 Nm more than the 80 hp turbo version and 61 Nm more than the 77 hp versions. Its measured combined consumption remains 8.9 l/100 km.

Choose the 2.0 MT if you prefer Gasoline without moving to the thirstier 3.2 engines. It offers 126 hp, a 154 km/h top speed, and 9.9 l/100 km combined. Either 140 hp 2.3 MT Gasoline version adds 14 hp and 19 Nm. The 102 kW entry also cuts the measured 0–100 km/h time from 18.5 to 12.5 seconds while raising combined consumption by 0.3 l/100 km.

Choose the 209 hp 3.2 MT for the best measured acceleration and the more economical of the two 209 hp transmissions. It reaches 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and uses 12.3 l/100 km combined. The 209 hp 3.2 AT has the same acceleration time but a top speed lower by 6 km/h and combined consumption higher by 1.8 l/100 km.

Choose the 220 hp 3.2 MT or 220 hp 3.2 AT when maximum listed power and top speed matter most. Both provide 220 hp, reach 215 km/h, and use 13.7 l/100 km combined. The Manual has 297 Nm, while the Automatic has 295 Nm. With performance and consumption otherwise identical in the supplied figures, the deciding factor is the 5-speed Manual versus the 4-speed Automatic.

The 77 hp 2.3 AT and 98 hp 2.9 AT suit buyers specifically seeking an Automatic Diesel, but their fuel-consumption figures are not measured. Acceleration and top speed are also not measured for the 2.3 AT, whereas the 2.9 AT records 23 seconds to 100 km/h and 140 km/h. Without measured economy for either, the data supports a performance comparison but not a fuel-cost conclusion.