Korea’s fourth largest carmaker is about to make another comeback in Australia and this time, it might just succeed.

One of the key drivers behind the brand’s revival is the all-new Korando C – a stylish enough compact SUV crossover with a monocoque platform, that has somehow managed to avoid the ugly stick.

Not excited? What if I told you that the Korando C will be powered by a state of the art German designed two-litre diesel engine using a two-stage turbocharger with an advanced high-efficiency exhaust gas recycling (EGR) intercooler producing a solid 130kW and a stomping 450Nm of torque.

Peugeot Australia distributor Sime Darby, the massive Malaysian conglomerate who bought the Australasian rights to the Ssangyong brand in 2008, and has spent millions of dollars over the last 18-months maintaining something of a brand presence in readiness for its upcoming relaunch.

With the backing of Sime Darby, who just happen to be the world’s third largest BMW distributor (including China) as well as retailing Rolls Royce cars in Hong Kong and Suzuki in Macau, Ssangyong has a better than average chance of establishing a sustainable business in Australia, provided the product delivers not only the latest technology in a reliable, yet, attractive package, but above all, remains a value for money proposition, which has always been a core asset of the brand.

Ssangyong Motors Australia General Manager, Mr Jeff Barber, has seen and driven the Korando C and believes it has what it takes to win the hearts of at least 2000 Australians during the first year of sales.He also states that it “will hold it’s own against any compact SUV on the market today”

Despite the fact that the current Ssangyong line-up is an all diesel affair, and the company’s catchcry is “We Live Diesel”, don’t be surprised if the Korando C is eventually offered with a petrol engine.

The company is also developing both a hybrid and an all-electric version of the Korando C, given those technologies were on display at the recent Pusan International Motor Show in Korea.

The Korando employs a 100kW electric motor and the latest in battery technology with a 30kWh 300V high voltage lithium Polymer unit capable of propelling the car at a speed of 150km/h for a distance of 180 kilometres.

The Korando C has a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with an Australian-made Drive Systems International six-speed auto or manual transmission and all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. A 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine is in development but is at least 12 months away.

SsangYong is making plenty of noise about the Korando C's powerplant, a German-designed 2.0 litre diesel engine that uses a two-stage turbocharger and an advanced high-efficiency exhaust gas recycling intercooler to develop a respectable 130kW and 450Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption and emissions figures for the new engine have not yet been revealed, although SsangYong's vision for a greener approach will soon appear in the form of a Korando C-based electric vehicle concept that utilises a 100kW electric motor paired with a 30kWh 300V lightium-polymer battery pack.