A new low cost SsangYong Korando SE is available. This highly competent SUV is now available at £14,995 on the road. The model is the 149bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel model. The SE features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist, Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). It comes equipped with roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there are electric windows, a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, air conditioning, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD and RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers. It is also available through a special purchase scheme: “In the current economy, customers tell us they want an affordable car, a competitive purchase plan and the peace of mind of a long and ‘quibble free’ warranty – that’s exactly what the new Korando delivers,” Steve Gray, marketing and communications director of SsangYong told 4×4 Magazine.  “The result is a car that is not only fantastic value at just £14,995, but also comes with a level of standard equipment many of the so called ‘value brands’ don’t even have on their options list.” For those looking for a family SUV, this new price Korando will appeal.

Quite significantly, Isuzu UK has announced that the towing capacity of the new D-Max has been increased by 500kg. This means that the D-Max will be able to tow a maximum braked load of 3.5 tonnes, with the new certification applying to all Isuzu D-Max pick-ups registered in the UK from 1st July. This increase has been made, according to Isuzu, due to customer demand. What is important to realise here is that there is no technical or practical changes to the pick-ups specification, it is merely a change in the certification. In the last few months, Toyota has done the same with the Hilux, raising its capacity from what was often criticised as a meagre 2500kg to a more competitive 2800kg. Isuzu it seems has raised the bar higher. In our 2013 Pick-up Of The Year test (January 2013 issue) the top pick-ups for towing were the VW Amarok at 3200kg and the Ford Ranger Wildtrak at 3350kg. This new certification puts the Isuzu D-Max firmly at the top of the list – until, one can assume, either VW or Ford look at a new certification. Supply of both these excellent pick-ups remains a problem, and this move from Isuzu will certainly not do sales of the D-Max any harm. The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications: Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4×2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4×4 double cab automatic.

The ‘Heaven Can Wait, I’m Busy’ fundraising tour of a bunch of retired 4×4 enthusiasts in two Suzuki Jimnys has now hit Mongolia. This is one of the remotest sections of the tour, and totals an impressive 2300 miles across Mongolia and back into Russia, aiming to reach Vladivostock by the end of the month. At that point the drivers can take a rest, as the Jimnys will be put aboard a container ship for the 30-day trip from Vladivostock to Vancouver, Canada.

The expedition is the idea of retired businessman Leslie Carvall and the crew of 70-year olds are travelling alone with no frills, luxuries or any support team. Mongolia has meant a slower pace over some of the worst roads in the world, yet the little Jimnys have proved their reliability with a broken shock absorber bolt being the only running repair needed. The crew stopped at one of Suzuki’s larger dealerships at Novosibirsk in Siberia who quickly repaired the shock absorber, gave both Suzukis a major service and a well-needed valet. To date, the guys have crossed 16 countries and across three continents and can be monitored on Google Earth. There are regular updates to the website www.heavencanwaitimbusy.com with interviews and video clips of the challenge.