Remember SsangYong? The company made a bold entrance into the UK a few years back with a raft of keenly-priced cars.

They found willing buyers from people prepared to take a chance on a marque with little heritage, at least in Europe, and a name which is bound to conjure smiles. I wonder if its translation from the Korean, Double Dragon, might have fared better? “I’m driving a Double Dragon” has a ring to it, don’t you think?

Anyway, they’ve persevered with SsangYong and after some strife caused by financial strife in Asia, the company is back offering an enticing set of models.

Korando (a neat 4x4 with sharp looks), Turismo (a people-carrier, not quite as good looking but highly equipped) and Rexton W (an imposing 4x4 which looks almost as appealing as some of the premium Infiniti models). One thing they all share is a keen price.

Now a new model is added to the list, the Korando Sports, which is tested here. Costing from £18,295 to £22,745 on the road, this model is equipped to cash in on the ever-expanding demand for lifestyle SUVs. It seems we can’t get enough of them.

SsangYong, which bills itself as making ‘no-nonsense vehicles from Korea’, seems very well positioned to make a killing here especially when you look at the equipment list and warranty.

Standard kit includes air conditioning, 18in alloy wheels, cruise control, leather upholstery, powered seat controls, parking sensors, USB and aux ports, hill start assist, stability programme and anti-lock brakes, alarm, immobiliser and a load deck liner. What’s not to like!

Add to that a stunning 2.0 litre diesel engine, a good selectable 4x4 transmission system, multi-link rear suspension which gives the vehicle a cultured feel, and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and you can see a pretty good case for a Korando.

OK, so it’s competing against some pretty accomplished rivals, but they do tend to cost a small fortune. Korando, meanwhile, seems rather reasonable priced by comparison.

I expected it to have some shortcomings. Even the best budget cars can feel a little spartan and dated inside, but in truth the Korando Sports is better than I expected inside. OK, so it’s no Audi or BMW, but it is comfortable, sensibly designed and very easy to live with. And while SsangYong might not be quite a household name, the Korando from the 1970s was a good workhorse with an excellent engine.

Today’s Korando is a far more cultured affair and while it will appeal to forestry workers, energy companies and the like who want go-anywhere ability at a discount price, it will also appeal to the Chelsea Tractor types.

Despite the direction change for this model, SsangYong hasn’t abandoned its major selling point – utility.

New Korando offers buyers seeking workhorse qualities a great towing potential plus full four-wheel drive.

What really impressed me was the engine’s refinement and willingness.

The engine is more than capable of getting the job done and it’s easily on a par with many of its European rivals.

Factor in a sophisticated ride and it’s clear that SsangYong has come a long way as a company in a recent years.

Designed to slot in next to Qashqai, Sportage, and ix35 in price and size, not-afraid-to-get-dirty performance, SsangYong’s Korando Sport is a good-looking step in the right direction.

SsangYong Korando Sports EXT auto 4WD PRICE: £22,745. Range spans £18,295 to £22,745 ENGINE: A 2.0 litre e-XDI diesel engine generating 155ps via six-speed gearbox and part-time four-wheel-drive system COSTS: town 27.7mpg; country 41.5mpg; combined 35.3mpg INSURANCE: Group 6E EMISSIONS: 212g/km WARRANTY: Five years ‘limitless’ mileage STANDARD KIT: It includes air conditioning, 18in alloy wheels, cruise control, leather upholstery, powered seat, parking sensors, USB and aux ports, hill start assist, stability programme and anti-lock brakes, alarm, immobiliser and load deck liner.