The Daewoo Korando (KJ) 2.9 TD Automatic, produced between 1999 and 2001, represents a significant entry for the South Korean automaker into the compact SUV market. Positioned as a rugged, body-on-frame vehicle, the Korando KJ aimed to offer a blend of affordability, practicality, and off-road capability. This particular variant, equipped with the 2.9-liter turbodiesel engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a no-nonsense SUV for both daily driving and occasional off-road adventures. It was part of the broader Korando (KJ) lineup, which also included gasoline engine options and manual transmissions. The Korando KJ was a key model for Daewoo, attempting to establish a foothold in a segment dominated by Japanese and European competitors.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daewoo |
| Model | Korando |
| Generation | Korando (KJ) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.9 TD (129 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg, 22.1 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 19.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 19.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp, 71.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm, 143.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 129 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 44.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 2200 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 662 |
| Engine displacement | 2874 cm3 (175.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.4 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1815 kg (4001.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2515 kg (5544.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 700 kg (1543.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 350 l (12.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1200 l (42.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4330 mm (170.47 in.) |
| Width | 1841 mm (72.48 in.) |
| Height | 1840 mm (72.44 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2480 mm (97.64 in.) |
| Front track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/75R15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Korando 2.9 TD Automatic is the OM 662, a 2.9-liter inline five-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, sourced from Mercedes-Benz (as Daewoo had a technical partnership with them at the time), is known for its durability and relatively simple design. It utilizes a precombustion chamber injection system, a common technology for diesel engines of that era, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces noise. The engine is turbocharged, providing a boost in power and torque. The four-speed automatic transmission, while offering convenience, was not known for its sophistication or rapid shifting. It was a fairly standard automatic for the late 1990s, prioritizing smooth operation over outright performance. The engine’s longitudinal mounting within the chassis contributed to the vehicle’s balanced weight distribution.
Driving Characteristics
The 129 horsepower and 260 Nm (191.77 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.9 TD engine, coupled with the four-speed automatic, resulted in a driving experience that prioritized usability over speed. Acceleration was leisurely, with a 0-60 mph time around 18.8 seconds. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards fuel efficiency and towing capability rather than spirited driving. Compared to the gasoline engine options or even the manual diesel versions, the automatic felt noticeably slower. However, the engine provided ample low-end torque, making it suitable for off-road driving and hauling loads. The all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction in slippery conditions, further contributing to its practicality.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Korando 2.9 TD Automatic typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its positioning as a value-oriented SUV. Standard features generally included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat utilitarian, design. Optional extras could include power windows, central locking, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level was generally consistent across the 2.9 TD Automatic models, with limited customization options available.
Chassis & Braking
The Korando KJ utilized a traditional body-on-frame construction, providing robustness and off-road capability. The front suspension employed a torsion bar setup, while the rear featured coil springs. This configuration offered a reasonable balance between ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, supplemented by an ABS (Anti-lock braking system) for improved stopping power and control. The chassis was designed to withstand the stresses of off-road use, with a robust frame and adequate ground clearance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daewoo Korando 2.9 TD Automatic received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its ruggedness, affordability, and off-road capability. However, the engine’s performance was often criticized as being underpowered, particularly when paired with the automatic transmission. Fuel economy was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and type, but not class-leading. Compared to competitors like the Suzuki Vitara or the Mitsubishi Pajero, the Korando offered a more basic driving experience but at a lower price point. The automatic transmission was often seen as a compromise, with many buyers opting for the manual gearbox for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
Legacy
The Daewoo Korando (KJ) 2.9 TD Automatic, while not a runaway success, established Daewoo as a contender in the compact SUV segment. The OM 662 engine proved to be remarkably durable, and many examples are still on the road today. The automatic transmission, however, is a potential weak point, and maintenance records should be carefully reviewed when considering a used example. In the used car market, these Korandos are often sought after by enthusiasts looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable off-road vehicle. Its legacy lies in its ruggedness and its role in paving the way for future Daewoo/Chevrolet SUVs.
