Ssangyong Motor Co., a Korean SUV-focused producer under the family of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has released turbo gasoline version of its all-new Korando subcompact crossover in Korea, with the price shaved up to 1.93 million won ($1,600) from a diesel model, the company said Tuesday.

The gasoline model is an addition to the diesel version of all-new Korando launched earlier this year. Korando is the automaker’s one of the best-selling models. It was first released in 1983 and the new Korando is the first full-change model in eight years.

The gasoline Korando SUV is priced from 22.56 million won ($18,516) to 27.55 million won in Korea, depending on the trim. The gasoline models are up to 1.93 million won cheaper than diesel version.

The company said it has made the new SUV more economical through engine downsizing, enabling cheaper automobiles tax than rivaling models. The car is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo engine, which generates up to 170 horsepower and 28.6 kg•m of torque.

The gasoline Korando SUV is certified eco-friendly, allowing it to enjoy up to 60 percent discounts on parking fees at public lots and congestion charges, according to the company. It also comes with a big rear loading space with 551 liters of storage when the rear seats are up and 1,248 liters with the rear seats folded. It offers various upgraded tech features, including Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert Intervention for increased safety.

By Lee Jong-hyuk and Cho Jeehyun

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