Insurance Group: 27
MPG: 32.1
CO2: 223
0-62 Mph: 14.2 secs
BHP: 163 BHP
Range: 565 miles
PROS: Well priced, vast space inside, Mercedes-Benz diesel engine, long warranty.
CONS: Daunting size, cheap looking interior, boxy looks, eye-watering depreciation.
As you’d expect, the driver has a commanding view of the road sitting high up in the cabin – and forward visibility is excellent. Adjustment is available on the driver’s seat and also for height on the steering wheel, so finding a good driving position shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Rear visibility may become a bit restricted when the car’s full, but it has some nice big mirrors to partially compensate for this. The dash has most of the controls and switches arranged in an easy-to-find way. The overall feel of the cabin is somewhat dated though and the some of the interior trim finish is poor.
Ssangyong only offer one engine option with this model – so no difficult decision making there – it comes with a 165bhp 2.7-litre diesel unit from Mercedes-Benz. It’s got an impressive top speed of 105mph and will do 0-62mph in 14.2 seconds, which considering the size of the car is quite impressive too, but don’t expect that kind of performance when it’s loaded up. The engine produces 250lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range; ideal for pulling a seven-seater MPV like this one. As you’d expect, fuel economy for a car this size is not impressive averaging just 32.1mpg.
Top models have a five-speed automatic gearbox fitted as standard. This Rodius S version comes with the normal five-speed manual gearbox and gear-changing is smooth.
Surprisingly it’s not as unwieldy as you may think for a car of its size. It does take a bit of getting used to if you are not accustomed to driving anything like a large MPV – but the steering is light and manageable even when fully loaded. It’s a comfortable enough ride thanks to plenty of head and legroom, although the diesel engine can get quite noisy when it’s cruising, and the wind noise becomes noticeable too.
The Rodius is certainly a head-turner – though many people would say for the wrong reasons. Its boxy styling seems out of touch and very dated compared to its competitor’s offerings.
Generally, equipment levels are good across the range. The S specification comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, power steering, leather steering wheel, central locking, twin airbags, climate control, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, CD, ABS and ESP, roof bars and parking sensors. The SE option gets you additional cruise control, leather seats, privacy glass and sunroof. Also available as options are metallic paint £500, MP3 connectivity £460 and satellite navigation £999.
Practicality is where the Rodius comes into its own – but it’s by no means perfect. It’s impressively long and tall, and will carry seven easily, but seats in the second row aren’t removable like the rear bench is, so carrying large boxes or long objects isn’t as easy as you might think at first. With the seats in place it offers a load space of 875-litres and a maximum carrying space with the seats removed of 3,043-litres.
As yet the Rodius hasn't received any rating from EuroNCAP for crash-testing, but its enormous size should offer a decent amount of protection in any impact. Safety equipment includes front airbags, three point seatbelts on all seven seats, ABS and electronic stability control.
Anti-theft measures include remote central locking, immobiliser and alarm on every model.
Ssang Yong cover the Rodius with a five-year-unlimited mileage warranty which is a bonus and regular service intervals are every 10,000 miles.
While the Mercedes-Benz engines are very reliable and can run forever, the Ssangyong parts don’t instil the same level of confidence. Previously, Ssangyongs have suffered from problems with loose interior trim and also electrical problems.
With a price of £14,995 it looks cheap next to rivals such as the Renault Grand Espacé or Chrysler Grand Voyager, however, its immense size may turn some people away and the interior finish isn’t up to par with the others either. While it offers incredible space and good levels of equipment – the depreciation will make you cry – so if you do decide to go for it, make sure you’re going to keep it for a reasonable time.
SsangYong isn't one of the more established names for MPVs in the UK, so many buyers may prefer to opt for an equivalent from Ford, Chrysler, VW or Renault, but the Rodius is sensibly priced for the equipment and space you get.
Running costs are likely to be typical of a large MPV. CO2 emissions are223g/km (VED band K for Road Tax) and insurance is in group 29.
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