Ssangyong Rodius MPV full 9 point review
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Performance
There’s just one engine in the line-up: a 163bhp, 252lb ft 2.7-litre diesel unit, which is strong, but hindered by the sheer size and weight of the Rodius. EX versions have a standard five-speed automatic gearbox, which is slow to change and which pushes the 0-60 time to over 15 seconds.
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Ride & Handling
Handling is competent for a car this size, but there are better rivals. Steering is light, if short of feedback, and the low gearing means that a lot of arm-twirling is required when parking or negotiating tight city streets. The biggest drawback is the rock-solid ride quality. Occupants will wince over every bump in the road.
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Refinement
The Rodius's diesel engine is distinctly 'old school'. There's plenty of clatter, especially at idle and during acceleration, although mechanical noise fades into the background at faster speeds, partly because road noise takes over. Those in the back have to really shout to make themselves heard in the front.
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Buying & Owning
The Rodius is cheap, and a very big car for the money; resale prices are rather poor, however, so you’ll only get good value from it if you keep it for a long time and use it for a mega-high mileage. Fuel consumption is 32.1mpg (manual) or 28.8mpg (auto) - not too bad for something this size.
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Quality & Reliability
All of the materials used in the Rodius look and feel suitably durable. However, there are sharp edges to some pieces of plastic, and the plastic covers over the rails for the rear bench feel flimsy. The mechanicals, however, should prove robust, no matter what your mileage.
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Safety & Security
An electronic stability programme and seven three-point seatbelts are fitted as standard. However, there are airbags for only the driver and front-seat passengers. The absence of side and curtain airbags in a car designed to carry families is a serious omission.
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Behind The Wheel
The dashboard is dated in both design and the harshness of the plastics. However, both the driver's seat and the steering wheel adjust for height, which makes a finding a good driving position easy, and there's a good view out all-round. There are plenty of cubby-holders for all your everyday items.
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Space & Practicality
The Rodius is huge - it's bigger than a Renault Grand Espace, and closer in size to a Chrysler Grand Voyager. This means that it can seat seven people in reasonable comfort, and can carry the bulk of their luggage, too. The two middle-row seats fold flat, or can be swivelled round to face the rear, while the sliding rear bench comes out for even greater luggage-carrying ability.
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Equipment
There are three models, all of which have an excellent level of luxury equipment, but little safety kit. Cheap entry-level cars do without alloy wheels, stability control or rear parking sensors (handy in a car this long), but have climate control and electric windows, while top-of-the-range models get leather seats, four-wheel-drive and a standard automatic gearbox.
Rodius rivals
Rodius used rivals
Ssangyong Rodius MPV 270 S 5dr
The Rodius has a very attractive price tag, feels solid overall and gets you a lot of car for your cash, but don’t overlook its brutal depreciation and obvious flaws
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