Ssangyong Rodius MPV full 9 point review

  • Performance

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad There’s just one engine in the line-up: a 163bhp, 252lb ft 2.7-litre diesel unit. It’s pretty strong, then, but it’s hindered by the sheer size and weight of the Rodius. Some versions have a five-speed automatic gearbox, which is slow to change and which pushes the 0-60 time to over 15 seconds.

  • Ride & Handling

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Rodius clings on pretty faithfully in bends, but there are many other MPVs that are more rewarding to drive. The Steering is light in town, but it’s also very slow, so lots of arm-twirling is required when parking. The biggest problem, though, is the rock-solid ride quality. Occupants will wince over every bump in the road.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad 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.

  • Buying & Owning

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership 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. Thing is, it’s also rather thirsty – manual models don’t do much more than 30mpg, and automatic models don’t even do that. CO2 emissions are also pretty high.

  • Quality & Reliability

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership All of the materials used in the Rodius look and feel desperately unappealing. Pretty much every surface is hard and shiny, and to some panels have sharp edges. The plastic covers over the rails for the rear bench feel flimsy, too. The mechanicals should prove to be reasonably robust.

  • Safety & Security

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership 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 very serious omission.

  • Behind The Wheel

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The dashboard is dated in its design, and there are various instrument and display strewn around in front of you. Most of the switchgear is pretty simple, even if the stereo controls could be clearer. Standard seat height adjustment means most drivers should be able to get comfy, and there's a good view out all-round.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Rodius is huge, comparable in size to the biggest MPVs. This means there’s enough space for seven people to travel in reasonable comfort, and it 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 can be removed for even greater luggage-carrying ability. It’s extremely heavy, though.

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There are three models, all of which have decent luxury equipment. Cheap entry-level cars do without alloy wheels 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

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