SsangYong Rodius 270Xdi Limited AWD 165CV, road test (part III)

We now get into the equipment of this MPV that is also an off-roader with seven seats. Among its rivals we can find the Kia Carnival, a much lower-range model, and the Chrysler Voyager, both without all-wheel drive, either standard or optional, and without rear doors, just a sliding door on one side only. As for seat count there are also the Renault Gran Scenic and Citroen Grand Picasso and C8, etc., but I don’t think they can be compared.

What we cannot deny is that it is a very useful MPV, as long as we get the chance to fill it. It will be of little use to a young couple or newlyweds without children. It is ideal for picking up the kids from school along with half the class, because a whole load of people fit inside. Believe me when I tell you it feels like a living room, it is huge. That said, we run into a problem finding parking in a big city; its size is not exactly suited to streets with little parking.

Standard equipment

At this point we would normally mention the Euro NCAP test score, but it has no such rating, so we have to go by its equipment. It has 2 airbags (driver and passenger) and ABS with electronic brake force distribution in its most basic version, but the higher versions also add ESP, roll-over control (ARP) and traction control.

The structure is monocoque, much more rigid and safer, reinforced by side roll bars. Even so, it is not especially well equipped when it comes to safety features.

As we have been saying throughout this test, its interior is the best part, and we will see why. Since November, all versions include a navigation system and CD/MP3 radio as well as DVD and Bluetooth. The DVD includes a remote control, headphones so as not to disturb anyone, and USB inputs, SD card slots and composite video for a console (see detail). Everything has been thought through.

The dual-zone climate control and heated front seats for driver and passenger make the journey more comfortable. In addition, it has a third control to regulate the air flow (not temperature) to the rear seats (see detail), provided the front passengers allow it. Something similar to power windows.

Driver assistance features are quite plentiful. It has cruise control, light and rain sensors, rear parking sensors (essential) and steering-wheel controls for the radio. Some brands still don’t integrate their own radios into their cars; in this case it was the legendary Alpine. The higher versions also include a sunroof as standard.

The exterior mirrors are heated, but there is no option for xenon headlights, no additional airbags, nothing of the sort. In the version tested, the top of the range, the only option offered is metallic paint for 430 euros; everything else comes as standard, all or nothing. The other, more basic versions offer as options the rain sensor, the reduction gearbox and electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.

Something that surprised me greatly is that in this day and age, mid-to-upper-range cars are still being made without an on-board computer. When you have been used to the range being shown on a digital display, or instantaneous or average consumption, for more than five years, it is hard to get used to the idea that you won’t find one no matter how hard you look. What it does have is a trip meter, average speed, outside temperature, compass (although on the model tested it did not work very well) and battery charge indicator.

The seats and dashboard show a quality finish, although some plastic controls are not so much low quality as the overall finish reminds one of earlier models; however much other brands evolve, it will always be the same as it was ten years ago.

Overall assessment and price

We can choose from four equipment versions (seven if we distinguish automatic and manual gearboxes): basic, Premium, Limited and Limited AWD, with prices ranging from almost 21,000 euros for the basic one up to almost 33,000 euros for the best equipped, with reduction gearbox and automatic transmission. There is plenty of choice in equipment, but the engine is always the same.

Broadly speaking, I liked it and really enjoyed the model, especially when you fill it with seven people and there is still room for another one were it not for the seat limit. It is really spacious inside and that, after all, is what should take priority over exterior design which, let’s be honest, is not particularly refined in that respect.

The engine is not bad, but it is somewhat old and low on technology, not adapted to these times, when a small displacement can deliver a lot of power. This is an area with plenty of room for improvement, as is its almost non-existent rear visibility (side visibility is quite good). I see its weakest points in safety, stability and noise, which, although it is not very aerodynamic, is still uncomfortable when cruising on the motorway at the legal limits.

It should be seen as an MPV for making many long-distance trips, country excursions or trips to snow or mountains, or for large families looking for something different from a conventional vehicle. Its price is very good, and little on the market offers that quality at that price.

Photos | Javi Vicente