Skip to content
2
Handling
Performance
Usability
4
Feelgood factor
1
Readers' rating
By Richard Aucock
First Drives
12 June 2008 09:37
The Rodius is a well established winner... In ugly car awards, that is. So let’s look at the method in the madness, instead. Yes, it’s huge – stretching to over five metres in length – and that yields mammoth space for seven, in a 2-2-3 layout that encourages open-plan sensations. The middle seats swivel round for a power-crazed conference room on wheels. They ought to use it on The Apprentice, even if it’s more likely to be run by hotels and taxi firms.
That metal gazebo on the back makes no sense, until you haul open the massive tailgate. Therein lies 875 litres of space, enough for the luggage of all occupants as well. Oh, and with a 2500kg towing limit, the caravan behind will also be up to the job.
And does the Rodius go like stink?
A 2.7-litre five-pot turbodiesel from the old Merc E 270 CDI produces 165bhp to haul it along. Relatively vibe-free, if you don’t ask too much from it, speed isn’t in abundance, but 350lb ft of torque spread between 1800-3250rpm helps it never bog down. Shouldn’t challenge the rear wheels, but a 4WD version is available if you’re worried. The sloppy manual gearbox isn’t great but Mercedes licenses Ssangyong a five-speed auto.
Click 'Next' to find out if the Rodius's interior has had a brush with the ugly stick
Add your comment
Sign in You must be signed in to submit a comment.
Ssangyong Rodius 270 S (2008) CAR review
Subject
Your comment
By submitting your comment, you agree to adhere to the CAR Magazine website Terms and Conditions
Cancel
You must be logged in to subscribe to a topic
Login or register now
resis says
RE: Ssangyong Rodius 270 S CAR review
Whoops what an idiot - meant to put my last comment somewhere else! This is one ugly car! Gimme an X5/X6 quick! D'oh!
16 June 2008 11:01
If I wanted to tow stuff/go off road a bit, I'd have one of these over, say, an X5 or X6 or M class any day - looks better and I could invest the vast pile of cash I'd saved in my kids' trust accounts! Smug doesn't even come close lol!......
16 June 2008 10:58
infradig says
Since 1976 CAR has been a bad influence on me,when my mates were buying Escorts and Capris in the early eighties I was the one waiting for the RAC next to a Renault 17 Gordini or rusty old Lancia Beta. Over the years I've got stronger and as CAR has become more 'lifestyle' it's sway over me has got weaker- till today! I'm about to replace my wifes Seat Alhambra with a used Grand Voyager, now I'm thinking warranty,Merc engineering and ironic ugliness! HELP
13 June 2008 14:22
thepommie says
My boss runs one here in Australia & raves about it. Has the capacity of a large SUV but without the running costs. Interesting to read what other posters have said about reliability. If Ssangyong can fix the styling you'd have to question the logic of people buying large SUVs for urban use. I don't like authors commenting on styling -- beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I liked the original Multipla but I'm afraid this is too ugly for my tastes. However, I can't argue with the value for money being offered here.
13 June 2008 03:48
Padrino says
This is the last of a set of various features dedicated to the Rodius. What I think??? I think that you have a guilty pleasure with it. If it's so bad, STOP talking about it!!!!
13 June 2008 00:26
Upload stories, photos or videos direct to the site, or email newsdesk@carmagazine.co.uk.
Alternatively, call 01733 468 485 (+ 44 1733 468 485)
Seen a secret new car, fabulous exotic or have news we should publish? Then get in touch now.
