SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013) Review

SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013) At A Glance

2/5

+Curious but commodious seven-seater with an enormous luggage area, reasonable enough to drive, cheap to buy with 250,000 mile taxi warranty.

-Even its own mother would call it ugly, poor quality interior finish.

Insurance Group 27
On average it achieves 96% of the official MPG figure

Its looks alone demote it to two stars. But for a family of five or more, the Ssangyong Rodius is a surprisingly sensible proposition. It seats seven in comfort with room for all of their luggage. And prices start at just £15,000.

Don't expect low CO2 tax. Don't expect outstanding economy. But do expect the most metal you can buy in the shape of a new motor for (from) just £15,000.

SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 5125 mm
Width 1915–1930 mm
Height 1845 mm
Wheelbase 3000 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 2059–2244 kg
Boot Space 875–3043 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 10000 miles
Costs
List Price £14,995–£21,995
Insurance Groups 27
Road Tax Bands J–L
Official MPG 28.8–37.7 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

On sale until July 2013

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 e-XDi ES 5dr £17,995 37.7 mpg 14.2 s
2.0 e-XDi ES Auto 5dr £19,495 37.2 mpg 15.0 s
2.0 e-XDi EX Auto 5dr £21,995 36.2 mpg 15.0 s
2.0 e-XDi S 5dr £15,995 37.7 mpg 14.2 s

On sale until December 2012

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
270 ES 5dr £17,995 32.1 mpg 14.2 s
270 ES Auto 5dr £19,495 29.1 mpg 15.0 s
270 EX Auto 5dr £21,995 28.8 mpg 15.0 s
270 S 5dr £15,995 32.1 mpg 14.2 s

On sale until November 2010

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
270 EX 5dr Auto £19,995 28.8 mpg 15.0 s

On sale until July 2007

People Carrier
Version List Price MPG 0-62
270 S £14,995 32.1 mpg 13.5 s
270 SE £15,995 32.1 mpg 13.5 s
270 SE Auto £15,995 - -
270 SX Auto £21,595 - -

Model History

May 2005

On sale in UK from early Summer 2005. Huge, strange looking MPV with up to 12 seats in some markets, but only 7 + lots of luggage space in the UK. 5,125mm long by 1,915mm wide by 1,820mm tall, it found a ready market simply because it's big and cheap.

Powered by common-rail 2.7-litre Mercedes based diesel with 163bhp and 342Nm of torque. Five-speed T-tronic Mercedes autobox. All versions feature an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London. Blurb says, "Instead of adopting the normal MPV monospace shape, the Rodius comes with a strong emotional component that will make it a focus of attention wherever it goes." Prices form just £14,995 for S model 7 seater manual. Autos SE only and start at £17,495. Not a bad drive and very good for towing.

February 2008

New Rodius from 2008. For those looking for serious people carrying capacity, SsangYong now offers four Rodius models in 2wd and 4wd – all with the 2.7 litre turbo diesel..and with automatic transmission as an option.

A full seven-seater with ample luggage space, the Rodius 270 S easily undercuts the Kia Sedona and starts at only £14,995. All Rodius models use the 2.7 litre common rail diesel engine with 165PS and massive torque. Even a vehicle this big can achieve up to 35.8mpg.

The 270 S is equipped with ABS, remote keyless entry, speed-sensing door locks, climate control and Kenwood audio system. It is also hugely practical with multiple seat variations and useful extras such as two 12v DC power outlets.

The Rodius 270 ES gains reverse parking sensors, auto headlights, electric folding mirrors, privacy glass, alloy wheels, ESP and leather upholstery for only £2,000 more. The Mercedes T-Tronic transmission is likely to be very popular for an additional £15,000.

Topping the Rodius line-up is the 270 EX Auto with torque-on-demand all-wheel drive providing outstanding traction and stability. It packs a big punch at only £19,995.

Rodius 270 S (2wd) £14,995
Rodius 270 ES (2wd) £16,995
Rodius 270 ES Auto (2wd) £18,495
Rodius 270 EX Auto (4wd) £19,995

May 2008

New three year or 250,000 mile warranty for the ‘hire and reward’ trade on all Rodius seven-seat models. A Rodius could now be driven the equivalent of 10 times around the world, or for three years whichever comes first, with all vital components covered – and the provision of a replacement Rodius should the original car be off the road.

Designed to keep taxis working, the warranty cover includes the engine, transmission, 4wd components (when applicable), wheel bearings, brakes and electronic components such as ABS systems and engine ECUs. Whereas the standard warranty is designed for ‘normal’ motoring with very comprehensive bumper-to-bumper cover, the 250,000 mile hire and reward warranty works for taxi owners by giving them exactly what they need.

June 2008

Costs of owning a SsangYong Kyron, Rexton and Rodius have been slashed with parts prices cut by an average of 40 per cent. And at the same time, menu servicing has been introduced to ensure that costs of ownership remain competitive.