Seven-seat, four-wheel-drive MPVs are few and far between. But if that’s the niche you are shopping in, the SsangYong Rodius EX is remarkably cheap.
Just £21,995 buys you a car with acres of space for seven, and lots of luggage room even with every seat occupied. So far, so good.
It tows pretty well, too. In the lane-change test the car was dragged out of line on high-speed runs, but never felt like it was about to be overwhelmed completely. At motorway speeds there was a reassuring sense of bulk, and only slight steering corrections were needed to counteract strong side winds.
The latest Rodius has the same engine as the Korando Sports pick-up, and it’s much more economical than the diesel it replaces. You can expect 36.2mpg on the combined cycle, according to the official figures.
The trouble is, too many of the old Rodius flaws remain. The interior finish is poor and safety kit is limited compared with those of more modern MPVs. Ride comfort leaves a lot to be desired, and poor resale values mean the Rodius isn’t quite the bargain it first appears.
