Ssangyong Rodius

The large dimensions and size of the Ssangyong Rodius clearly reflect its good effects on the inside, as the cabin easily feels one of the most spacious and comfortable in its category. The dashboard’s layout too has been set in such a way that amplifies its width even more.

The most individualistic looking aspect of the cabin of the Rodius is its dashboard – it looks huge and wide, thanks to the big centrally placed instrument console and the broad housing for the touchscreen infotainment system and long and vertical AC vents below the console. The centre console is entirely finished in silver, which makes it look premium, along with silver inserts on the four-spoke steering wheel. However, the quality and fit and finish levels are below par of other vehicles.

The Ssangyong Rodius does vow one with the humongous space levels in all the three rows. While the captain seats in first and second row provide great comfort, the third row has enough space to seat three passengers with utmost ease. And even after all the three rows up, the boot space is really commendable.

While the Ssangyong Rodius is actually a MUV, the boxy and old school rugged design gives it a stance of an SUV. Also, while the new generation model is a huge departure from the hideous looking previous generation model, it still doesn’t have the look and charm of a current-generation vehicle.

The stretched type front fascia of the Ssangyong Rodius gives it a bold appeal, with a long and horizontal black grille with chrome accents. In addition, the angular headlamps with projector units and daytime running LEDs add a touch of modernity to the frontal look.

While the front fascia is pure SUV like, it is the side profile which actually is a mix of design elements of both SUV and MUV. The stretched and long wheelbase gives it a stance of MUV, while the heightened stance, roof rails, and large windows are the traditional traits of an SUV.

However, the design feels bland with no typical character lines on the door panels and comparatively small alloy wheels. At the rear too, the Ssangyong Rodius has a sort of simplicity in its design, with normal looking trapezoidal tail lamps and a large rear windshield making it look quite big from back.

For a large seven-seater vehicle which is meant to carry people with ease and comfort, the Ssangyong Rodius has a supple low-speed ride quality. Even at higher speeds, the suspension feels pliant and silent, however, the too soft setup of steering doesn’t inspire much confidence in quick maneuvers.

For the Philippines market, Ssangyong has chosen the powerful 2.2- litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which here produces a maximum power output of 178 PS and torque output of 400 Nm. In the front-wheel-drive guise, the engine is available with both the options of 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic gearboxes. However, the range-topping four-wheel-drive variant is offered with only the 7-speed automatic transmission.

This large SUV from Ssangyong is packed with safety essentials namely front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, brake assist, active rollover protection, front and rear parking sensors and camera and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Ssangyong Rodius has a size and exterior dynamics of an SUV, while on the inside, it has all the qualities required for a good MUV, thus making it the best of both the worlds. It is not as fine as other Japanese or European MUVs in terms of fit and finish and overall quality levels. However, the Rodius impresses with its imposing stance and a big car feel on the inside and on the move, which tries to justify its asking price very well.