SsangYong Rodius test, equipment, price and conclusions

At this point, and after making an exhaustive cabin analysis of the SsangYong Rodius and get behind the wheel to check your dynamic qualitiesIt is time to analyze the range of this great minivan and see what mechanical options exist and at what price. The Rodius stands out for offering an access price close to 23.000 euros in its most basic finish. There is no other vehicle on the market with similar characteristics for this price.

It is a model that offers seven real seats with a great habitability and a trunk to match, capable of carrying the luggage of seven passengers. It also turns out to be a model with a lot of equipment as it goes up in finish, always maintaining a good value for money. It is one of those cars that are always bought out of necessity and the truth is that after testing them for several days it is a model that more than meets expectations.

Nobody gives hard four pesetas

The interior is spacious to transport people and luggage, and it can also be configured in various ways, since the rear rows can be folded down or removed from the vehicle. They are also longitudinally movable. we found a particularly comfortable second row of seats with two individual seats and some comfort elements such as the ventilation outlets for the rear seats with independent regulation of the air flow and a DVD player integrated into the roof. On the other hand, it would be nice to have more storage compartments, because the truth is that in the rear seats they are very scarce. In terms of quality of finishes, it is also a well-finished model for its price level and with a dashboard with the upper part entirely made of soft plastic.

The dynamics of the SsangYong Rodius is focused solely on comfort. The set-up and nature of the vehicle (weight and dimensions) do not invite to circulate quickly or dynamic. We already said that the suspensions allow the bodywork to sway and that the steering was very geared down and was not very communicative. The gear change has very long routes. All these elements make us take the driving of the Rodius in a more relaxed way and the truth is that although in a sports car it would be disastrous, they are common elements in the models of this segment, and that without forgetting that the Rodius is the cheapest of the market and that does not have, for example, the same tuning of a Lancia Voyager, notably more expensive.

The SsangYong Rodius is offered in three trim levels. The most basic, which has no name, Premium and Limited. The tested unit corresponds to the finish Premium, which is the most balanced and the one that will take the most sales by equipping everything you need. It represents an extra cost of just over 3.000 euros on the most basic, but the extra equipment is considerable. The Premium finish is a plus of 1.300 euros on the Limited, but the additional elements are superfluous. As we mentioned in the previous part of the test, cruise control is only standard on automatic models, but it can be installed on manuals as aftermarket accessories.

The Premium finish is especially interesting because it incorporates behind the steering wheel a digital dashboard with speedometer and on-board computer, which means that we do not have to look away from the central dashboard. In addition, the tinted windows provide privacy to the trunk, which cannot be hidden, and the parking camera is very useful when parking. The automatic climate control improves comfort and passengers in the rear seats enjoy a DVD. The basic model is too poor and all that the Premium brings is functional.

Digital panel, with speedometer and trip computer

The mechanical range is limited and it all comes down to choosing the automatic transmission or the all-wheel drive. In any case the motor will always be the 2.0 liter diesel eXdi 155CV, which in all finishes is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Premium and Limited finishes offer a five-speed automatic transmission of Mercedes origin, of which you can read impressions of when we tried it in the presentation. The Limited finish also offers an automatic variant with connectable and reducing all-wheel drive.

The AWD is the most expensive model by far and the one that consumes the most, although it is the most suitable for those who live in mountainous areas or with a complicated climate due to the extra security it provides. In my case, I would always choose a manual model, unless I need the AWD or the automatic due to some type of disability. With a manual transmission, it is not only cheaper and spends less, but the performance is better, because the automatic transmission does not stand out for its speed neither in the kick-down nor in the gear changes. In addition, sequential handling is somewhat cumbersome. In favor is the extra comfort it provides, for example, in urban traffic.

In short, this is a model focused on a very specific audience, with an adjusted price and one of the best quality-price ratios on the market. There is no other option on the market that offers so much space for so little money, although it is true that technologically it is not the most advanced. Nobody gives hard four pesetas.

Equipment of the SsangYong Rodius

SsangYong Rodius

Air Conditioning
Four electric windows
Radio CD MP3 with Bluetooth and USB
Three 12V sockets
225/65 R16 tires with sheet metal rims
Power folding heated mirrors
Daytime running lights
Front and rear fog lights
four airbags
ESP+ABS
Isofix anchorages in central seats
Puncture repair kit
seven seater

SsangYong Rodius Premium (add to previous)

Automatic climate control
Leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather gear knob
DVD for rear seats
Digital instrument panel with trip computer
Navigator with parking camera and AUX socket
16″ alloy wheels
roof rails
Tinted windows
Spare wheel
Cruise control (automatic models)

SsangYong Rodius Limited (add to previous)

Leather upholstery
heated front seats
heated steering wheel
17″ alloy wheels
Sunroof

SsangYong Rodius Price

SsangYong Rodius registered as tourism:

Rodius: 25.280 euros
Rodius Premium: 28.400 euros
Rodius Premium AT: 30.900 euros
Rodius Limited: €30.400
Rodius Limited AT: 32.900 euros
Rodius Limited AT AWD: 35.900 euros

SsangYong Rodius registered as mixed-adaptable:

Rodius: 23.395 euros
Rodius Premium: 26.282 euros
Rodius Premium AT: 27.543 euros
Rodius Limited: €28.133
Rodius Limited AT: 29.325 euros
Rodius Limited AT AWD: 31.999 euros

Prices include taxes and promotional discounts, although not the PIVE Plan and assistance for large families. Registering the SsangYong Rodius as an adaptable mixed has advantages in price, although the speed limits that apply to it are not the same as for passenger cars and they pass the ITV more frequently, so it is important to consider whether or not it really pays to buy it as such.

You can find more information about the SsangYong Rodius 200 eXdi Premium in the part of exterior and interior design and in the dynamic analysis vehicle.