Ssangyong RODIUS

Overview

Winner of the 2014 Car of the Year – Best MPV Design award by Grand Prix, Rodius is a grand spacious car quite suitable for big families and for those who love to go on a vacation often. Other than being spacious, it has a futuristic design and advanced features which are additional reasons for the buyers to like the car. Running on its second generation, the MPV has 7-11 seating configurations and an Automatic transmission sourced by the Mercedes-Benz. The MPV offers a 2.0 litre diesel engine in the country which churns out a maximum power of 155 PS in between 3400-4000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 360 Nm in between 1500-2800 rpm. If we consider the fuel economy of the MPV, it delivers a fine combined mileage of 12.8 kmpl which is a decent figure along with that power output and torque. Not just the inside space but the outside design of the MPV is also very dynamic and elegant. The chrome finished triple line- design radiator grille with the brand's emblem, broad projector headlamps with light guide, and the distinct single-chrome bar on the front bumper gives a splendid finish to the car's front. From the sides a strongly visible character line running above the door handles and a curvy one over the fenders give a very distinct design to the sides. Whereas from the rear, the pointed edged tail lamps, broad tail gate and wide tail gate mirror give an SUV like stance to the MPV. Interior wise, the MPV has lavish leather finish over the power steering wheel and the gearshift knob along with chrome finishes on the gearbox and inner door handles. Seating is the best among all other interior features of the MPV with foldable rear rows into a 60:40 split and lay flat adjustment feature for extra comfort while long journeys. Storage spaces are encased in a large number in the MPV like cupholders in each row, storage centre console box and impressive seat back tables along with a huge cargo space. Talking about the safety part, the major features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Front Airbags, Door mounted side protection beams, Front fog lamps, Rear obstacle warning system with 3-stage alarm, and Optional Reverse Parking Sensors.

Mileage and Fuel economy

A fine combined mileage of 12.8 kmpl is delivered by the 5-speed e-tronic Automatic transmission sourced by the Mercedes-Benz. The powerful 2.0 litre diesel engine with a firm power delivery possesses a suitable fuel economy for the MPV.

Power

SsangYong Rodius offers a SV200 Turbo Charged 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder diesel engine in the country which churns out a maximum power of 155 PS in between 3400-4000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 360 Nm in between 1500-2800 rpm. With this power delivery the MPV proves to be a huge success and one of its kind in the list of 3-row MPVs of the country.

Acceleration & Pickup

The acceleration sprint time to reach the 100 kmph mark from a halt is less than 15 seconds for this huge sized MPV with a top speed of 181 kmph.

Exterior

A sporty aerodynamic appearance is possessed by the MPV with a futuristic front design having a chrome finished triple line- design radiator grille with the brand's emblem, broad projection headlamps with light guide, and the distinct single-chrome bar on the front bumper. The black roof rails and Mudflaps give it a tough look. Also the side profile has a distinct design with strongly sculpted character lines running above the body colored door handles and a curvy one over the fenders. Chrome furnished side moldings, body colored power side mirrors with LED indicators and side repeater indicators blending seamlessly with the character line enhance the simple look to an artistic one. Whereas from the rear, the pointed edged tail lamps, the sporty rear spoiler with LED high-mounted stop lamp, broad tail gate and wide tail gate mirror give an SUV like stance to the MPV.

Exterior Measurements

Huge in size, the MPV stands at 5130mm x 1915mm x 1850mm (L x W x H) dimensions and carries a Wheelbase of 3000mm which clearly tells us about the large legroom space possessed by the MPV no matter how many seats it is equipped with.

Interior

Rodius has a lavishing cabin space with options of single and dual tone combinations with metallic and wooden grains, leather finished power steering wheel and gearshift knob along with chrome finishes on the gearbox and inner door handles. Seating is not only comfortable with Woven upholstery and adjustments like foldable rear rows but also options of 7 and 9 seating space is available in the country. Stainless steel door scuff plate gives an impressive look as and when the car doors are opened. Supervision Clusters with high brightness LED backlight refines the drivers readability and enhances its vision. All in all, the spacious interiors are equally dashing to sit into and experience luxury.

Interior Comfort

Undoubtedly, the MPV is highly comforting and spacious. It is offered with 7-9 seating space variants in the country with all the rear rows encased with foldable seats. The 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded into a 60:40 split and also have the lay flat adjustment feature for extra comfort while long journeys. The 3rd row can be removed as well for meeting extra cargo space requirement in the 7 seating variant. The 2nd row seats can even be used as tables when folded and they also have seat back tables which can be used when they are not folded. Driver seat can be adjusted in 8 different ways and the power steering wheel has audio and bluetooth controls mounted for enhanced comfort and ease. Features like Solar controlled windscreen glass and front side windows, Privacy glass for the rear side windows and tailgate glass with auto heating technology, and seat belt adjustments are the advanced features, comforting for the occupants. The dual manual air conditioning system with Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, air quality controls and air filters with rear AC vents on the ceiling provide a fresh and soothing atmosphere inside the car, no matter how harsh the climate is outside. Storage spaces like cupholders in each row and pop-up ones in the front, storage centre console box and seat back pockets are also available in a good count.

Interior Measurements

A huge cargo space of 870-litres is immensely impressive and can easily fit big luggage inside. However, when the 3rd row seats are removed and the 2nd row folded, the cargo space becomes 3,043 litres, quite suitable to store heavy and big material.

Engine and Performance

The MPV offers a SV200 Turbo Charged 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder diesel engine in the country which churns out a maximum power of 155 PS in between 3400-4000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 360 Nm in between 1500-2800 rpm. Also, a decent combined mileage of 12.8 kmpl is delivered by the 5 speed e-tronic automatic transmission, thanks to the Mercedes-Benz for making it. Overall performance considering the huge size, can seem impressive to many.

Stereo and Accessories

A basic 2 DIN Audio unit with MP3, CD player, USB and Aux-in supports is encased in the car with Bluetooth compatibility. Audio controls mounted on the steering wheel gives comfort to the driver and set of 6 speakers entertain the passengers.

Wheels

Alloy wheels of 16 inches with tyre size 225/65 R16 and optional 17 inch with Diamond Cut design are offered with the MPV giving a sporty look to the car and smooth ride experience to the occupants.

Braking and Handling

All-wheel Ventilated Disc brakes accompanied by Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) are equipped in the MPV for handling and controlling it. Not much advanced braking features are available even in options.

Safety and Security

Decent safety features are possessed by the MPV like Front Airbags and Door mounted side protection beams for safety from collisions, Front and rear fog lamps for better vision in harsh weather, Electrochromatic rear view mirror for a comfortable night drive, and Remote Keyless entry system with an anti-theft alarm and an immobilizer. Additionally, Childproof safety door lock system, Child restraint anchorage points, Rear obstacle warning system with 3-stage alarm, and Optional Reverse Parking Sensors provide a secure feeling to the buyers about the Rodius.

Pros

Huge seating capacity
Elegant design
Powerful engine and performance

Cons

Lacks engine options
Lacks advanced braking features
Very basic audio unit