'Big in size, big in looks and huge in value' is how the importers (SYUK Cars) describe the new SsangYong Rodius MPV.
Furthermore, says the company, the Rodius '....promises a revolution at the top end of the booming people carrier market'.
The Rodius has been designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London. Instead of adopting the normal MPV monospace shape, the Rodius is said to come with '....a strong emotional component that will make it a focus of attention wherever it goes'. That it will. I suppose it's too late to say don't give up your day job, Ken.
Measuring 5125mm long, 1915mm wide and 1820mm tall, the so-called 'super-MPV' will be powered by a common-rail 2.7-litre diesel with an output of 163bhp and torque of 342Nm. The gearbox is a five-speed Tiptronic-style unit supplied by Mercedes-Benz. All versions will feature an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
"The Rodius represents a striking break with MPV norms while actually taking MPV strengths to an altogether higher level," commented Tom Martin, marketing director, SYUK Cars. "As the ultimate family car, or a corporate people carrier of top class quality and comfort, there is nothing else to touch it for the money."
It is perhaps a little unfortunate that the name Rodius appears to have its root in the Latin word for rust, as in corrode, or erode.
With prices expected to start at under £19,000, the Rodius joins the established Rexton 4x4 in the SsangYong range.
The SsangYong Rodius is sold in the UK by official importers, SYUK Cars Ltd, based in Fleet, Hampshire. SYUK Cars Ltd is part of a consortium that includes Nissan Ireland, Chevrolet Ireland, SsangYong Ireland and The Windsor Motor Group, Ireland's largest retail group. |
