SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013) Review

SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013) At A Glance

2/5

+Curious but commodious seven-seater with an enormous luggage area, reasonable enough to drive, cheap to buy with 250,000 mile taxi warranty.

-Even its own mother would call it ugly, poor quality interior finish.

Insurance Group 27
On average it achieves 96% of the official MPG figure

Its looks alone demote it to two stars. But for a family of five or more, the Ssangyong Rodius is a surprisingly sensible proposition. It seats seven in comfort with room for all of their luggage. And prices start at just £15,000.

Don't expect low CO2 tax. Don't expect outstanding economy. But do expect the most metal you can buy in the shape of a new motor for (from) just £15,000.

Car seat chooser

Child seats that fit a SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Real MPG average for a SsangYong Rodius (2005 – 2013)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

96%

Real MPG

24–30 mpg

MPGs submitted

8

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What car can fit 3 child seats, plus reasonable boot space, for £6000?

"My son is looking to swap his 2011 Peugeot 508 SW for an old Volvo XC90 to accommodate a growing family. He wants to be able to fit 3 child seats in the back and still have room for luggage on long trips. Economy is important so petrol engines are out. The budget is about £6000 but I'm worried about expensive servicing and repairs on something like the XC90. He has struggled to find a clean Ford Galaxy in his price range and says the boot is too small when all the seats are up. Can you recommend some alternatives?"
A £6000 XC90 is likely to be an expensive mechanical nightmare. What might work is a Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life. I've been in the rearmost seat of one 7-up with luggage and it was fine. If he wants big and cheap, maybe a Hyundai i800, a KIA Sedona or a Ssangyong Rodius. These three are not recommendations, though.
Answered by Honest John

Which small runabout with seven seats?

"With three young grandchildren my beloved BMW 3-Series convertible is becoming less practical. I am reluctant to part with it and so I am considering a used inexpensive runabout with seven seats for when we need to transport the little members of the family. I read somewhere that both Citroen and Peugeot produce a van-type vehicle with windows and extra seats but I have been unable to find any details."
Here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/peugeot/expert-tepee-2007/ and: honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/citroen/dispatch-2007/ There's also these: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/renault/renault-trafic-phase-iii-2010-road-test// ; honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/hyundai/i800-2008/ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ssangyong/rodius-2005/ A cheap way out is an ex-Addison Lee Ford Galaxy diesel automatic, from around £6500 for a 110,000 miler. Addison Lee services them and changes the oil every 5000 miles: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ford/galaxy-2006/
Answered by Honest John

Which seven-seater MPV should I buy?

"My daughter is planning to replace her Chrysler Voyager with a similar seven-seater vehicle. She has looked at the Volkswagen Sharan but thinks it's a bit pricey. "
The SEAT Alhambra is exactly the same vehicle but is a little cheaper because of the lower status badge. A Ford Galaxy is generally excellent, but is slightly smaller. The cheaper alternatives include the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life, but she might think that looks too much like a van, or the van based eight-seater Hyundai i800. Or the Ssangyong Rodius which doesn’t look like anything else on this earth.
Answered by Honest John

What large MPV would you recommend?

"I currently have a 2003 Volkswagen Sharan 130 diesel. Bought from a year old it has been through 3 DMF's yet has only just reached 98k. I am looking to replace it and would need another larger MPV. I would like to avoid anything with a DMF and I thought buying an automatic would be the answer to this, but now believe this is not the case? I would still prefer an auto but this is not essential. Petrol is an option if it gives a reasonable performance with a load up. It goes without saying I want it to be reliable! I have about 20k to spend and would consider new / second hand and maybe extended warranty etc. I did like the Citroen Grand Picasso diesel except for the reasons above. I keep cars for at least 8-9 years, so I know Diesel filters would be a cost to be mindful of."
Torque converter autos don't need DMFs. Twin clutch automatics such as DSGs and Powershifts do. A 2.0 litre Grand Picasso auto is a torque converter auto. If you want really big, the oddball choice is a Ssangyong Rodius, from £15k new. I drove one yesterday for the first time. Not a wonderful experience, but better than a KIA Sedona, torque converter auto, and owners love them: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/ssangyong/rodius-2005/
Answered by Honest John
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