SsangYong Turismo (2013 – 2018) Review

SsangYong Turismo (2013 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5

+Restyled and reworked Rodius. Looks a lot better than its predecessor. Tremendously spacious. Now with seven-year warranty even for taxis. Vastly improved by 2.2 engine and 7-speed autobox.

-Original 2.0 litre not good to drive, nor very economical nor very clean . Cabin materials not the best.

Insurance Groups are between 27–36
On average it achieves 90% of the official MPG figure

The SsangYong Turismo is, beneath its new exterior styling, a heavily updated version of the Rodius. It may have been cheap but the Rodius was widely regarded as one of the ugliest cars ever produced and while the Turismo won’t win any beauty contests, it’s a huge improvement over its bizarre predecessor.

It’s not just a new name and some new clothes, though – the Turismo has undergone some more fundamental changes, including an improved interior and a simplified engine range. There was originally just one engine: a 155PS 2.0-litre diesel. It’s a bit gruff and it’s both unclean and inefficient by competitor’s standards, but it offers reasonable performance.

This was replaces in late 2013 by a 2.2 litre diesel developing 179PS and 400Nm torque. Better still, the original automatic transmission was replaced by a 7-speed torque converter auto.

The Turismo is fine if driven gently, like a taxi, but ponderous on roundabouts and while the ride is reasonably smooth it’s loud over potholes and the car can wallow through corner taken too quickly. It's relaxed rather than fun to drive. This is all beside the point though, because the Turismo is all about practicality.

And it’s very practical indeed. The cabin has space to accommodate a driver and six adult passengers comfortably and easily, along with all of their luggage. Both the centre and rearmost rows of seats can be moved backwards and forwards or folded to maximise useful space and there are plenty of cubbyholes and useful touches – for a big family or a taxi operator it’s great.

Furthering the no-nonsense appeal is a seven-year warranty (introduced in 2018), a very competitive price and some neat features like all-wheel drive on top models. There’s enough on offer for the Turismo to overcome many of its shortcomings. It’s hardly a fantastic machine, but it’s difficult to argue with the amount of space it offers for relatively little money.  

SsangYong Turismo 2.2 ELX 4WD auto 2016 Road Test

SsangYong Turismo 2.2 Camper Car 2017 Road Test 

Real MPG average for a SsangYong Turismo (2013 – 2018)

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

90%

Real MPG

30–34 mpg

MPGs submitted

13

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

Problems with approved used car, should the dealer handle the repair?

"I purchased a used 67 plate SsangYong Turismo from a main dealer under their 'approved used' scheme. I also purchased their own extended warranty which is on top of the three month one they offer. This warranty can be used at any VAT registered garage. They also offer a 14-day money back guarantee. We collected it from the dealer and within 20 minutes, on the way home, the engine management came on. We immediately informed the sales person that did the handover by email who advised they would sort it. I then tested the four wheel drive performance and found that despite the dash light indicating all was well, there was no drive to the front wheels. Also, the heated seats weren't working. I decided that due to the growing list of problems I'd drop the car off early to give them more time to resolve the issues. They dealer rang me to say that they had the parts on order to sort the heated seats but that they didn't have the expertise to repair the four wheel drive fault which had been confirmed by their mechanic. The service team then advised that I (yes, me) should book the vehicle in to a SsangYong dealer or a 4x4 specialist and to come and collect the vehicle (it drives OK in two wheel drive) I've decided not to collect it and have informed them. I feel, at the very least, they should be managing the repair. Am I being unreasonable in thinking this? "
The dealer should repair the car or give you your money back. Given the list of problems, I would be inclined to reject the car and ask for a full refund as per the 2015 Consumer Rights Act. For your rights, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-consumer-rights/
Answered by Dan Powell

What's the best MPV to replace a Chrysler Grand Voyager?

"I currently have a 2010 Grand Voyager which I'm looking to replace. Now that Chrysler aren't selling in the UK, what would you recommend? I have four kids so need something this size."
The closest match is either a SsangYong Turismo or a Hyundai i800. Then there's the family of Citroen Space Tourer, Peugeot Traveller and Toyota Proace Verso (same thing with different badges, but the Toyota has a five year warranty). After that, it you could look at the Volkswagen Caravelle.
Answered by Honest John

I'd like a small automatic campervan - does such a thing exist?

"I'd like a smallish automatic campervan. What would recommend? I'd prefer it to be quiet over performance."
How small do you want to go? You can get a car-based camper like the SsangYong Turismo Tourist with an automatic gearbox: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-news/new-vans/2017-10/driven-ssangyong-turismo-tourist-camper-car/ Step up from there and you go into medium size vans, with the Ford Wellhouse Terrier 2: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ford/wellhouse-terrier-2-2017/ and the Volkswagen California: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/volkswagen/california-t6-2015/
Answered by Dan Powell

Buying a seven-seater - what would you recommend?

"My daughter has four children, a dog and a husband. What do you suggest she buys to replace her Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life? Priority is reliability, low running and maintenance costs. Value for money is also important. What do you suggest she buys? "
I like the order. You did a good job picking the Caddy Maxi Life in the first place. Worth considering the new one. Another possibility is the Ssangyong Turismo: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/ssangyong/ssangyong-turismo-22-elx-2016-road-test/ The new Citroen Space Tourer is excellent as well, but more expensive: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/citroen/citroen-space-tourer-business-2016-road-test/ (There are equivalent Peugeots and Toyotas; same thing with different badges.)
Answered by Honest John
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