SsangYong Rodius Review
Published: 25th September 2005
SsangYong Rodius
Safety and Security 
The SsangYong Rodius SV 270 S is equipped with the following safety and security equipment as standard:
ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), ESP (electronic stability program) , dual airbags, disc brakes on all 4 wheels, 3-point seatbelts, high mounted stop lamp, thatcham alarm with Immobiliser and speed sensing door locks.
In addition to the S specification the SE model is equipped with front side airbags as standard and we would like to see this as standard across the range.
Comfort and Refinement
The SsangYong Rodius is certainly a comfortable place to be, firstly there is the commanding view of the road ahead. Then there are the large and supportive fabric covered seats. The driver's seat is adjustable for height as is the leather wrapped steering wheel enabling you to find the optimum driving position.
Leg room is excellent for all three rows of seats and head room is superb right the way through.
All Rodius’ feature powered folding exterior mirrors, ideal if you have got the headroom in your garage but not the width, or when fitting through tight gaps.
The standard electronically controlled air conditioning worked well and was especially welcome with such a large expanse of glass. Rear passengers have their own vents for improved air circulation.
The level of refinement is high and includes front & rear electric windows, front fog lights, remote central locking and in-dash flower holder.
How It Looks - Exterior
It would be easy to describe the SsangYong Rodius as hideous and indeed some people have. In defence of the Rodius' designer Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London it is difficult to design an MPV which can accommodate nine people as the Rodius does in other markets. In the UK the seven seat model is on sale and although the rear 'dormer' style window might look strange it does allow for superb 3rd row head room.
After a week with the Rodius we actually grew to like its styling but felt it was let down by the ungainly front grille and the miniscule 16” alloy wheels which failed to fill the wheel arches.
