Ssangyong Rodius
The Ssangyong Rodius is just a whopper of a people carrier that’s one of the biggest out there. Hugely imposing to look at, it’s large enough inside to be split up by post codes and is actually supremely good value for money. Size does matter, and this car proves it with ease.
Released in 2004, it’s available with 7, 9 or 11 seats which can be configured in a whole host of different ways. If transporting people in comfort is your main aim, the Rodius is the best tool for the job. Equipped with some Mercedes engines, in the shape of a 3.2 litre petrol and a 2.7 litre commonrail diesel, it’s got some punching power under the hood; the fact it weighs more than the Titanic does limit the speed somewhat.
On the design front, it’s one of those cars you either love or hate. Indeed there are plenty of points to support either argument, but on the whole there’s no disagreeing with the fact it’ll dwarf anything else on the road and scare it away. Despite being manufactured by a South Korean company, there is something distinctly Italian about it. The interior is akin to a jumbo jet in terms of how many people can get in there, but doesn’t have quite the same build quality. It is comfortable though, and there’s a load of kit. At more than 5 meters long, there are more seating arrangements than you can shake a stick at, including (weirdly) a double bed format. 875 litres of boot space should be enough shouldn’t it?
Despite its size, you won’t have to request permission from air traffic control to take off. It’s actually quite straightforward and easy to control, although it will take a bit of getting used to. Some nicely responsive steering means the driver is always in control, and the ride is nice and soft. Parking or negotiating city streets might be an issue though, so switching off is never an option. The engines are actually rather good, and get it up to speed quite quickly without being overly thirsty.
Buying this car second hand is the best way to get your hands on it because you’ll be able to take the value for money nature to a whole different level. Motors.co.uk is one of the best sources of pre owned cars for sale in the UK, and impressive price reductions coupled with superb quality mean a bargain is never too far away. A used Ssangyong Rodius will do you proud.
Plainly then, if you’re in the market for something astronomical in proportion that’ll carry up to 11 in absolute comfort, the Ssangyong Rodius is definitely the car for you. One of the biggest MPVs around, it’s akin to an oversized RV, but without the shower. Impressive all around, it packs a punch in the practicality department, and won’t destroy your bank account. Beastly, bold and brilliant.