Bunch of fives from SsangYong

Jul 6 2009 Peter Hayward

THE big news from Korean maker SsangYong at the moment is a five year warranty with five years free servicing and zero finance over the same long period.

That makes buying the big Rodius people carrier I drove recently very easy indeed and it is also fantastic value.

The 2.7 S costs just £15,000 - and that for a car that can take seven adults and their luggage with no problem.

It's powered by a 2.7 five cylinder turbo diesel engine, which is a little clattery when cold but smooth and quiet enough once warm. It pulls easily from low revs and offers up decent acceleration with fair economy.

I found the odd looks grew on me and they certainly make it stand out from the crowd.

The five speed gearbox has a decent change - it's also available with an automatic - and the clutch is light, but the foot operated parking brake is a pain.

It is comfortable over most surfaces and even holds the road much better than you might imagine for something so big.

Interior

The Rodius has an unusual 2-2-3 seating arrangement, with both middle and rear seats sliding and still space for a large boot.

It has a built-in shopping trolley, picnic tables, swivelling captain's seats and climate control with a separate fan for the rear.

FAST FACTS

SsangYong Rodius

Price: £15,000

Mechanical: 162bhp, 2,696cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 105mph

0-62mph: 14.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 32

Insurance group: 12

CO2 emissions: 223g/km

BIK rating: 35%

Warranty: 5yrs/ 50,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Kia Sedona