The developers of the SsangYong Rodius position this minivan as an ideal assistant for work at the airport. We decided to test this claim in practice by heading to the runway of Domodedovo Airport.
2004 SsangYong Rodius
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Usually, the word "minivan" for most drivers is associated with a practical family car that comfortably seats five passengers, and if necessary, can be arranged for seven seats. Such a vehicle can be driven with a category B license.
However, the SsangYong Rodius breaks these stereotypes. In terms of its dimensions, this seven-seater is comparable to a passenger Gazelle. Therefore, getting behind the wheel of such a giant without experience driving large vehicles is initially scary. The appearance of the new model evokes mixed feelings, but at the same time, it exudes style. The exterior design allows you to unmistakably identify this massive minivan as a SsangYong. It must be admitted that brand recognition is a valuable asset. Despite its controversial appearance, the Rodius looks quite organic against the backdrop of airplanes and the glass walls of the airport terminal complex.
2004 SsangYong Rodius
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Sitting in the driver's seat, you involuntarily draw parallels with a passenger airliner. The front panel is simply littered with buttons, displays, and instruments. Above the driver's head are a lighting control unit, a sunglasses holder, and a clock, which complement this aviation atmosphere. The feeling is enhanced if you look back: the cabin stretches into the distance, with three rows of seats, and on the ceiling are individual reading lights and ventilation deflectors with regulators.
There are practically no complaints about the ergonomics of the driver's seat. The central placement of the main instruments has already become familiar for modern cars. The only remark: in bright sunny weather, the white numbers on a light gray background are hard to read. At night, it is difficult to find fault with the informativeness of the instruments. Only a headlight-on indicator is missing.
In terms of the number of various devices and possibilities for transforming the cabin, the Rodius can compete with the best classmates. For the driver and front passenger, there is a huge box in which you can install a CD changer. Above this box is another container for small items. Special attention deserves the original cup holders that transform into a holder for a pack of cigarettes. You can also install a cup-ashtray with its own light bulb and light sensor. Under the pseudo-aluminum trim on the front panel are convenient plastic cases for CDs and a pull-out drawer lined with velvet. To the left of the driver, there is a slot for storing plastic access cards.
2004 SsangYong Rodius
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
Now let's talk about cabin transformation. The two rear rows of seats move along rails in a fairly wide range. Both seats of the middle row can be turned 180 degrees. If you fold their backrests, they turn into convenient tables. The seats can also be moved forward and folded, and if necessary, completely removed. By the way, there is enough space in the cabin even for eleven people, and such versions are sold in Korea. True, minivans are supplied to our market exclusively in seven-seat configuration.
SsangYong engineers also pleased with an illuminated ignition key, heated windshield in the wiper area, and windshield washers on the wipers. On the front panel, there was even a place for a small vase for a flower.
Such a solution was first offered to buyers of the new Beetle. Care that cannot but touch.
The chassis is based on Mercedes-Benz units. Under the hood is the famous 5-cylinder diesel engine with a volume of 2.7 liters XDi, which was used on the M-class. The automatic transmission is borrowed from the S-class W140, and the suspension uses elements from the reliable W124.
On the move, the Rodius leaves pleasant impressions. The soft and comfortable suspension, despite good ride smoothness, does not suffer from excessive roll. Of road defects, only large potholes can be a concern. The steering wheel from the Rexton, tilted forward, seems to hint to the driver that he is driving a small bus. And the steering reactions correspond to the dimensions: the wheel makes four turns from lock to lock, but it is quite informative.
The time-tested Mercedes diesel still pleases. It pulls confidently at low revs. If you rev the engine to the limiter, a strained roar comes from under the hood. Diesel! Therefore, you want to drive calmly and measuredly, which the automatic also encourages. Shifts are smooth, without jerks, and quite predictable. The gearbox transitions to kick-down mode leisurely, once again reminding that this car is not for racing.
The gearbox has a winter mode, when engaged, the car starts from second gear, eliminating wheel spin. Additionally, you can engage the center differential lock with a low range. In normal mode, the car is rear-wheel drive. The Torque on Demand all-wheel drive system transfers 95% of the torque to the rear axle. If necessary, up to 44% is supplied to the front wheels, and up to 30% in corners.
The Rodius is suitable not only for work at the airport but also will quite cope with the role of a family minivan for long trips or short outings out of town. The main thing is to remember the weak geometric cross-country ability. All-wheel drive here serves only to help on slippery roads, nothing more.
The price for the simplest Rodius from dealers starts at $35,990. For this money, the buyer gets a car with a diesel engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. The basic equipment includes two airbags, ABS, power steering, electric windows, dual-zone climate control, and a CD player. The all-wheel-drive version with a 3.2 engine and automatic transmission will cost six thousand more.
Technical characteristics of SsangYong Rodius
Body – station wagon
Number of seats – 7
Curb weight, kg – 2244
Gross weight, kg – 2850
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm – 5125/1915/1845
Wheelbase, mm – 3000
Trunk volume, l – 893/3322
Maximum speed, km/h – 174
Control fuel consumption, l/100 km:
- city cycle – 12.5
- suburban – 8.4
- combined – 9.9
Fuel tank volume, l – 80
Engine:
- type – 5-cylinder, diesel, turbocharged
- displacement, cm3 – 2696
- power, hp at rpm – 165/4000
- torque, Nm at rpm – 342/1800–3250
Transmission – 5-speed automatic, pluggable all-wheel drive with low range and differential lock
Tire size – 235/70R16
Wheel suspension (front/rear) – independent
Brakes:
- front – disc, ventilated
- rear – disc
Steering – rack and pinion with power assist
Price, $ – 35,990–41,990.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Excellent ergonomics, ride smoothness.
– Rear visibility, design.
© 5 Koleso