After almost three years and an investment of $165 million US, SsangYong will unveil its new Rodius MPV in Europe. This car has been developed to combine multi role flexibility and the ride comfort and appointments of a luxury saloon within an all new shape.
With key features such as its innovative and flexible design layout, luxurious interior and competitive position in the market place, the new Rodius offers a dynamically strong and distinctive look. Sales to European and other export markets will begin later this year.
Design
SsangYong’s designers have gone to great lengths to create a distinctive and innovative look to its new MPV that will please owners and observers alike. The brief was to create a sporting while at the same time luxurious and dignified tone that would blend well with the car’s numerous roles.
Combining strength and fluidity, the front of the car has a robust stance thanks to its hexagonal shaped radiator grille and trapezoidal bumper, and the overall design successfully disguises its large exterior volume.
Interior space
Thanks to its 3,000mm wheelbase, the car provides a huge internal space where seven adults can travel in supreme comfort together with their luggage, and without having to compromise on passenger capacity. There are three rows of seats as well as a large load area which can be further increased by removing the third row completely. The second row of seats can be folded individually and used as tables, and there is still sufficient room to accommodate airline style seat back folding tables.
Powertrain
The Rodius is powered by SsangYong’s own 2.0 litre turbo charged e-XDi200 diesel engine offering a level of performance and NVH that have already been tested, proven and praised in the marketplace.
The e-XDi200 engine offers maximum power of 155ps/4000rpm and maximum torque of 360Nm/1,500-2,800rpm, and is designed to provide low end torque whatever the conditions on or off road.
There’s a choice of 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed T-Tronic Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, ensuring world-class durability, smooth gear-changing performance and quiet operation.
Ride & handling
The new Rodius utilises double wishbone front suspension and rear independent multi-link suspension for executive saloon style ride quality. This set up offers a quiet and comfortable driving environment yet with firm body motion control, a flat ride and optimum stability regardless of the road conditions. The new Rodius features rear wheel drive as standard and is also available with four wheel drive to give added security in bad weather and off road, while low ratio can be selected on the move for additional grip.
Safety
The car features a comprehensive package of active safety features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Active Roll over Protection (ARP) and Brake Assist System (BAS). There are dual front and side air bags, while ISO-Fix and tether anchorage points for child seats are fitted on the second row. Passive safety is further increased thanks to two high strength sub-frames fitted to the front and rear of the car. These help to disperse any impact shocks from a frontal or off set collision and protect passengers by minimising cabin distortion.
Luxury, comfort and convenience
Noted for its comprehensive levels of standard equipment, SsangYong has ensured that this new Rodius delivers a new level of luxury, comfort and convenience. Air conditioning and an Air Quality System to detect and prevent the ingress of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons to maintain air quality, Eco Cruise Control, a heated windscreen to prevent the wipers from freezing and rear parking sensors, all make driving easier. Leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity also feature.
