SsangYong
Ssangyong is a Korean brand which has a line-up of 4x4s and MPVs. Known for their distinctive styling, the Rexton, Kyron and Rodius are intended to offer great value for money.
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SsangYong Korando
The Korando is a compact SUV that competes with rivals such as the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. There's a single engine option currently on sale, a 2.0-litre diesel, but two or four-wheel drive is offered. Boot space is generous, but the cabin is let down by cheap plastics, and the Korando isn't as good to drive as its rivals.
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SsangYong Rexton
The Ssangyong Rexton is a full-size four-wheel drive designed to compete with the Land Rover Discovery and Kia Sorento. Its key appeal is that it offers plenty of space to compete with its rivals, but the Rexton is priced like it’s in the class below. The Rexton does offer genuine off-road ability, and while its Mercedes-sourced 2.7-litre engine is slow, dated and noisy, it does offer enough torque if you use the car to tow heavy loads. The interior is fairly spacious, offering space for up to seven people, and equipment is generous, including climate control, electric windows and keyless go. However, the ride is uncomfortable and although the price is low, the running costs and depreciation are huge.
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SsangYong Kyron
The Kyron is Ssangyong’s proper off roader. There is a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive, with the latter actually being pretty impressive off road thanks to its low-ratio gearbox and Hill Decent control. However, on the road the Kyron struggles. There’s a choice of 2.0-litre or 2.7-litre diesel engines, but neither really offers much in the way of performance. The larger engine is best if you intend to use the Kyron for towing heavy loads. The ride and handling fall way behind rivals like the Land Rover Freelander too, with suspension that is too firm. On the inside, there’s plenty of space, including a huge boot, and equipment levels are generous.
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SsangYong Rodius
The Rodius is Ssangyong’s people carrier. The firm claims that the Rodius is intended to blend luxury and sophistication of a saloon, combined with the versatility and spaciousness you’d expect from a large people carrier. On the plus side, the Rodius does offer a decent amount of space, including seven seats, but the interior lacks the flexibility of more modern rivals like the Renault Espace. The interior is made from poor quality materials too. There’s just one engine option, a dated 2.7-litre diesel that’s noisy and struggles to get the heavy Rodius up to speed. The suspension is too firm to be comfortable on longer journeys.
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