Star seven seater

HE seven-seat SsangYong Rodius may be rather ugly to most eyes, but at least that means it’s easy to find in the car park and you can laugh at the money others paid for something smaller.

It is the biggest people carrier on the market and, with low secondhand prices, it should appeal to everyone who needs loads of space for a family - or a basketball team.

It could look a bit daunting to drive for some people, but it doesn’t feel too bad from behind the wheel and is reasonably easy to manoeuvre and park.

However, make sure the one you buy has the optional parking sensors to help – or get some fitted straight away.

There were just two engines to choose from – Mercedes’ 162bhp 2.7 five cylinder diesel, as used in Sprinter vans, and a later 2.0-litre diesel with 152bhp.

Both offer fair performance and good low speed urge, so they suit the Rodius well. But they are a little noisier than most on the road.

They came with either five-speed manual or automatic gearbox and both work reasonably well.

Acceleration is fair for such a big vehicle but threading it through tightly parked city streets can be nerve-racking.

Comfort is good – better with a load up than with just one like many such vehicles – but unlike them, it can carry seven passengers and all of their luggage with ease.

After 2009 they came with a five year/250,000 mile warranty, which helps give real peace of mind to subsequent owners.

Seating layout is 2-2-3, so access into the rearmost seats is easier than in most. In the Korean market, it is built to seat 11, which is why there is so much space.

Equipment in the cheapest ‘S’ models includes an alarm, CD player, climate, electric mirrors, parking sensors, all electric windows and remote locking.

Top EX gets heated leather seats with electric adjust for the driver, cruise, alloys, audio remote and traction control.