The new SsangYong Turismo MPV hits the UK showrooms boasting more liters per pound than all of its rival. It needs to offer good value, because a lot of people are still horrified when they remember the looks of this car’s predecessor, the awful Rodius. They changed the name of the car to try and erase those memories, but to no avail.

The new model, at least in comparison, looks alright. It is still fairly terrible, but not horrifyingly so. In terms of practicality, it can carry seven adults and 875 litres of luggage. Or, if you fiddle with the seats, two adults and 3,146 litres of luggage.

There is only one engine to choose from: SsangYong’s own 2.0 litre turbo charged e-XDi200 diesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic automatic transmission. It makes 155PS and maximum torque of 360Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels, unless you get the EX models which comes with four-wheel-drive.

As for the standard kit, the Turismo comes with air conditioning, electrically operated & heated door mirrors, a leather covered steering wheel and gear knob, and an MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity. Es models add leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and rear parking sensors, and the range-topping EX adds to that a heated lower windscreen, rain-sensing wipers, and eco cruise control.

Turismo range prices