KGM

Turismo

The larger-than-life KGM Turismo offers unbelievable interior space and all the versatility MPV buyers could wish for. There are seven different passenger and load combinations and the vehicle also boasts an attractive asking price.

The good

Practical and very versatile

The bad

Not the most refined on the road, but hey – look at the size of it!

Tech Specs

Price from

£17,995

Combined Fuel up to

37.2mpg

0-62 from

14.2 seconds

max speed up to

108mph

co2 from

199g/km

Test Drive

SsangYong Turismo ES 2.0 diesel Automatic

If it’s the ultimate in seven-seater versatility you want then the larger-than-life SsangYong Turismo could be right up your street.

For this giant of a vehicle, measuring almost 17-feet in length can easily accommodate seven adults, along with all their luggage requirements without even considering introducing a roof box.

The Turismo is a much updated and improved version of SsangYong’s seven-seater Rodius model and features a 2.0-litre diesel powertrain along with plenty of contemporary styling traits.

The 2+2+3 leather seating configuration means back seat passengers can simply walk through the cabin to their seats without having to clamber over second row occupants.

It’s difficult to make a car the size of the Turismo look good but in fairness to SsangYong it certainly has a certain presence about it with its sweeping light clusters, tinted windows, roof rails and 16-inch alloys.

Step inside (literally) and there’s a whole host of technology to be discovered, including a touchscreen sat nav, DAB radio, CD/DVD player with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

There are heated front seats, electric windows, a remote keyless entry system, air conditioning front and rear, eco cruise control and plenty more besides.

I tested out the mid-trim ES model powered by SsangYong’s 2.0-litre turbo-charged diesel engine mated to a Mercedes-Benz automatic gearbox costing £21,495 (£23,258 with options fitted). It can reach from 0-60mph in 14.2 seconds and has a top speed of 108mph.

According to official figures it can deliver combined fuel economy of 36.2mpg with carbon emissions of 205g/km.

Firstly, it’s impossible not to notice just how huge the vehicle is both inside and out.

But that said; the Turismo is actually quite agile to drive. Admittedly, it’s not a vehicle to be thrown into hairpin bends at pace, but the overall handling is really quite refined.

However, the interior is rather let down by the somewhat overwhelming use of hard plastic, but at least it is broken up by the leather upholstery and a few splashes of neat décor here and there.

The other factor that I found somewhat irritating was the unusual positioning of the instrumentation.

All the really important dials and readouts can be found above the centre of the dashboard rather in direct view.

But those minor gripes aside, the Turismo handled really well.

I certainly expected a lot more engine, road surface and wind noise especially when pushed at higher speeds, but any sound is well suppressed.

And also the vehicle felt much smaller to drive than it looks. Some people carriers really handle like load-luggers but that wasn’t the case with the Turismo.

Admittedly, you will need a massive parking space but when it comes to practicality and versatility it is a great car.

SsangYong has kitted out the vehicle with a host of safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme with active rollover protection, numerous airbags and an alarm and immobiliser to keep away any uninvited visitors.

And it’s always worth remembering that SsangYong models come with a five-year limitless mileage warranty included in the very reasonable price-tag.

Visit SsangYong for more details.