2013 SsangYong Rodius is No Longer the World's Ugliest Car... Maybe

11 years, 8 months ago - 8 March 2013, Autoblog

Up until now, the SsangYong Rodius crossover handily held the title as being the World's Ugliest Car. And while this new model could very well still wear that crown, the "dynamically strong and distinctive look" is a huge step forward from, well, this.

SsangYong's new Rodius will be competitive at best amongst the large European crossover competition, offering a 2.0-liter diesel inline-four with 153 horsepower, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard (burnouts!) and all-wheel drive is optional. SsangYong has reportedly invested quite a bit of money into its new Rodius, and says the result is a utility vehicle with "executive saloon style ride quality."

Inside, there aren't any amazing or unique features to be had, just the usual assortment of modern conveniences like power/heated leather seats, a heated windshield, Bluetooth and more. The homely brute will go on sale in Europe and other foreign markets later this year. Scroll down for the official press blast as two videos – one advertisement showing the Korando Turismo (the Rodius' name in other markets) as a "rugged basecamp" and the other stock b-roll footage where you can witness all the ugliness in motion.