Ssangyong Stavic 2013: Quick Spin

Seven-seat passenger vehicles are on the increase, and the ‘people mover’ moniker has been stretched beyond the realms of reality, to fit many and varied versions.

The Ssangyong Stavic however, remains the mothership guise that all people movers were once based upon. Imposing proportions, a cavernous interior and space for Angelina Jolie and all her kids -- it really is a true-to-form family hauler.

A recent quick-spin in the Stavic revealed a solid performer with an incredibly versatile seating configuration -- and now within a sophisticated design.

It’s available in two models, the entry-level Stavic and the top-spec Stavic SPR that we’ve taken for a spin.

Both models run a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that generates 114kW and 360Nm, and shifts the near two-tonne mass of Ssangyong without protest. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Our Stavic SPR offers a generous list of features including cruise control, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, CD/MP3 player, USB and Auxiliary input and Bluetooth connectivity.

A leather-bound steering wheel, remote keyless entry, leather seats, electric adjust driver’s seat, rain sensing wipers, privacy glass for rear windows, are also standard, as are seat-back tables for second row occupants and stainless steel scuff plates.

The absence of a rear-parking camera is, however, disappointing for a vehicle of this type.

Inside, the Stavic mimics the European style of a pricier seven-seater. A busy but well executed centre stack is clear and easy to navigate -- and a good technology interface that adds to a premium feel. Some minor design defects, such as poor quality carpets and ill-fitting floor mats detract from the otherwise stylish tone of the Stavic.

The rear-wheel-drive Stavic SPR -- measuring 5130mm long with a 3000mm wheelbase -- emerged confident and composed, whether exploring Sydney’s suburban streets or on the freeway.

The torquey 2.0-litre engine delivered a spritely dose of power, while the steering was weighty and engaging -- the exact combination required to protect the Stavic from the bus-like boredom associated with the super-sized family car. It was a truly enjoyable drive.

It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for the entry-level) and has a full-size spare. Suspension consists of double wishbone arrangement in the front and multi-link set-up in the rear -- and its state of tune is such that with a family on board, there’s enough support to diminish roll through the corners without ruining passenger comfort.

The Stavic’s brakes were fit for the job, effortlessly pulling up the family beast, with good feel under foot.

Pleasingly, the exterior has also undergone a serious make-over since its first appearance in 2004, seeing it graduate from ungainly to serious and statuesque.

Its place as a seven-seater is irrefutable. It’s huge and versatile. Flip and fold the seats -- two armchair-style in the second row and a three-seater bench in the third -- to reveal a multitude of load configurations. And there’s good comfort for all passengers, including air-vents for the third row of seating.

And if you can’t pack enough inside, the Stavic has a braked towing capacity of 2000kg.

Ssangyong claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.8L/100km, from its 80-litre tank. CO2 emissions are 205g/100km.

Safety is well sorted, and as standard Stavic SPR offers dual front and side airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, active rollover protection, rear park assist and speed sensitive door locks. At this stage, the Stavic is untested by ANCAP.

Priced from $29,990 for the entry-level Stavic and $34,990 for the top-spec Stavic SPR, this is one people mover that delivers a value proposition well worth a look.