Making the Ssangyong Rodius beautiful
The Ssangyong Rodius has the dubious distinction of the car most frequently mentioned as being the ugliest on UK roads. And it is very ugly indeed.
The proportions - from the snub nose - to the rear third, which seems to go on forever, are just awful to look at. The attempt to give the Rodius a more streamlined profile by trying to fool the eye with a curvy, coupe-like false line at the back is like putting a beauty spot on the face of Ian Dowie. The new Korando wears its understated-yet-smart Guigiaro looks well. But the Rodius, well, it's a mess.
But I like a challenge. I don't spend much time on taking pictures of cars - and don't pretend these approach professional shots in terms of quality - but I like to try and take some nice shots of every new car I drive. It's not always possible; it's rarely easy, but I think a new image of a car really adds something to copy.
With that in mind I climbed into the Ssangyong knowing I had a real job on my hands. But the sun was low, there was a good spot by the road and a reasonably clean background with some nice clouds in the sky.
So, by my reckoning, this is as good as it's possible to make the Ssangyong Rodius look. I'm prepared to consider alternative suggestions, but I doubt that many people have tried.
If I'm remembered for one thing in the motoring industry, let it be this. My attempt to make the Ssangyong Rodius beautiful. Judge for yourselves whether I've succeeded or not.