With a heavy body, bluff aerodynamics and 153bhp to propel it along, SsangYong Turismo performance is hardly scintillating.

Further reinforcing the SsangYong’s lack of performance credentials, no 0-62mph acceleration figures are quoted. That said, during our tests, the Turismo had no difficulties keeping up with the flow of traffic or accelerating up to motorway speeds.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre diesel engine which SsangYong badges e-XDi. It’s compliant with current Euro 5 regulations for exhaust emissions.

There’s a strong wave of 360Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm, enabling the Turismo to make quick progress away from junctions and slip roads.

Models equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox have a top speed of 107mph and have claimed average fuel consumption figures of 37.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 199g/km.

Opt for the Mercedes five-speed automatic transmission and performance marginally improves to 108mph but economy suffers, with 36.2mpg and 205g/km of CO2 quoted.

The flagship model marries the automatic gearbox with selectable four-wheel drive, actioned via a rocker switch on the dashboard. Although the top speed remains the same, efficiency dips further still at 34.9mpg and 212g/km of CO2.

Drive the Turismo gently and it responds in kind, remaining comfortable and quiet as it gathers momentum. The older-type of Mercedes gearbox shows its age compared to newer automatic transmissions by hesitating between changes and allowing engine speed to build noisily before swapping ratios.

Selecting four-wheel drive mode on the move is simple enough and the change is barely perceptible, save for an indicator light illuminating on the dashboard.

You don’t have to spend long behind the wheel to realise the SsangYong Turismo handling arrangement is comfort-focused. Here is a car that most certainly doesn’t like being hustled along a twisty back road an significant speed.

Clasp the enormous steering wheel and you’re immediately aware there’s very little feel through the rim- little sensation of what the wheels are doing is transmitted through.

Corner with enthusiasm and that tall bodywork begins to lean over to a noticeable degree, not great for the six passengers travelling with you. Before things get out of hand the stability electronics help gather things back together.

The most obvious payback is the comfortable ride quality the Turismo’s had bestowed upon it. Whether on long motorway cruises or weaving its way around urban streets, the big SsangYong soaks up bumps and ruts well, isolating passengers from the road’s imperfections.

Certain frequency undulations on faster roads can unsettle it a little, giving a momentary sensation of floating, before it regains its composure.

Grip levels on the four-wheel drive EX version are good too, enabling the Turismo to carry a surprising amount of speed into corners. Assuming you can cope with that body roll, of course.

Buyers new to a car of this type won’t feel the Turismo intimidating, but they’re likely to drive in a more relaxed manner to make the most of the ride comfort.