Settle behind the wheel of the SsangYong Turismo and you’re greeted with quite an unusual dashboard design and switchgear that feels dated.

All the instruments are mounted centrally in a carved out section of the dashboard with a bank of warning lights in a strip visible through the large steering wheel, itself festooned with buttons.

Additional switches, dials and displays all operate intuitively but they feel like they’re from a car from several years ago. Switchgear feels light and whereas many competitors have buttons which feel soft and well-damped, the SsangYong’s make clicking noises and are generally less pleasant to use.

Naturally, due to the Turismo’s low purchase price, cost savings have to be made somewhere and the interior’s where it’s most evident.

Upper surfaces of the dashboard use a soft-touch material whereas the majority of plastics used are tougher and more resilient.

For most drivers’ perspectives the view out is good, the high seating position offering a commanding view of the road ahead. The door mirrors are sensibly large and the rear screen is also wide, although visibility is impaired when the rearmost head rests are raised.

Parking sensors are fitted in many models but on the version we tested they were incredibly sensitive to the point of not being reliable for their accuracy.

Soft seating and compliant suspension do much to ensure SsangYong Turismo comfort levels are high.

Broadly, the ride quality’s well-controlled and few scenarios seem to unsettle it but corner at an enthusiastic speed and it can list ship-like much to the complaint of those inside.

All seven seats are wide enough for adults, the middle row being a pair of ‘captains’ chairs with integral armrests.

Not only are the seats themselves comfortable and supportive, there’s also plenty of space with fine amounts of head, leg and shoulder room whichever of the three rows is occupied. Legroom can be maximised by sliding the chairs fore and aft on integral floor rails.

The high positioning of the seats and the floor they’re mounted on makes getting in and out of the car easy for those less mobile as well as installing child seats, aided by frankly huge doors to make the task easier. The middle chairs only have ISOFIX mounting points.

All versions are well-equipped but the top-flight EX version is the most generously specified model. Most Turismos have leather upholstery and privacy glass too, while climate control air-con with separate controls and roof-mounted vents for the rear passengers, are beneficial.

Additional conveniences include a plethora of cupholders, door storage bins and a cubby under the front arm-rest, although it’s noted that rivals have even more, despite their more compact dimensions.