Let’s be politically correct for a change: one of the world’s most “aesthetically challenged” cars has been converted into possibly the world’s strangest ambulance. On paper, the SsangYong Rodius makes a lot of sense: four wheel drive for access to remote areas, lots of space and a pricetag of £23,000 fully equipped, including specialist paramedic equipment, rear air conditioning and rear privacy glass.

Apart from the obvious problem of having to look at the thing, we have had the “benefit” of driving a Rodius 4wd, which suggests you only get what you pay for. We found that the SsangYong had all the structural rigidity of a damp cardboard box and the part-time 4wd system appeared to be “no time”. When it spun its wheels uselessly while trying to climb a high kerb, we decided this was not the vehicle for serious off-roading.

Still the new owner of the first one says he is happy. David Marson of SES Ambulance Services said “The Rodius is a first class solution to my requirements; I’ve been providing paramedic services to rural events for over nine years, and this is the first vehicle to meet all my needs, and at a fraction of the cost from other car manufacturers.”

We remain unconvinced. Like most road testers, we reckon the “R” is Rodius is silent. Still if all you want is something the size of a static caravan that can lumber about under its own power, prices start at £14,995. Cheap for the space, expensive for the engineering.