Despite being in the UK since 1995 and having a rather distinctive name, SsangYong are still a bit of an obscure car maker on these shores. The Tivoli represents a push for greater recognition in the growing Compact SUV market. Rivals include the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Kia Soul.
The Tivoli is SsangYong’s smallest car and the first time they have entered this market.
Take a Look At The Outside – Tivoli Car
You can see hints of key rival Nissan Juke in those flared arches, and there’s something Kia Soul and Toyota Urban Cruiser about its first impression. The front end hints at Mitsubishi Outlander and the rear doors feel a bit of a Mercedes A-Class with that uplifting line. Overall it is a neat looking car with smart alloys and LED lights.
Take a Look At The Inside
Inside, the inspiration has clearly been influenced by Nissan/Infiniti, and some Ford Fiesta thrown in with the centre console vents. Despite the plagiarism, it looks very upmarket. In fact, the first time I saw the interior shots, it was a wow moment. It looks like a car that’s determined to impress.
SsangYong Tivoli – Tech Details
The Tivoli is available in both two and four wheel drive. It has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard across the range and features 2 engines. There is a choice of a 1.6-litre petrol engine, which produces 126bhp and 118lb ft of torque or a diesel version, a 1.6-litre unit producing 113bhp and 221lb ft.
Tivoli – Summary
Prices start from £12,950 and in total there are 13 different versions on three trim levels.
The SE starts at under £13,000, which has 16-inch alloys, cruise control, ‘Smart steering’ (normal, comfort and sport modes), Bluetooth and seven airbags. The EX adds grey or beige leather upholstery, 18-inch alloys, dual zone climate control, a seven-inch touch screen with rear view camera, heated front seats, front fog lights and a luggage load cover. ELX is the top of the range and comes with diamond-cut alloys, keyless starting, front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, rear spoiler, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers and TomTom sat-nav. The most expensive Tivoli is under £20,000 – a significant price advantage over key rivals. Despite being the cheapest car in their line up , SsangYong are certainly promoting the Tivoli with more vigour than their other models.
I badly need a Toyata Tivoli.