- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
SsangYong Tivoli SUV. ‘I love it’
The SsangYong Tivoli is the first new SsangYong model created during the decade (2010-2020) when the Korean firm was owned by the Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra. This is a subcompact SUV that can be front or all-wheel drive, a little over 4 m long. There is also a longer version perfect for a large family. You may think that the car was named after the beautiful Italian town of Tivoli. But, if you read the word ‘Tivoli’ backward, you will see that it turns into ‘I lov (e) it’. The funny name perfectly reflects the SUV’s nature. The vehicle is light, dynamic, compact and expressive as a true Italian. But more importantly, it’s inexpensive. Well, it is impossible not to love it.
The Tivoli is almost the main bestseller of the Korean manufacturer, known in our market, mainly for its affordable Korando and Rexton SUVs. A cute SUV found its audience not only in its domestic market, but also in the countries of the old world. And in Belgium, it even won the Family Car of the Year Award, although SsangYong is not the most famous brand in the country. The new SsangYong Tivoli is not officially available in Israel, but it still deserves your attention. After all, it even took part in the Dakar Rally!
The first generation
After a long three years of development, the manufacturer presented the concept model for the first time in November 2014 under the name X100. Production cars appeared in South Korea in January 2015. The new SsangYong Tivoli received a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (128 hp) and a 1.6-liter diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission created by the famous Japanese company Aisin. Both front and all-wheel drive versions are available. The SUV is 4,195 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,590 high, and has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. The ground clearance reaches 150 mm, while the trunk has a volume of 423 liters.
The newcomer has become very successful. In 2015, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of South Korea awarded the SUV the title of the ‘Safest Car’. And in 2016, the largest automobile association in Belgium (VAB) named the Tivoli the ‘Best Family Car’, although SsangYong was not the most famous brand in the country.
In 2016, the largest automobile association in Belgium (VAB) named the Tivoli the ‘Best Family Car’
The car was tested twice by the Euro NCAP. In the first crash test, the Tivoli earned three out of five stars, after which the vehicle was tested again but with an optional safety package. As a result, it received a four star rating. The frontal impact test results were not perfect. Note that the new SsangYong Tivoli has seven airbags, including an airbag for the driver’s knees. Autonomous emergency braking system is an option. But as early as February 2018, the security package received such standard equipment as AEB City, AEB Inter-urban and AEB Pedestrian, so the rating went up, reflecting an increased safety level. Despite its modest size, the Tivoli is equipped with lane keeping assist systems, traffic sign recognition systems, etc.
The longer version, the SsangYong Yong Tivoli XLV, features a rear overhang increased by 235 mm and a 574-liter trunk. Moreover, such cars have received a wide range of trim levels, and all are equipped with an automatic transmission. The standard package includes dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and rear seats, driver’s seat ventilation and a rearview camera.
Tivoli and Dakar Rally
In the famous Dakar Rally 2018, the sporty SsangYong Tivoli DKR was driven by Oscar Fuertes and his co-driver Diego Vallejo. The car was equipped with a V8 engine producing 405 hp at 4,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 550 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The racing version of the Tivoli accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 193 km/h. Fuertes and Vallejo took the 32nd place, don’t laugh! This is a very decent result for a debut. Moreover: the crew took 4th place in the T1.3 category (cars with a gasoline engine with a monodrive).
2019 restyling
The restyled 2019/2020 SsangYong Tivoli first appeared in South Korea. It differs from its predecessor with a new LED front optics and modified taillights. The vehicle features a larger radiator grille and fog lights that make it similar to the new Korando. The list of equipment also includes a new center console, air vents, as well as a 10.25-inch digital dashboard and a 9-inch central infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (in the top version), as well as a new transmission selector.
Moreover, a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine has replaced the 1.6-liter unit. Since 2020, European buyers can purchase a Tivoli with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder direct injection engine developed by Mahindra. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
